Penang Town Hall, Administrative building in George Town, Malaysia

Penang Town Hall is an administrative building in George Town featuring neoclassical architecture with a white facade, grand columned portico, and elegant arches beneath a prominent central dome. Located along Esplanade Road, it stands as one of the area's most visually distinctive structures.

The first foundation stone was laid on 1 January 1879 by Lieutenant-Governor Colonel Archibald Anson, after tenders were called in 1878; British Army engineers Captains Innes and Satterthwaite designed it at a cost of $35,000 in Spanish dollars. It opened in August 1880 with Governor Sir Frederick Weld attending, and a Johor marching band appointed by Sultan Abu Bakar played. Administrative work passed to the adjacent City Hall in 1903.

Local Asians were long barred from the Town Hall's social events, earning it the nickname 'European Club' (Penang Hokkien: Ang Moh Kong Kuan). Today it hosts public events, art exhibitions and part of the annual George Town Festival each August.

The Town Hall no longer houses municipal offices; that role passed to the adjacent City Hall in 1903. It now opens mainly for public events, art exhibitions and the annual George Town Festival in August, so check what is on before visiting. It stands on Esplanade Road facing the Padang, next door to the City Hall.

The building faced potential demolition in the twentieth century but later received protection status as a grade 1 historical monument. This recognition proved crucial in preserving the structure for future generations.