Modern architecture
Inspired by the Cathedral of Brasília.
Balou46 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · DvTor8303 — CC0 · Cmglee — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Pangalau — CC BY-SA 4.0
The official mosque of the state of Penang, a striking modern building unlike the region's traditional mosques. Work began in 1977 and finished in 1980, and it was opened in August that year by the then King of Malaysia, Sultan Ahmad Shah. It was designed by the Filipino architect Efren Brindez Paz, inspired by the Cathedral of Brasília by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. The result is 1970s modern architecture blending western modernism with an Islamic spirit, with a striking dome and a minaret visible from afar in the residential Green Lane district. It is a living mosque of daily and Friday prayers, quieter than the old George Town mosques that tourists visit. Entry is free; non-Muslims visit outside prayer times in modest dress covering arms and legs, with a headscarf for women. Muslims pray here at prayer times. It lies about four kilometres outside the old town, on the way to Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si, so it can be a stop on that outing. For a historic mosque in the city centre, the Kapitan Keling Mosque and the Acheen Street Mosque are closer.
Inspired by the Cathedral of Brasília.
Opened in 1980.
A stop on the way to Penang Hill.
Jalan Masjid Negeri (Green Lane), George Town
For lovers of modern architecture, yes: its design is unique among Malaysia's mosques. For prayer during an old-town walk, the Kapitan Keling and Acheen Street mosques are closer and older.