🎨 Creative Pulse at Hin Bus Depot, Penang

#penangspots

Background
Hin Bus Depot is a former 1947 art-deco bus depot located on Jalan Gurdwara in George Town, Penang. Once home to the iconic “Blue Buses,” the depot was abandoned in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2014, artist Ernest Zacharevič transformed the derelict space with his Art Is Rubbish Is Art exhibition, sparking its rebirth as a vibrant creative hub. 

Today the space spans about 60,000 sq ft, including restored heritage shophouses, studios, galleries, cafés, boutiques, and communal event spaces—all retaining much of the old structure’s charm. 

Why It’s Worth Visiting
Hin Bus Depot offers something for many tastes: rotating art and mural exhibitions (both indoor and outdoor), regular workshops, live music, creative performances, and a weekend market (Hin Market) every Saturday & Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm featuring local artisans, food vendors, crafts and vintage finds. 

There are also cozy cafés and bars tucked inside, artist studios to peek into, and murals and public art throughout—great for exploring at a relaxed pace. The depot is free to enter, and its location near KOMTAR and other George Town landmarks makes it convenient. 

My Impression
Wandering through Hin Bus Depot feels like discovery: unexpected corners of art, light filtering through open loft spaces, the hum of people browsing crafts or sipping coffee, and colours splashed across walls everywhere. The market weekends are especially lively—there’s energy, aroma, and creativity in the air. For me, Hin Bus Depot was more than just an arts space—it was a reminder of how abandoned spaces, when cared for, can become gathering points for community and creativity.

Post by Pingging | Oct 9, 2025