Once the bustling depot for Hin Company’s iconic “Blue Buses,” built in 1947 to serve Penang Island’s northern coastal routes, Hin Bus Depot has been reborn as one of George Town’s most dynamic creative hubs.
A Journey from Transit to Time Capsule
Located on Jalan Gurdwara (formerly Brick Kiln Road), this Art Deco depot was constructed to house and maintain Hin Company Ltd’s bus fleet—vital to restoring public transport after World War II. Once the region’s most stylish bus terminal, it fell into decline after operations ceased in 1999–2000.
The Turning Point: Art Is Rubbish Is Art
In 2014, Lithuanian street-artist Ernest Zacharevic found the shabby, dilapidated building perfect for his debut exhibition Art Is Rubbish Is Art. Held under the theme of art made from preloved junk, discarded treasures, and overlooked street items; the exhibition’s raw aesthetic and guerilla-style murals revived the decaying space and planted the seed for a creative renaissance.
Inspired by the success, the building’s owners and a collective of local artists chose to keep the space alive. They retained the original structure, making minimal repairs and preserving the depot’s character.
Transformation into a Cultural Nexus
Today, Hin Bus Depot spans 60,000 sq ft, including eight restored heritage shophouses.
It features:
- A main gallery with rotating artworks and exhibitions
- A mural garden and lawn adorned with Zacharevic and other artists’ vibrant mural
- On-site artist studios, small creative businesses, cafes and artisan shops
- A dedicated creative space called Coex, bringing together a bookstore, traditional puppet studio, cafés, and workshops
- The Hin Market, a weekend market with over 100 stalls showcasing local crafts, food, and performances every Sunday
Community-Centered & Passion-Driven
Managed by a small creative collective, Hin Bus Depot thrives on community engagement. Spaces are rented to passionate artists and entrepreneurs who share its ethos. Its open, evolving nature means each visit reveals something fresh—from installations to pop-up performances.
Why It Matters Today
Hin Bus Depot exemplifies successful adaptive reuse—honouring industrial heritage while nurturing contemporary creativity. It complements George Town’s arts scene, adding to its reputation fostered by initiatives like the George Town Festival and urban street art.
