The phrase culture wars might have started in mid-19th century Germany but it came into wider usage
since the 1960s in reference to the ideological polarizations among Americans into the liberal and
conservative camps (Hunter, 1991; Luke, 2002). In Malaysia such wars are still non-existent but the
culture competition within and among museums is as intense due to the pervasive influence of
ethnicity in various facets of the national life. As a result museum foregrounding of culture (and
history) have become contested (Matheson-Hooker, 2003: 1-11; Teo, 2010: 73-113; Abu Talib, 2008:
45-70; Abu Talib, 2011: 207-224). This essay looks at culture display in Penang museums notably the
Penang State Museum and culture competition within and among these museums which are under the
control of myriad bodies including the state Department of Museum, other government departments, a university, private organizations and individuals.The discussion is based on the scrutiny of museum exhibits, museum annual reports, writings on museums in Malaysia and interviews with members of museum board
