Completed in 1903, the Penang City Hall was built to house the Municipal Commission of George Town, as the adjacent Town Hall had become insufficient for the growing administrative needs of the British colony. It was one of the first buildings in Penang to be fitted with electric lights and fans. Architecturally, it represents the height of Edwardian Baroque style, characterized by its stately columns and ornate masonry. It was officially opened in 1906 and has continuously served as a seat of local governance for over a century. As a Grade 1 Heritage Building, it remains a centerpiece of the UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Penang's civic pride.