Legendary in the annals of the history of Penang is the awe-inspiring Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. Dubbed "La Maison Bleu," this flamboyant masterpiece of 38 rooms, 5 courtyards, 7 staircases and 220 windows took a very special man to create. Arriving penniless from Guangdong Province at the age of 16, Cheong Fatt Tze grew to become one of the most historic and colourful personalities of the era. "One of the last Mandarins and 1st Capitalists," such was his aura and fame that Dutch & British authorities ordered that flags be flown at half mast throughout their colonies when he passed away in 1916.The dilapidated mansion was acquired in 1990 with the prime intention of returning it to its authentic original form. Traditional materials and methods were used and the end result has been nationally and internationally acclaimed. Winner of UNESCO's 2000 "Most Excellent Project" award, the "Blue Mansion" has earned its place as one of Penang's foremost tourist destinations, a historical reminder of a past era and a man whose dream will live on in the majesty of his home.
Lin Lee Loh-Lim Boeken
