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A Guide to The Singapore Peranakan Museum for a Day of Heritage
- History and Background
- Things to Know
- How to Get There
- Exhibits and Highlights of the Singapore Peranakan Museum
- Arts and Artefacts on Display
- Home and Lifestyle Exhibits
- Wedding and Ceremonial Displays
- Special Exhibitions
- Things to Do
- Go on a guided tour
- Engage in hands-on activities
- Join family-friendly events
- Buy unique souvenirs
When I first stepped into the Singapore Peranakan Museum, I saw and felt a vibrant blend of cultures I didn’t know could fit so beautifully together. From intricately beaded slippers to stunning batik textiles, each room revealed a new layer of Peranakan life.
Beyond just a museum visit, this guide will help you journey into the heart of Southeast Asia’s Peranakan heritage that feels both familiar and wonderfully exotic.
History and Background
The Singapore Peranakan Museum celebrates the rich fusion of Peranakan culture, a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian heritage. This dedicated museum offers an in-depth look at the vibrant customs, art, and everyday life of the Peranakan community.
Set in the historic Tao Nan School building, a colonial landmark from 1912, the museum itself stands as a piece of Singapore’s architectural heritage. Its carefully restored halls now house galleries that honour the intricate history and distinct traditions of the Peranakans.
Things to Know
Location: Old Tao Nan School, 39 Armenian Street
Contact: +6563327591
Hours:
Saturday to Thursday, 10 AM–7 PM
Friday, 10 AM–9 PM
Fees:
Free entry for Singaporean residents and PRs
Foreign visitors: S$18
Buy tickets here
Pet-friendly? Only service animals allowed
Amenities: Washrooms (levels 1 and 3), nursing room, lockers, gift shop
Accessibility: Stroller and wheelchair-accessible lifts, ramps, and toilets; wheelchair rentals
Rules and restrictions:
✔ Service animals allowed
✖ Don’t touch art and artefacts
✖ No flash photography
✖ No food and drinks
✖ Large objects should be stored in lockers
How to Get There
Closest MRT: Alight at Bras Basah MRT Station (CC2) on the Circle Line. From Exit B, it’s a brief 5-minute walk: head south on Queen Street, turn left onto Armenian Street, and the museum will be on your right at 39 Armenian Street.
Alternatively, City Hall MRT Station (NS25/EW13) on the North-South and East-West Lines is nearby; from Exit A, walk along Stamford Road, turn right onto Armenian Street, and proceed to the museum.
Closest bus station: Alight at the SMU bus stop (04121) along Bras Basah Road. This stop is served by multiple bus routes, including 7, 14, 14e, 16, 16M, 36, 77, 106, 111, 124, 131, 147, 162, 162M, 166, 167, 174, 174e, 175, 190, 652, 656, 660, 663, 665, 850E, 857, and 951E.
From the bus stop, it’s a short walk to the museum located at 39 Armenian Street.
By car: Limited on-site parking is available with rates starting at S$1.20 per 30 minutes on weekdays. Alternative parking spots are nearby at NTUC Income Centre, Funan Mall, Excelsior Shopping Centre, and Peninsula Plaza, all within a short walking distance.
Exhibits and Highlights of the Singapore Peranakan Museum
Arts and Artefacts on Display
Media from peranakanmuseum
The Peranakan Museum’s art and artefact collection is a treasure trove of vibrant history. From the dazzling beadwork on kasut manek (beaded slippers) to the delicate details of traditional kebaya attire, the displays are a feast for the eyes.
And don’t even get me started on the jewellery! It’s as intricate as it is elaborate, each piece telling its own story of cultural fusion. If you’re into craft and design, this is the perfect spot to get up close with the incredible artistry of Peranakan heritage.
Home and Lifestyle Exhibits
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The home and lifestyle exhibits at the Peranakan Museum feel like stepping straight into someone’s living room from decades ago. If you’ve ever wondered how they lived, these displays make you feel as if you’re there, sipping tea with the family!
Each recreated room is filled with charming, old-world furniture and everyday items that make you feel like you’re a guest in a traditional Peranakan home. From beautifully carved wooden cabinets to intricate ceramic dinnerware, it’s like a time capsule showing how the Peranakans blended cultures right in their own homes.
Wedding and Ceremonial Displays
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Talk about a showstopper! The wedding gallery at the Peranakan Museum is like stumbling into the middle of a grand celebration.
With vibrant costumes and ceremonial setups, it’s easy to picture the lively 12-day affair that was a Peranakan wedding. The exhibit dives deep into every colourful ritual, from the bridal bed to ornate wedding outfits, giving you a real feel for the tradition’s grandeur.
Special Exhibitions
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The special exhibitions at the Peranakan Museum are like little windows into the unique world of Peranakan culture, each one with its own fresh perspective. If you’re a culture buff, this place is a goldmine of stories and unique finds.
These rotating exhibits dive into everything from fashion to culinary traditions, highlighting the fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences that make Peranakan heritage so captivating.
Things to Do
Go on a guided tour
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Going on a guided tour at the Peranakan Museum (there’s a daily one) is like having a friend walk you through centuries of fascinating culture and history. With tours available in English, you get to see the exhibits through the eyes of someone who truly knows and loves Peranakan heritage.
These expert guides know all the juicy details—from the meaning behind specific beadwork patterns to stories of Peranakan life that make each artefact feel alive.
Engage in hands-on activities
Media from peranakanmuseum
One of the coolest parts of the Peranakan Museum is the chance to get hands-on with some of the culture’s artistic traditions. There are interactive stations where you can try your hand at things like batik-making or traditional Peranakan beading.
For a modern twist, there are even digital displays that let you “design” your own batik patterns right on the screen.
It’s a fun way to experience the museum’s vibe while creating something unique, all without touching the actual artefacts (which are off-limits for good reason).
Join family-friendly events
The Peranakan Museum is a fantastic spot if you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy together. It hosts regular workshops that get kids (and adults) learning through fun activities, like crafting Peranakan-inspired art or trying traditional cooking techniques.
It also has special programs for school groups, where little ones dive into the history and stories behind Peranakan culture engagingly. It’s hands-on, educational, and honestly, a blast—perfect for making history come alive for curious young minds.
Buy unique souvenirs
Media from peranakanmuseum
Before leaving the Peranakan Museum, you’ve got to stop by the gift shop. It’s packed with beautiful, unique souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s got everything from intricately beaded slippers, called kasut manek, to books and colourful ceramics that capture the essence of Peranakan style.
One of my favourites is the hand-painted porcelain, perfect for adding a touch of Peranakan charm to your home. They also sell lovely embroidered textiles and accessories, so you can take home a little piece of this vibrant culture, whether it’s a scarf, jewellery, or even a handcrafted bookmark.
