Peranakan Museum,
Understanding the Peranakan Chinese Culture & Tradition
A visit to Peranakan Museum recently brought me back to the past. It reminds me of my root. I felt some kind of connection when seeing the exhibits there. The museum presented the cultural and traditional link amongst the Peranakan communities in the former Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca, Penang, and Southeast Asia. There are 10 permanent galleries occupying three exhibition floors displaying unique and vibrant beading and embroidery works together with colorful textile, gold and silver, porcelain wares, and antique furniture in teak and black wood. I learnt about Peranakan Chinese culture here.
The Gallery...Entering the Peranakan museum at the left-hand side you’ll see gallery 1. You’ll understand the history about Peranakan and their origins here.In Malay language "Peranakan" means "child of" or "born of" referring to people of mixed ethnic origins in Southeast Asia like the Chitty Melaka (Indian) and Jawi Peranakans (Indian Muslim). As for the Peranakan museum, you’ll see that most of the exhibits are focusing on the Peranakan Chinese. Here, you’ll see the trace of the earliest Peranakan Chinese communities in Southeast Asia which were found in Palembang, Indonesia. In Singapore and also Penang, the Peranakan Chinese mostly is descendants of Chinese traders who in 14th century settled in Malacca and the area around the Java and Sumatra coastal line. Galleries 2 – 5 (Level 2):The Peranakan Chinese culture for wedding preparation from the Chiu Thau (coming of age), exchange of gifts (Lap Chai) to the elaborate 12-day Peranakan Wedding can be found here. You’ll see the embroidered silk wedding gown worn by Peranakan Chinese in Singapore & Malacca decorated with pairs of auspicious phoenixes and peonies which symbolizes fertility and longevity.
Gallery 6 (Level 3):This gallery tells us story about the life of Nonyas (Peranakan Ladies). It clearly depicted the ideal role of Peranakan women from young age to married life - how they devoted their time and life for family, long hours spent in the kitchen and perfecting the art of beadworks and embroidery. Gallery 7 (level 3):Find out how Peranakan Chinese beliefs practicing their religious rites and offerings to gain favor and pacify the spirit forces.There are death and mourning on display here so be cautious if you are a sensitive person or visiting the museum with young children. Gallery 8 (Level 3):Find out the Babas (Peranakan Men) and Nonya who had made an impact on Singapore society.Find out the Babas (Peranakan Men) and Nonya who had made an impact on Singapore society. Gallery 9 (Level 3):You’ll see the "Tok Panjang" (long table) – the traditional feast setting which normally held for weddings and special occasions. You will also get the preview of the Peranakan Food, dining wares and dining customs. The famous and most recognized form of Nonyaware - "Kamchengs" which were used as serving containers for food, desserts, and water are also on display here.
Gallery 10 (Level 3):It’s about "moving forward" for the Peranakan culture and the people.Beside the above 10 galleries, there are also 2 special exhibition galleries at level 2 and 3 feature changing exhibition (theme-based).
Please check out the
Peranakan Museum official website
for the on-going event.
Location:
39 Armenian Street, Singapore 179941 Telephone (Front Desk):
6332 7591 Opening Hours:
onday: 1.00pm - 7.00pm
Tuesday to Sunday: 9.30am – 7.00pm (to 9.00pm on Fridays) Admission Fee:
Adult: S$6.00 per entry
Concession: S$3.00 per entry (students & those above 60 years old) Free admission for: - Visitors aged 6 years and below
- Visitors aged 60 years and above on every Monday
- Visitors on Fridays (7.00pm to 9.00pm) during non-special exhibition period or 50% during special exhibition period
How to get there?Alight at City Hall MRT Station and follow this walking guide. It will take about 6 minutes walking to reach the museum with approximately distant of 400m.
View Larger Map
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