Peranakan Museum

The basics

Each floor of the museum is dedicated to a specific theme. The first floor covers “Origins,” with photos, portraits, and videos exploring what it means to be Peranakan. On the second floor, items such as furniture, porcelain, crockery, and other houseware offer examples of “Home.” The third floor celebrates “Style” through a fine collection of sarong kebayas, beaded slippers, accessories, and jewelry. Visitors can explore the museum independently or as part of a guided tour of the galleries.

Things to know before you go

• Entry is free for Singaporeans, permanent residents, and children ages 6 and younger.

• The museum store sells decorations, jewelry, and porcelain as part of a collaboration with a local lifestyle brand.

• There are special exhibits geared towards children and a play area on level three.

• Free Wi-Fi and phone chargers are available throughout the museum.

How to get there

The museum is located at 39 Armenian Street, near Fort Canning Park. Parking is available next to the museum. The closest MRT stations are City Hall and Bras Basah, and both are around a 10-minute walk away. Numerous buses also stop at the nearby Singapore Management University School of Accountancy.

When to get there

The museum is open daily, from mid-morning to early evening, with extended hours on Friday. Free guided tours are available every day, except on public holidays. Workshops and demonstrations are held occasionally. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the museum’s extensive collection. The museum is a good alternative on a rainy day or to escape the heat.

What it means to be Peranakan

Derived from the Malay word meaning “locally born,” Peranakan refers to the descendants of local Malay or Indonesian women and Chinese, Indian, Arab, and European traders and merchants. The Peranakan language is referred to as Baba Malay and is a blend of Malay and Hokkien, a dialect of the Fujian province of China.