The Peranakan Museum explores the culture of Peranakan communities in the former Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca and Penang and their links with other
communities in Southeast Asia. It is a boutique museum with the finest and most comprehensive collection of Peranakan artefacts in the world. Three floors of permanent galleries illustrate important rituals, practices and the material culture of the Peranakans, as well as how this unique fusion culture is viewed today. The Peranakan Museum provides an enjoyable and educational experience for all, with intricate displays innovatively presented in ten galleries, children's interactives and special merchandising in two shops. Two temporary exhibition galleries will present a programme of special exhibitions throughout the year.

Unique features and highlights of the Peranakan Museum are:
1 It houses the world’s finest and most comprehensive Peranakan collection
2 It is a museum featuring a living culture
3 It features 10 permanent galleries fitted with state-of-the-art lighting and other
cutting edge interactive features. The galleries will feature the following:
a. Gallery 1 (Level 1) : Origins
This gallery introduces visitors to the world of the Peranakans, focusing on
the communities in Singapore, Malacca, Penang – and beyond.
b. Galleries 2 – 5 (Level 2) : Wedding
Four galleries are devoted to the story of the traditional 12-day Peranakan
wedding, where significant ceremonies like the lap chai (exchange of gifts)
and chiu thau (coming of age) are presented. Visitors can also see the
elaborate wedding chamber and a wedding procession taking place indoors.
c. Gallery 6 (Level 3) : Nonya
This gallery showcases textile arts like beadwork, along with a display on the
Nonya kebaya. The role of literary forms like childhood ditties in transmitting
cultural values to Peranakan children will be explored as well.
d. Gallery 7 (Level 3) : Religion
Religion and beliefs of the Peranakans in a series of spectacular displays are
explored in this gallery.
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e. Gallery 8 (Level 3) : Public Life
This section brings visitors into the realm of commerce, politics and social
affairs. Prominent Peranakans in Singapore’s history will be featured in a
changing display.
f. Gallery 9 (Level 3) : Food and Feasting
Food and feasting in Peranakan culture are orchestrated with a grand
banquet setting, and the world’s best collection of nonya porcelain.
g. Gallery 10 (Level 3) : Conversations
This concluding section explores how today’s Peranakans feel about their
heritage and the future of their culture.
h. Special Exhibitions Galleries
These two galleries will feature changing specific-themed exhibitions.

About The Peranakans
For centuries, the riches of Southeast Asia have brought foreign traders to the region. While many returned to their homelands, some remained behind, marrying local women.
The Peranakan Chinese are descendants of Chinese traders who settled in Malacca and around the coastal areas of Java and Sumatra, as early as the 14th century. In the 19th century, the Peranakan Chinese drawn by commerce, migrated to the bustling ports of Penang and Singapore. Theirs was a unique hybrid culture, which is still part of Singapore's living heritage.

The Malay term 'Peranakan' which means 'locally born' is used to refer not only to the Peranakan Chinese but also other Peranakan communities that developed in Southeast Asia like the Chitty Melaka and Jawi Peranakans.

Opening hours:
Mon 1 - 7 pm  Tue to Sun 9.30am - 7pm (to 9pm on Fri)