The Peranakan Museum is a museum devoted to Peranakan culture and is located in Singapore. Established in 2008, the museum is housed inside the Old Tao Nan School building. The term ‘peranakan’ comes from Malay and means ‘born locally’. Historically, an important trade hub, Singapore has attracted merchants from all corners of the globe. Some of these merchants stayed behind and started new lives, marrying local women. Their children were called ‘peranakans’. The museum explores Peranakan culture and lifestyle and is an interesting place to visit.
The culture museum is a popular tourist spot receiving over a hundred thousand visitors each year. Many come to view the impressive collection of artefacts housed in the ten permanent galleries. Each gallery focuses on a different facet of Peranakan life: the Origins gallery introduces visitors to Peranakan culture, the Religion gallery focuses on Peranakan religions, while the Nyonya gallery features arts and crafts. Those who like learning about other cultures will definitely enjoy exploring the various galleries.
The museum is located along Armenian Street and is quite easy to get to. For those who want to use public transport- the Peranakan Museum is only a stone’s throw away from the Bras Basah and City Hall MRT stations. There are also plenty of buses that stop here. Opening hours are between 1 pm to 7 pm on Mondays and from 9 am to 7 pm on all other days. The museum has extended closing hours on Friday. Guided tours are available at scheduled times and those interested in taking the tour should check the schedule in advance. Tourists who enjoy visiting the Peranakan Museum may also enjoy visiting its sister museum, the Asian Civilizations Museum.
Tourists who visit this magical island can live with the comforts of home by staying at Singapore serviced apartments like the Somerset Liang Court Singapore. They provide the best serviced accommodation Singapore has to offer. Boasting a convenient location close to many trendy shops and restaurants, the accommodation comes complete with all the amenities one would expect in a hotel. It is also walking distance from the Clark Quay MRT Station, providing a simple solution to all travel related issues.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.