Peranakan Museum

The Peranakan Museum is a colourful museum in the Civic District of Singapore. It tells the story of the Peranakan communities of Southeast Asia, whose culture grew from many different roots. It opened in 2008 and reopened in 2023 after a major refresh. It is a good stop for anyone curious about local culture.

The museum is at 39 Armenian Street, in a handsome building that was once the Tao Nan School. Inside, the galleries show fine beadwork, clothing, jewellery, porcelain and furniture.

Who are the Peranakans?

The word Peranakan is often translated as locally born. It describes families with roots in other lands who settled in the region and mixed with local communities over many generations. The best-known group in Singapore is the Peranakan Chinese. Other groups include the Chitty Melaka and the Jawi Peranakan.

Peranakan culture is known for its food, its bright colours and its fine handwork. Many Peranakan women wore the sarong kebaya, a fitted blouse worn with a batik sarong. Homes were often filled with carved furniture and pastel porcelain.

What to see at the Peranakan Museum

The galleries look at where Peranakan communities came from, at life in the home, and at Peranakan fashion and style. Highlights include:

• Beadwork: tiny glass beads sewn into slippers, bags and panels with great skill.
• Kebaya and batik: blouses with fine embroidery and sarongs in rich colours.
• Nyonya ware: pink, green and yellow porcelain made in China for Peranakan homes.
• Jewellery: gold and gem-set pieces worn for special occasions.
• Furniture and home objects: carved and gilded pieces that show how families lived.

Labels explain how each object was made and used. Take your time with the beadwork, as the detail is easy to miss at first glance.

How to get there

The museum is a short walk from City Hall MRT station and Bras Basah MRT station. Armenian Street sits at the foot of Fort Canning, close to the National Museum of Singapore. See our guide on how to use the MRT in Singapore for help with cards and lines.

It is easy to combine with the Armenian Church, which stands just around the corner on Hill Street. Fort Canning Park is a short uphill walk away.

Tips for visiting

• Check the official Peranakan Museum website for opening hours and tickets.
• Plan for about one and a half to two hours.
• Photo rules can vary by gallery, so look for signs.
• Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter visit.
• Read about Peranakan food before you go, then try some dishes after your visit.

Food and things to do nearby

Peranakan cooking mixes Chinese and Malay styles, with dishes such as ayam buah keluak and Nyonya laksa. Nearby, National Kitchen by Violet Oon serves Singapore heritage dishes, including Peranakan favourites. For more choices, browse restaurants in City Hall and Clarke Quay.

Other good stops within walking distance include the National Museum of Singapore, the Children's Museum Singapore and CHIJMES. To see Peranakan-style shophouses in a living neighbourhood, head east to Katong and Joo Chiat.

Staying nearby? Hotel Fort Canning and Pullman Singapore Hill Street are both close. See all hotels in City Hall and Clarke Quay, or explore more culture and heritage sights.

FAQs about the Peranakan Museum

How long should I spend at the Peranakan Museum?

Most people spend one and a half to two hours. If you love textiles or design, allow more time.

Is the Peranakan Museum suitable for children?

Yes. Older children often enjoy the colours and the beadwork. The museum is compact, so younger children can manage it too.

What is the nearest MRT station?

City Hall and Bras Basah MRT stations are both within walking distance.

Where can I see Peranakan houses?

Katong and Joo Chiat in the east have rows of colourful Peranakan-style shophouses.