The view of the surroundings from the museum entrance
The Peranakan Museum’s intricate exterior design
As I walked through the metal gates, up the stairs and into the museum, a sense of wonder and excitement struck me. I wondered what was in store for me to discover about the Peranakan culture in Singapore. Upon entering, museum brochures and information booklets can be collected. The information booklets come in many languages such as English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil, Japanese, Korean and French. Together with the aid of exhibit signs with different languages, tourists can understand the exhibits and find their way around easily. Exhibit signs and directions are displayed all around the lobby, directing visitors to the different exhibits. The layout of the exhibits is neat and organised, and the corridors of the museum are spacious. Just like the exterior of the museum, the design on the inside of the museum is carefully thought out, with flowery wallpapers which add on to the Peranakan theme.
Museum brochures and information booklets available in many different languages
Exhibit signs and directions in many different languages to direct both local and foreign visitors
The spacious and nicely-decorated interior of the museum
There are a variety of exhibits: Origins, Weddings, Nonya, Religion, Public Life, Food and Feasting, and Conversations, where Peranakans share how they feel about their heritage and the future of their culture. The ‘Origins’ is an exhibit where Peranakans in Singapore express their feelings of their culture. The definition of a Peranakan is explained here: to refer to a person of mixed ethnic origins. Many communities are recognised as “Peranakan”, such as those who descended from Indian-Muslims, and the Chinese.
Origins: An exhibit which shows Peranakans in Singapore sharing their experiences and thoughts on their culture
Artefacts for visitors to touch and embossed stamps to collect are popular with the visitors. The most interesting exhibits to me were ‘Weddings’ and ‘Food and Feasting’. Many of the Peranakan practices in these areas can still be seen today, such as the elaborate wedding ceremonies and importance of food culture in Singapore. However, others have changed, such as the shortened (but still elaborate) wedding ceremonies and the absence of females in the kitchen. There are many suggestions for factors and beliefs that might have led to the preservation or change of these practices. Out of all the exhibits, the artefact that caught my eye the most was the embroidered garments used for weddings that were favoured by the Peranakan community! Motifs of peony, phoenix and butterflies are usually stitched on, as it represents prosperity and a smooth-sailing future for the newly wed. Although it looks just like any other cloth, the high regard that the Peranakans have for it and its meaning truly makes it a symbol of their culture and beliefs.
“Stop and Touch” artefacts which attracted many visitors
‘Food and Feasting’: A typical Peranakan kitchen
'Weddings’: Embroidered garments used for weddings, sewn with motifs of deep meaning to the Peranakans
The museum serves to preserve this unique and vibrant Peranakan culture only found in Singapore and Malaysia. The excellent exhibits which guide the visitors through the life of a Peranakan in many aspects provide a very personal experience for appreciation of this unique culture.
Visit the museum when you can, for it definitely is a learning opportunity that is “uniquely Singapore”, and not to be missed. The Peranakan culture is no longer commonly seen in most areas of Singapore, and is slowly fading away. So before you leave, do remember to drop by the museum’s shop to purchase souvenirs! It will serve as a reminder of this museum, and you will be helping to preserve a bit of this amazing culture!
The Museum Shop: purchase your souvenirs here!
Will be back with more,
Museum Lover
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