Peranakan Museum
Peranakan Museum on Armenian Street presents the material culture, history and daily life of the Straits Chinese (Peranakan/Baba-Nyonya) communities of Southeast Asia. Housed in a restored colonial-era building, the museum showcases richly decorated clothing (kebaya), intricate beadwork, porcelain, furniture, photographs and multimedia displays that trace Peranakan trade links, family life and cultural hybridity.
Location
Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street, Singapore, Singapore
Duration
1–2 hours typical; 2–3 hours if you include special exhibitions, guided tours or a relaxed visit to the museum shop and cafe.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Best to visit on weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and school groups. Special exhibitions or cultural events may attract larger crowds — check the schedule in advance.
Pricing
Admission: Paid entry. Indicative prices: Adult SGD 10–20, concessions (students, seniors, children) lower; family and combined-museum tickets may be available. Prices and free-entry days change — check the official Peranakan Museum / National Heritage Board website for the latest rates and online ticketing.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Extensive collection of kebaya, beadwork and jewellery that illustrates Peranakan dress and craftsmanship.
Ceramics and porcelain showing trade connections between China, Southeast Asia and Europe.
Reconstructed domestic interiors and furniture that reveal household customs and social status.
Multimedia displays and oral histories that contextualize Peranakan traditions, cuisine and rites of passage.
Rotating temporary exhibitions that explore specific themes — from textile techniques to contemporary Peranakan creativity.
Itinerary
Arrive and collect tickets / audio guide
Purchase or show e-ticket at the entrance. Audio guides (if available) provide useful context for exhibits.
Start with the permanent galleries
Begin on the ground floor/first gallery to follow the chronological and thematic flow: family life, trade, dress and domestic interiors.
Focus on key displays
Spend extra time on the kebaya, beadwork cases and any highlighted family shrines or altar reconstructions.
Temporary exhibition or film screening
Check the schedule for short films or guided gallery talks; these add depth to the displays.
Museum shop and photo stops
Browse the gift shop for books, textiles reproductions and souvenirs. Photography rules may vary — no flash or tripod for gallery shots.
Optional nearby walk
Combine your visit with the nearby National Museum of Singapore, Little India or walk around the Civic District.
Safety Requirements
Do not touch exhibits unless explicitly labelled as interactive.
No flash photography and avoid tripods or large camera rigs inside galleries.
Follow all museum signage and staff instructions for preservation and safety.
Supervise children at all times; some cases are delicate and at low heights.
Observe current public-health guidelines in force (masking, distancing) if applicable by local advisories.
Tips
Buy tickets online in advance to skip queues — check the National Heritage Board site for promotions.
Allocate at least 90 minutes to see the permanent collection comfortably; allow extra time for special exhibitions.
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (Circle Line) is the closest; walking options from Dhoby Ghaut or City Hall MRTs are also convenient.
The museum is wheelchair accessible; contact the museum ahead if you need special assistance or to check stroller policies.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed without flash; always respect signage for restricted items.
Combine with nearby cultural sites on Armenian Street and the Civic District for a half-day of heritage exploration.
Check opening hours and exhibit schedules before visiting — temporary closures or ticketed timed-entry may apply.
