Singapore Guidebook September Edition sgb_digital-magz_en-compressed | Page 13

EXPLORING PERANAKAN MUSEUM
13
Exploring
Peranakan Museum
Museum is the perfect tourist attraction that allows you to look further into the
culture and history of a place. You can visit Peranakan Museum during your time
of exploration throughout the Peranakan district. The authenticity of Peranakans
in Singapore is the driving force of this museum’s construction.
The building was constructed in 1912. Before it was
determined as a tourist attraction, the old building used
to serve as a modern Hokkian school for Singaporean
students, named Tao Nan School. In 2008, the building
was transformed into a Museum and inaugurated on
April 25, 2008.
As you can already imagine, the rich Peranakan culture
decorates every inch of this museum. From the looks
of it, this three-story colonial building holds a classic
nuance to it. Inside the building you will find galleries
of photo, accessories, textile, to household equipment
used by Peranakans. Moreover, you will find traditional
clothing displayed here, such as kebaya nonya that
is usually worn by the women of Peranakans. Various
motives and colors are such a feast for your eyes, and
rest assured, this museum is totally Instagram-able!
The highlight of Peranakan Museum is the story of
Peranakan within Singapore’s history, ranging from
complex marriage tradition of the Peranakans to how
the Peranakans have managed to grow to this day.
Peranakan Museum provides 10 galleries, introducing
you to the religion and beliefs of the people, signature
dished and the shared eating culture, famous
Peranakan figures, and so much more for you to
explore.
It doesn’t stop at ordinary galleries and goods on
display, this museum also offers multimedia installation,
such as additional audio installed in the gallery so you
can truly feel the atmosphere inside the building.
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