Singapore is famous for its hybrid culture thanks to its diverse communities who arrived in the country for varied purposes such as trade and commerce and opted to settle down there. It is therefore home to many whose ancestral roots trace back to many other Asian nations. “Peranakan” is a Malay term used to refer to those locally born and also the communities that developed in South East Asia. For example, the Peranakan Indians are a community formed by the union of South Indian Hindu merchants and locals and the Peranakan Chinese are merchants who settled in Malacca, Java and Sumatra.

The Peranakan Museum, located on Armenien Street attempts to capture the rich heritage of the Peranakan culture and showcase Singapore’s ancestral links to the rest of the world.  The Museum is housed in a building built in the ‘Eclectic Classical’ style in 1912. The building was built initially as a Chinese school and its architecture contributes to the authentic feel of the culture and heritage of the Peranakan.

The exhibits on display offer visitors an insight into the various traditions and rituals of this culture through 10 different galleries which feature the arts and crafts, religion, cuisine and public life of the Peranakan communities. A main attraction is the displaying of the Peranakan Wedding Bed from the late 19th century which belonged to Mrs. Quah Hong Chiam of Penang. Also on display is a dazzling 19th century gold belt set with diamonds, on loan to the museum by Mr. Edmond Chin, a collector of Peranakan objects.

The museum also utilizes state of the art technology in order to help visitors truly immerse themselves in the rich Peranakan culture.  Such interactive exhibits will keep adults and children interested and entertained and contributes to the overall experience that the Museum has to offer. The Museum is located on Armenien Street and is also accessible by train and bus and also houses a car park convenient for those who wish to drive themselves there.

When searching for hotels in Singapore near the museum, one can opt to stay at one of the Millennium and Copthorne Hotels Singapore which provide quick access to the National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Philatelic Museum as well. The rich culture of the nation coupled with the amazing and luxurious accommodation at most of the Singapore hotels will provide any visitor a comfortable and relaxing stay which soothes the body and inspires the mind.