Curious about Peranakan culture? You and the kiddos will want to visit the Peranakan Museum to find out more! Check out this family-friendly guide to the Peranakan Museum.
Looking for a cultural adventure the whole family will love? The Peranakan Museum in Singapore is the perfect place to start! Tucked in the heart of the city, this vibrant museum brings Peranakan culture to life with a colourful mix of history, art, and super fun interactive exhibits that both kids and adults will enjoy.
What is Peranakan culture?
Before we explore the museum’s offerings, let’s define “Peranakan.” In Singapore, you see Peranakan influences everywhere without even realising it! Walk down the streets of Katong, and you’ll spot beautiful shophouses painted in vibrant pastel colours, with intricate tiles and ornate designs — that’s Peranakan architecture at its finest. And if you’re a fan of food (who isn’t?), Peranakan cuisine, or Nonya food, is a delicious fusion of Chinese ingredients with Malay spices. Think spicy, tangy dishes like laksa and ayam buah keluak (a black nut stew) or sweet treats like kueh (colourful bite-sized snacks) that pop up in bakeries all over town.
Peranakan culture is like a cultural mashup — a blend of the best bits of different worlds! Peranakans are descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay Archipelago between the 15th and 17th centuries, with Singapore being one of their main cultural hubs. The word “Peranakan” comes from the Malay term “anak” (child) and means “born of” — it refers to someone locally born with mixed heritage. Over time, this has evolved into a cultural identity, representing communities with blended ancestry from Chinese, Indian, Arab, European, and more. From Chinese Peranakans to Chetti Melakans, these diverse communities are united by their rich cultural fusion from food to rituals, design and more.
So whether it’s the food we eat, the streets we walk on, or even the traditional jewellery and ceramics on display, Peranakan culture is woven into Singapore’s everyday life in vibrant and beautiful ways. The Peranakan community has significantly impacted Singapore’s history and culture through its blend of Chinese, Malay, and Western influences. The Peranakan Museum captures and celebrates these diverse influences through its colourful displays and intricate artefacts.
Peranakan Museum: Tickets & opening hours
The Peranakan Museum is centrally located at 39 Armenian Street, easily accessible by public transport. The museum is a 10-minute walk from City Hall, Bras Basah, or Bencoolen MRT stations.
The Peranakan Museum is open from 10am to 7pm, with extended hours until 9pm on Fridays. It’s a perfect after-school or weekend activity!
Admission to the Peranakan Museum is free for Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents. Tickets are $12 for tourists, but children under six can enter for free.
Plus, the museum is stroller-friendly and offers baby-changing facilities!
What to expect at the Peranakan Museum
From the moment you step inside the Peranakan Museum, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant and engaging space filled with fascinating stories, eye-catching exhibits, and an interactive zone perfect for families with kids of all ages.
There are nine galleries spanning three floors with over 800 objects to check out, ranging from newly acquired or generously donated objects to well-loved artefacts and set pieces. The museum explores the Peranakan identity through universal themes of “Origins”, “Home”, and “Style”.
Highlights include:
1. Beautiful Peranakan art and fashion
The museum showcases a stunning collection of intricate beadwork, elaborate textiles, and exquisite jewellery. These artifacts reflect the unique blend of influences that make up Peranakan culture. Look out for the Peranakan wedding exhibits, which feature traditional wedding attire and beautifully designed accessories. They are a great conversation starter with curious kids!
2. Peranakan food culture
Food is a big part of Peranakan culture, and while you can’t eat at the museum itself, the exhibits highlight the importance of cuisine in their community. Families can learn about the ingredients, spices, and recipes that make up the famous Peranakan dishes. You’ll even see beautifully crafted ceramics and traditional dining ware that bring the Peranakan dining experience to life. After visiting, you might be inspired to try some Nonya delights at a nearby Peranakan restaurant!
3. Guided tours at the Peranakan Museum
The museum offers specially designed tours daily. These tours take you through the galleries, focusing on storytelling and fun facts that make history come alive for young ones, too.
4. Cultural workshops
Throughout the year, the Peranakan Museum hosts various hands-on workshops for families. These workshops might include Peranakan craft-making, cooking demonstrations, or interactive storytelling sessions. It’s a great way for kids to delve deeper into the culture while having fun and learning something new. Stay tuned!
Is the Peranakan Museum kid-friendly?
Although it might not be quite as kid-focused as the Children’s Museum or ArtScience Museum, there’s still enough to keep the kiddos occupied. Make sure you pick up the Peranakan trail map filled with fun activities to complete — explore the museum to spot the answers as you go.
There’s also a dedicated kids’ area (with an incredible wall in the Exploration Zone on Level 3) if the little ones want to take a seat and colour their Peranakan activity book. Plus, you can continue the fun at home with these printable colouring sheets featuring Peranakan items and motifs.
Top tips to discover Peranakan culture with your children in Singapore
1. Take a tour to discover Peranakan history!
Want to explore more about Peranakan culture? Check out this dedicated Joo Chiat guide — the area has heaps of Peranakan history to uncover. Or how about undertaking a family tour? KiddoTrip offers self-guided audio tours accompanied by fun activity books for the kids.
The tours include a scavenger hunt, ‘spot the difference’ games, and more! They are suitable for kids aged four to ten, and the Joo Chiat tour is a great option for learning more about Peranakan history and culture. This tour is nearly two kilometres long and lasts for about 2 hours.
2. Eat out with the family at a Peranakan restaurant
Or how about checking out a Peranakan restaurant? Recommendations include Guan Hoe Soon (#01-01, 200 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427471) and True Blue (47/49 Armenian St, Singapore 179937). Psst, be careful; the Peranakan food can be spicy, so always ask before ordering. Should we head out without the kids? Book a table at Candlenut (17A Dempsey Rd, Singapore 249676) for the ultimate treat of contemporary Peranakan cuisine.
3. Read up on Peranakan culture
We love picking a book for bedtime that also helps our little ones learn a new thing or two, so how about a bedtime story about Peranakan culture? Our little ones are big fans of this Peranakan take on modern nursery rhymes. Kiddos will love learning about the very first Peranakan princess and about the deelish traditional cuisine.
4. Whip up a Peranakan feast for the family!
How about cooking up some traditional Peranakan food for the whole family? If you’re looking to make Asian pastry staples, tuck into The Way of Kueh for delightful kueh recipes. Learn about some old-school recipes in this lovely illustrated memoir-recipe book, Agak-Agak, Chukop Rasa: Recipes and Stories from My Peranakan Childhood. Check out some delicious recipes from the Chitty Melaka community.
Enjoy exploring all things Peranakan!