15 February 2023 — The Peranakan Museum to open on 17 February 2023
Hey Plural pals! Have you heard that the Peranakan Museum is finally reopening after 4 years of renovations? You’ll be able to swing by from 17 February 2023 onwards. To welcome the museum home, be sure to join the Armenian Street Party, which runs from 17 – 19 February 2023.
The revamp’s focus can be understood in terms of what Director Kennine Ting called “routes” and “roots,” which considers Peranakan culture as one that has multiple starting points and many different expressions due to a diverse confluence of cultures throughout history. The three galleries are themed ‘Origins’, ’Home’, and ‘Style’, making for a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of the lives, histories, and cultures of the various Peranakan communities.
Another thing we enjoyed was how the Peranakan Museum worked with a variety of Peranakan communities in Singapore and beyond to highlight the culture’s living histories. On top of this, we loved how the Museum commissioned local artists such as Lavender Chang and Sam Loh to respond to Peranakan culture, the museum’s collections, and their own heritages.
Have a look at our photos below to check the museum out!
Director Kennie Ting (middle) at the media preview.
In the first gallery ‘Origins’, there’s a wall dedicated to photographs and videos of various Peranakan communities in Singapore. This goes back to the theme of migration and movement.There’s even an interactive storytelling booth!Bathed in warm light, the cosy ‘Home’ gallery on the second floor showcases furniture and homeware. Here are some brown-and-gold teakwood furniture pieces, which blend local materials with foreign techniques such as European gilding.A photograph from Lavender Chang’s ‘Sheltered Dream’ series, which depicts Peranakan households. This series was commissioned by the Peranakan Museum and produced in collaboration with the Arab Network@Singapore, Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association Singapore, Eurasian Association Singapore, and the Peranakan Association Singapore.A stunning display of ornate sireh sets, from Javanese Peranakan, Indian Peranakan, and Chinese Peranakan communities.
(Right) A Peranakan Museum curator introducing a rare set of Nyonya wares that feature dragon and phoenix emblems. (Left) The curator on front of a display cabinet filled with Nyonya porcelain ware.
An installation of a commissioned dinner service from the Chinese Peranakan family of Kapitan Cina Yap Ah Loy. Featuring plates, bowls, and spoons, the muted pink set bears auspicious motifs of butterflies and flowers.
(Left) A Peranakan Museum curator introducing Peranakan needlework, which takes the form of lanterns covers, candle covers, pillow covers, and more. (Right) A closer look at a Chinese Peranakan wedding bed, draped in luscious embroidery.
(Left) The jewellery display over in the ‘Style’ gallery isn’t just for gawking at — the pieces reflect a confluence of aesthetic tastes, cultures, and art movements. (Right) An intricate, diamond-studded belt with a peacock emblem at its centre.
A selection of kebaya on display. Do Peranakan kebaya need to be colourful? The curator wanted to challenge this perception by including monochrome pieces.
(Right) The front of the Peranakan Museum on Armenian Street. (Left) A look at the newly opened gift shop, which sells jewellery and homeware inspired by the Museum’s collections and Peranakan culture at large.
