Baba-Nonya Heritage Museum, Melaka (must see)
The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum is located in Malacca City. This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Peranakan Chinese-Malays, also known as Baba-Nyonya, who are descendants of early Chinese settlers in Southeast Asia. Founded by Chan Kim Lay in 1986, the museum is housed in a mansion built in 1896 by Chan鈥檚 great-grandfather on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, a street famously known as "Millionaire's Row" for its opulent residences.
This two-story mansion showcases the luxurious lifestyle of the Baba-Nyonya community during their heyday. Visitors can admire the stunning, intricately carved woodwork that adorns the doors, walls, and cabinetry, as well as antique furniture that retains its original luster. The museum also features elaborate porcelain, gold leaf carvings, and various other artifacts that provide a glimpse into the past.
A particular highlight is the preserved kitchen, which was traditionally the heart of a Peranakan house, where women of the household would gather. The dining room adjacent to the kitchen displays blue-and-white ceramic dishes, reflecting the blend of Eastern and Western influences in Peranakan culture.
On the upper floor, visitors will find the Wedding Room, which was once the bedroom of the Chan family patriarch and his wife. This room now showcases wedding garments and other artifacts, offering insight into the matrimonial traditions of the Baba-Nyonya community.
One of the museum鈥檚 most unique features is its staircase, leading from the chim che (airwell) to the private residential area upstairs. This staircase is the only one of its kind in Malaysia, featuring a gilt railing with reliefs depicting the weapons of the Eight Immortals of Daoist mythology. Additionally, it includes a lockable baby gate, a 19th-century recreation of an ancient Chinese invention, designed to protect children and secure the household.
This two-story mansion showcases the luxurious lifestyle of the Baba-Nyonya community during their heyday. Visitors can admire the stunning, intricately carved woodwork that adorns the doors, walls, and cabinetry, as well as antique furniture that retains its original luster. The museum also features elaborate porcelain, gold leaf carvings, and various other artifacts that provide a glimpse into the past.
A particular highlight is the preserved kitchen, which was traditionally the heart of a Peranakan house, where women of the household would gather. The dining room adjacent to the kitchen displays blue-and-white ceramic dishes, reflecting the blend of Eastern and Western influences in Peranakan culture.
On the upper floor, visitors will find the Wedding Room, which was once the bedroom of the Chan family patriarch and his wife. This room now showcases wedding garments and other artifacts, offering insight into the matrimonial traditions of the Baba-Nyonya community.
One of the museum鈥檚 most unique features is its staircase, leading from the chim che (airwell) to the private residential area upstairs. This staircase is the only one of its kind in Malaysia, featuring a gilt railing with reliefs depicting the weapons of the Eight Immortals of Daoist mythology. Additionally, it includes a lockable baby gate, a 19th-century recreation of an ancient Chinese invention, designed to protect children and secure the household.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Melaka. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Baba-Nonya Heritage Museum on Map
Sight Name: Baba-Nonya Heritage Museum
Sight Location: Melaka, Malaysia (See walking tours in Melaka)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Melaka, Malaysia (See walking tours in Melaka)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Melaka, Malaysia
Create Your Own Walk in Melaka
Creating your own self-guided walk in Melaka is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Melaka Introduction Walking Tour
Melaka often spelled as Malacca, is the oldest Malaysian city on the Straits of Malacca. Melaka is a historic city that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
According to legend, when Parameswara, the founder of Melaka, arrived here in the late 14th century. While he was resting under a tree known as a Melaka tree, he saw his warrior's hunting dogs being challenged and kicked... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
According to legend, when Parameswara, the founder of Melaka, arrived here in the late 14th century. While he was resting under a tree known as a Melaka tree, he saw his warrior's hunting dogs being challenged and kicked... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Melaka Old City Walking Tour
Rich in heritage, Melaka City is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Malaysia. From its humble beginnings as a coastal village, it went on to witness the glorious tales of the Melaka Sultanate and later became the setting for the country鈥檚 colonial past with the Portuguese, Dutch and British leaving their mark on its tapestry. The history of Melaka is manifested in numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles