Old Tao Nan School, National monument at Armenian Street, Singapore
Old Tao Nan School is a three-story building with Corinthian columns, spacious verandahs, and large windows designed to allow air to flow freely in Singapore's tropical climate. It now houses the Peranakan Museum, where visitors find artifacts and exhibits about the heritage of Straits Chinese communities.
The school was founded in 1906 by Hokkien merchants and relocated to this location in 1912 through support from prominent business leaders. This move reflected the growing need for larger spaces to serve the community's expanding educational demands.
The school served as a gathering place where communities maintained their identity while embracing new forms of knowledge. Visitors can observe how the building reflects this dual purpose, bridging traditional and modern learning approaches.
The building is easy to find and visible from the street, with spacious interiors that make for a comfortable visit. Visitors can move freely through the museum spaces to explore different areas of the structure.
Two black cast-iron eagles perch atop the entrance posts, symbols representing academic excellence and protection in local tradition. These details are often overlooked but add a deeper historical layer to the building beyond its function as a school.
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