Chinatown Heritage Centre, Ethnographic museum in Chinatown, Singapore
The Chinatown Heritage Centre is an ethnographic museum housed in restored shophouses from the late 1800s in Singapore's historic Chinatown district. The exhibits feature detailed recreations of living spaces and shops, along with photographs and artifacts that document the lives of Chinese immigrants.
The building dates to the late 1800s when Chinese workers arrived in Singapore and settled in this neighborhood. It preserves the story of this wave of migration and shows how this community shaped their homes and shops during colonial times.
The exhibits show how Chinese immigrants lived and worked in cramped spaces, with faithful recreations of bedrooms, kitchens, and shop areas that reveal daily routines and community traditions. These reconstructed rooms tell their stories through objects and arrangements you can see up close.
The museum sits near Chinatown MRT station and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should book group tours in advance, and multiple language options are available for exploring the exhibits.
Three restored buildings display living quarters from the 1950s with original furniture and personal belongings that give visitors a sense of cramped living conditions. These rooms are arranged to show the full daily life of the residents, not just formal spaces.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
