Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, Peranakan cultural museum in Malacca, Malaysia.
The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum occupies three connected townhouses with traditional Nyonya architecture, featuring ornate wood carvings, decorative tilework, and multiple courtyards. The rooms are furnished with original pieces that document daily life in a prosperous Peranakan household.
The building was constructed in 1896 by Chan Kim Lay's great-grandfather on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, a street recognized for its wealthy residences. The houses reflect the height of Malacca's trading prosperity in the late 1800s.
The museum displays how Peranakan families lived through exhibitions of traditional clothing, jewelry, and household objects from Chinese-Malay communities. These items show the daily choices and tastes that shaped their homes.
The best conditions for visiting are during daylight hours and early in the day when rooms are less crowded. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the tour involves climbing stairs and navigating multiple levels.
The centerpiece is a staircase carved from solid cenggai wood with gold-leaf details, showcasing the craftsmanship of 19th-century builders. This elaborate work served as a status symbol and remains the most striking architectural feature in the museum.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
