Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, located in the UNESCO-listed city of Melaka, offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural history of the Peranakan or Straits Chinese community. The museum is housed in a beautifully preserved home that combines three terrace lots acquired by the Chan family in 1861. This residence, which served as the family home for four generations, opened its doors as a museum in March 1985. The name “Baba & Nyonya” reflects the honorific titles for Straits-born men (Baba) and women (Nyonya), emblematic of the unique culture that developed from the intermarriage between Chinese immigrants and local Malays.
Step into the world of late 19th and early 20th-century Malaya as you explore the home of Baba Chan Cheng Siew (1865-1919), whose eclectic taste provides an insight into the opulent lifestyle and cultural fusion that characterized many pre-World War II Peranakan households. The museum’s collection of antiques, furniture, and heirlooms showcases the elegant fusion of Chinese and Malay influences, reflecting the social status and cosmopolitan lifestyle of the Baba-Nyonya community.
Today, the museum is still managed by the Chan family, continuing its mission to preserve and share the Peranakan identity and cultural heritage. Through its exhibitions and educational initiatives, the museum bridges communities to Malaysia’s rich history, honoring the Peranakan spirit and ensuring it remains alive for future generations to experience and appreciate.
Contact
Address
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
48 & 50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
75200 Melaka, Malaysia
Phone: +606 282 1273
