Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum

The Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum was opened in 1985. The museum displays the history and the culture of the peranakan community in Melaka.

The building comprises of three terraced lot units owned by the Babas and the Nyonyas of the Chan family. Chan’s family is a Chinese trader who assimilated to the local culture and settled in Melaka for trading purposes. They have been living here since 1861.

The house has been inhabited by four generations before it was repurposed as a museum in 1985. There are still plenty of the original features and furnishings of the house that are preserved. For anyone who is interested in learning about this community, do not miss the opportunity to visit.

Image by: The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum

Visit official website.

Operating Hours

Monday – Thursday: 10.00 a.m – 1.00 p.m & 2.00 p.m – 5.00 p.m

Friday – Sunday: 10.00 a.m – 1.00 p.m & 2.00 p.m – 6.00 p.m

Admission

Adult: RM 15.00

Children: RM 10.00

Location

 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia.

View map.

Hear From Others

Within the museum, you can find out about traditional marriage and funeral customs. There are examples of wedding outfits and the lanterns which were hung outside the house to signify a death in the family. There is also an excellent collection of embroidered red scrolls which were given to celebrate birthdays, Chinese New Year and weddings, as red is the colour for good luck in China.

LINLEYSARAH1
DiaryOfAMiddleAgeBagPacker

The house is beautiful throughout, with a pair of central open air courtyards, lovely tiles, carved wood, mother-of-pearl inlaid furniture and various displays of period pieces. I particularly liked the master bedroom with a spyhole to check who is calling; the kitchen with a retro ice cream maker – no refrigeration, no electricity, just kids’ own churning power; and the etched glass memorials to Chan Jr and his wife (late 20th century but still very attractive)

gypsyjackson
GyppoTravelReview

Upon gaining entry into the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, one would be struck by old-world charms and dignified opulence. Bare walls were lined with portraits of ancestors, framed by ornate brass carvings. As in Chinese traditions, the males were positioned on the left and the females were on the right. The sweet scents of aged wood bespoke lives that span several generations!

Kaz
TravelBeckons

Nearby Attractions

Portuguese Settlement

Source: Dap Guna Palanisamy

The Portuguese settlement in Ujong Pasir is home to the Kristang (Serani) community in Melaka. The community is the descendants of the early Portugal settlers who intermarried with the Indians in Goa and then assimilated with the Malays in Malacca.

The Shore Sky Tower

Source: The Shore Sky Tower

The Shore Sky Tower is the tallest building in Melaka. it has 43 floors. The roof top offers a view of up to 50 kilometers in every direction. You can see the entire Melaka town from here.

Melaka Butterfly & Reptile Sanctuary

Source: Sham Hardy

The Melaka & Reptile Sanctuary has been in existence for more than 27 years. It houses more than 20 butterfly species as well as reptiles and some other species.