When it comes to the history of Penang, one of the most interesting aspects has to be the Penang Chinese Peranakan community. Born as a result of intermingling between Malay and Chinese people, Peranakan culture is unique in its own right.
Welcome to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion
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If you would like to learn more about Peranakan people in Penang, one way to do so is by visiting the Pinang Peranakan Mansion on Church Street. A popular tourist attraction, this is a historic site with much to see and learn.
It is a well-preserved building, with bright green walls making it stand out even today. Inside, you can find a vast collection of artefacts, gathered throughout the years. The mansion itself is a beauty, combining Chinese, English and Scottish influences and materials.
Home of a tycoon
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While it may be a museum today, the mansion was once the opulent home of an important figure in history. He was the Chinese tycoon, Chung Keng Quee, who was also the Kapitan Cina of Perak. When he lived in Penang, he was one of the wealthiest men on the island.
Chung was a Hakka tin tycoon. To show off his wealth, he funded the construction of the mansion, then called Hai Kee Chan (Sea Remembrance Hall). Interestingly, he wasn’t a Baba himself, but his mansion resembled the style of Peranakan homes back then.
Featured on TV
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However, by the 21st century, the mansion had lost much of its splendour. Ownership finally transferred into the hands of an antiques collector, who worked to restore the building. In 2004, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion opened its doors as a museum.
Because of the mansion’s unique appearance, it has been used multiple times as a set for TV shows and films. The Singaporean series “The Little Nyonya” was filmed here, as were parts of “Crazy Rich Asians”. You can also spot it in “The Amazing Race”.
What to see
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The museum has a total of two floors, which, on average, require an hour to explore. At the centre of the mansion is an open courtyard which doubles as an air well for ventilation. Surrounding this courtyard are the mansion’s many rooms.
Each room has its own set of authentic furniture, artwork and household items. You will quickly feel like you stepped back in time as you pass through each room. Just be sure not to touch anything, as you will have to pay for any damages caused.
A temple, a gift shop & a restaurant
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While exploring the museum, you can also visit the adjacent Chung Keng Kwee Ancestral Temple. This temple honours the founder Chung himself, and it is still an active ancestral hall. You can spot a life-sized statue of him close to the altar.
After touring the museum, you are free to check out the gift shop, which sells many gorgeous vintage items like tiffin carriers and compact mirrors. There is also an attached restaurant called Nyonya Chiak where you can dine after a tour.
Ticket prices
Tickets are priced at RM25 per adult, with children aged 12 and below charged RM6. Children aged 6 and below can come in free. Guided tours are also available, but you are free to self-explore if you so wish.
Worth your time?
If you have an hour to kill while exploring Georgetown, an hour spent in the Pinang Peranakan Mansion is well spent. You will get a valuable insight into Peranakan history, and you can even bring home something vintage to remember the trip by.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Address: 29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours: 9.30 am – 5 pm daily
Contact: 04-2642929
Website: http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my/
You should also check out: Why is this Penang museum so deep in the jungle and why do so many people say that it’s haunted?
Feature Image Credit: Hajotthu on Wikipedia (Left), Christopher How on Google Review (Right)
