A family museum
Get a glimpse of the past when you step into the straits Chinese Jewellery Museum in Melaka.
Located on Jalan tun tan Cheng Lock, this unique museum stands out with its aquamarine walls and traditional architecture.
once you enter the building, you will realise that it used to be someone’s home – a Peranakan family. the Peranakans, also known as straits Chinese, are descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to Malaya (mainly Penang, Melaka and singapore) between the 15th and 17th centuries.
they settled down in the area and adapted the local customs, including those of the Malays and British colonists.
Peranakan men are known as Babas, while the women are known as Nyonyas. the jewellery worn by the Nyonyas were elaborate works of art made of diamonds, rubies, pearls, jade and sapphires, set in gold or silver.
Why you should go
A visit to this place is like a history lesson right before your eyes. You’ll discover the richness of the Peranakan culture.
the artefacts and items displayed are authentic, and there is a friendly and knowledgeable guide to walk you through the museum, with a thorough explanation of the different items displayed.
the place is clean and well-maintained, too.
What to do there
Besides taking a tour of the museum, you also get to see what an authentic Peranakan home looks like with its traditional furniture and architecture.
it is a two-storey building, and you can wander through the family hall, dining room and kitchen downstairs. there is even a “family well”.
there are rooms upstairs where traditional costumes are displayed, together with sewing machines and jewellery-making machines.
And of course, there is the jewellery room where traditional bridal jewellery and accessories, among others, are displayed.
Who will like it
this place is for you if you love history and culture, and wish to find out more about the Peranakan people. You can also take loads of instagram-worthy pictures here.
Wedding couples can take their wedding photos at the venue too. A charge applies for professional photography sessions.
Getting there
the straits Chinese Jewellery Museum which is just a five-minute walk from the popular Jonker street. if you’re staying within the city area, you might want to take a trishaw ride there to escape traffic.
You can get from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka by bus, train or car.
Straits Chinese Jewellery Museum
Address: 108, Jalan tun tan Cheng Lock, taman Kota Laksamana, 75200 Melaka
GPS: 2.196348, 102.245484
Tel: 06-281 9763
Website: straitschinesejewellerymuseum.com