The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum is located in Melaka, a World UNESCO Site. The house is a combination of three terrace lots that were acquired by the Chan family in 1861. Four generations lived in the house before it was opened as a museum in March 1985. The name of the museum is derived from the term Baba, an honorific manner of addressing a Straits-born gentleman and Nyonya which addresses a Straits-born lady.
We welcome you on a journey into late 19th-century and early 20th-century Malaya. Meander through the home of Baba Chan Cheng Siew (1865-1919) whose eclectic taste offers a glimpse into the richness of the culture and the opulence that was fashionable in many pre-World War II Peranakan homes.
Today the museum is still managed by the family. Our vision is to bridge communities to Malaysia’s history through Peranakan identity and culture. By preserving this house for visitors and students we hope to honour the Peranakan spirit, keeping it alive for many generations to come!
