Baba House
Click here to
view video clips of the Baba House
 Baba
House & NUS Museum events 2009
157
Neil Road, is perhaps one of the last surviving Peranakan-style house in
its original state in Singapore. It is cited and celebrated today as being
a significantly outstanding feature of Singapore's rich architectural
heritage.
The
Baba House will play an important role in conserving the distinctive
Peranakan heritage, as well as preserving the memory of a Tun Tan Cheng
Lock, a highly respected Peranakan community leader. Visitors will be able
to appreciate the restoration and conservation efforts made on this
authentic Peranakan structure and will at the same time be exposed to the
customs and material culture of the Peranakan community in a living
context.
Exhibitions
and events held in this house will showcase fascinating aspects of
Peranakan heritage which will be captured in an eclectic mix of antiques,
decorative ornaments, Peranakan cuisine, social customs and lifestyle.
Tun Tan Cheng Lock
 Tun Tan Cheng
Lock
(1883-1960; born in Malacca) was the founder and first president of the
Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) as well as a respected business leader
in Malaya and Singapore. Under his helm, the MCA played a vital role in
negotiating independence from the British.
The
Baba House was made possible by a generous gift of $4 million from Dato
Tan's last surviving child,
Agnes Tan, to NUS. This will be used towards the purchase
and restoration of 157 Neil Road, which is the ancestral home of the Wee
family.
The Wee Family
The Wee family has a history connected to Singapore's early development as
well as to the Peranakan community's endeavours in the island. Illustrious
forebears include Wee Bin (1823-1868), a shipping tycoon. The house on Neil
Road house has belonged to the family since 1910.
Architecture of the Building
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1969
Photo taken by Mr Lee Kip Lin |
1986
Photo provided by URA |
2005
Photo taken by NUS CFA |
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The
ornate style associated with Peranakan terraced houses is closely
connected to the rich cultural and historical background of the
Peranakans. It incorporates features from southern Chinese and Malay
cultures, as well as colonial Dutch and British architecture. This
eclectic fusion of influences can be found in the the Baba House. |
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Main entrance of the
house featuring its ornate pintu
pagar |
As
perhaps one of Singapore's last remaining and intact Peranakan terraced houses,
the Baba House will be intricately restored to its glory. The aim is to
recover and conserve the architectural tradition of the Peranakans and to
offer the house as a case study for restoration practices.
Intention of new additions
Apart from preserving the exterior of the house, the interior spaces of the
the Baba House will be restored as much as possible to its original
architectural intent, while accommodating multiple uses. This heritage home
will offer an exhibition space which will host two annual exhibitions to
showcase the rich legacy of Peranakan history, material culture, lifestyle
and social customs. One of the main features of this heritage home will be
the Peranakan bridal chamber revealing the important traditional customs,
preparations for and rites of a Peranakan wedding.
The Baba House will also operate as a venue for corporate and
tourism-related events. Last but not least, the Baba House is proud to be
the Office of The Peranakan Association of Singapore.
Address
157 Neil Road, Singapore 088883
Visits are by appointment only.
Visitors are required to sign up for a heritage tour which can be arranged on Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10 – 11am; 11.45am – 12.45pm; 2 – 3pm; 4 – 5pm
Tour charges:
$10 per pax
$8 (55 yrs and above)
$5 (below 18 yrs)
$3 (NUS students)
For enquiries, please contact
(65) 6227 5731
babahouse@nus.edu.sg
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