Museum, NUS Centre for the Arts>Tan Cheng Lock Baba House Museum

Baba House

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


1969 Photo taken by Mr Lee Kip Lin	1986 Photo provided by URA	2005 Photo taken by NUS CFA

	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.
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.

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, NUS Alumnus)
$5 (18 yrs and below, NUS Staff)
$3 (NUS students)

For enquiries, please contact
(65) 6227 5731
babahouse@nus.edu.sg