Exploring the Rich History and Culture at the Chinatown Heritage Centre
- Linh Nguyen
- Feb 22
- 2 min read
If you find yourself with a free Saturday morning, I recommend visiting the Chinatown Heritage Centre, as it's a place that's well worth your time and experience.

Situated in the bustling district of Chinatown in Singapore, the Chinatown Heritage Centre offers a tranquil, artistic, and nostalgic ambiance, transporting you to an era when young people could only discover the world through books or tales from their grandparents.
After being closed for several years due to renovations, this place has just reopened at the beginning of this year. During this time, booking tickets online is the only way to guarantee a visit to the museum. Although $20 may seem pricey, you won't regret spending that amount for the experience.
Upon entering the museum, there are three floors to explore. The first floor showcases the living space of a tailor's family, who, judging by the home's decor and furnishings, seemed to be quite affluent during that era. What I appreciate about this area is how they utilized natural light to create photogenic corners, making it an ideal spot for photography.






The second floor depicts the lives of various families, including samsui women, a physician, and four majie. This floor is the most intriguing part of the museum, as it is arranged to make it seem as though these people actually lived there for some time. I am amazed by how so many individuals could reside together in a room of only about 10m2, indicating they endured a challenging life.





The third floor is a museum dedicated to Chinese culture, featuring Chinese opera, calligraphy, and a street hawker. You can also take pictures on the staircase from the first floor leading to the second floor, which offers an artistic ambiance.
If you're looking for a nostalgic spot that brings back memories of the past, visiting this place is a worthwhile experience.
Further information:
Chinatown Heritage Centre
Address: 48 Pagoda Street, Singapore, 059207
Opening time: 10am- 7pm (Last entry at 6pm)
For more information, please visit the website: https://www.chinatownheritagecentre.com.sg/