157 Neil Road
Heard of the term Peranakan? Peranakans often fall in between the cracks of our traditional notions of race in Southeast Asia. It was historically used as a term to refer to the various ethnic and cultural groups that were scattered across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. One of the most prominent Peranakan groups in Singapore is none other than the Peranakan-Chinese. Bet some of you didn’t know that our first Prime Minister, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew was also a Peranankan descendent, right?
Visiting the 3-storey townhouse with more than 160 years of history will help you better understand the Peranakan culture and heritage. As a past ancestral home to a Peranakan Chinese, you will get to explore the history of the Straits Chinese through the lens of the Wee family who descended from shipping merchant Wee Bin. While you’re at it, be sure to check out the collections of exquisite Peranakan artefacts and historical records of the Straits Chinese that may sometimes leave you in awe.
However, you should note that visits to the House are strictly by appointment and visitors are required to sign up in advance for a heritage tour. So, remember to do your research and book in advance!
