Empress Place

 

This weekend a visit to Asian Civilisation Museum turn out rather unexpectedly. Here is another piece of history, the building itself and the exhibits as well. Anyway, I decided

to take some pictures to put it up. This museum is dedicated to the civilisations, art

and culture of Asia. It also about the histories and orgins of Singapore's forefathers 

who came here for the past centuries.

   

Here is a bit of info about the building. It was built by Indian convicts between 1864

to 1867.  In the early 1900s government offices were housed here. Below is a sampan

       which means boat, derived from the Cantonese term for boats.

    

  

There are eleven galleries and three levels. Galleries featuring Singapore River past,

S. E. Asia culture & traditions, Chinese beliefs & origins, West Asia & Islamic history.

   First level foyer

Islamic Arts from South East Asia : Textile, pottery, chest, weapons & so forth

INTRODUCTORY GALLERY
  

SOUTH EAST ASIA GALLERY :  Ming Chairs & Daybed & Chinese Calligraphy

Wooden Sculptures from Shanxi based on Chinese beliefs & Deities.

Ceramic Model of a Courtyard House In China

Treasures Of The Aga Khan : Paintings & Artefacts

Multi-media : Interactive Art comprising of Islamic patterns & motifs

Ornately Decorative Quran (Holy Book Of Islam)

A star-shaped tile. A tabouret (Iran) used as a stand for a cup or tray for courtly circles

Love peom verses inscribed on the 15th/16th century wooden panel. A pair engraved of wooden doors.

On our way out, stately Colonial Style Windows

  

Singapore's Oldest Bridge : Cavenagh Bridge (1869) with Fullerton Hotel in the background
  

Victoria Concert Hall is currently undergoing major renovation

There is so much to see at the museum. However, I did not spend the whole afternoon
there. Go there with somebody, it gets creepy when you are reading up on spirits in
a quiet dimly lighted gallery accompanied with fair share of statues on display. For
those who are curious about religion in this region, then head for this place to read
about it. Bye for now. Hope to be back soon.

*******

Baba And Nonya

The Baba House and Peranakan Museum showcase our island's Straits Chinese rich

heritage & culture. The Peranakans are decendents of the early Chinese settlers

who married women living in the Malay Archipelago dating back to the 17th century.

The culture is a amalgamation of Chinese and Malay culture with influences from

colonial days of the Portuguese, Dutch, British and India. Their traditions, customs

and lifestyle encompass clothes, jewelry, beaded slippers, cuisine, porcelain wares,

furniture and poetry. It is a unique blend of culture. A hybrid and melting pot of

practices adapted from their forefathers and assimilated into the indigenous lifestyle.

To view these cultural artefacts and sarong kebayas worn by the Nonyas, Peranakan

Museum is located at 39 Armenian Street. This museum was formerly a Chinese school

built in 1912. After the school moved out to a bigger premises, the building was restored

 and converted to museum to document the history of the Straits Chinese culture in

general. The male descendents are called the Babas and the women, Nonyas while the

elderly females are addressed as Bibiks. 

       

Baba House

   

The Baba house is situated at 157 Neil Road, built in the 1860s. It is now run

by the National University of Singapore's Centre for the Arts. The townhouse

was donated by Agnes Tan, daughter of the late Straits Chinese leader

Tun Tan Cheng Lock. Over here the visitors step into a typical Peranakan

home and see for themself the living spaces of yore. Be enthralled by the

intricate carvings of the partition screen and bedrooms on the second floor.

It also has a gallery on the third floor that host temporary exhibitions.

    

Martha Stewart was actually here at the Baba House. If you have missed this

segment in her show. You can take a tour of the house with her. If you are
interested in old stuff like me, would be glad to hear from you.

Martha Stewart In Singapore
  

                       

                             ~:oxo:~