Singapore: The Chinatown Heritage Museum in Mono

Tea and Egg time During the Nuffnang Event in Singapore , we were fortunate to be given a tour around Singapore and one of the sights was th...

Tea and Egg time

During the Nuffnang Event in Singapore, we were fortunate to be given a tour around Singapore and one of the sights was the Chinatown Heritage Museum. I haven’t been there so after a full morning slumber, I caught up with the group at their tour of the museum. It was a great choice because the three story building houses the rich history of Singapore. It was a tour of discovery and this photo essay shot in Grainy Film Art Filter narrates the journey.

Papers hanging by the wall

What was Singapore like when migrants came in the 50s? What their living conditions were like and what struggles they faced in making it the country what it is now?

Ironing room and radio on an old shophouse

The Chinatown Heritage Museum has sections that recreate how their lives were lived. From furnishings to the narrow living quarters and ambient sounds designed to take you back in time.

An old radio with figurines

We went through each dimly lit corridors of the museum. It was interesting how the scenes there were recreated, like how a deck of playing cards were laid out on a table for Chinese to play. Every detail was laid out naturally.

The group touring the museum

Tally papers and abacus for the business minded Chinese. Even their sewing and ironing rooms were arranged as if someone was just there working.

Wall of dishes

What was lacking during the tour was a guide. We were just led from one room and floor to another. I thought it would be interesting to hear the stories themselves. Anyways, the items themselves tell the stories in their stillness and I had fun taking photographs of them.

A Prayer Altar placed along a narrow corridor side

The leaking lights in the rooms at that time were also dramatic that we had an impromptu shoot session on the top floor. It’s always great if you have willing models with you.

Abacus and tally sheets

The Museum is certainly worth a visit but it would be a lot informative if we had a guide who could tell us some stories and trivia of the place. I heard there were organized tours at certain hours so visitors planning to visit the museum should check out when.

Sewing threads

Chinatown Heritage Museum
48 Pagoda Street Singapore 059207

Admission Fees
Adults: SG$10
Child (3-12 years): SG$6

Operating Hours
9am to 8pm daily (last admission at 7pm)

A living quarter

—
Learn the basics of photography while immersing in Ifugao Culture at Backpack Photography 101 Banaue. Win a free slot here.