About

The Chinatown Heritage Centre is the gateway for all visitors to trace the footsteps of Singapore's early pioneers and discover the personal stories of people who made Chinatown their home. Located in three restored shophouses along Pagoda Street, Chinatown Heritage Centre houses a wealth of memories and untold stories of the lives and times of early Chinatown. Discover the secrets and chronicles of the coolies, samsui women and rickshaw pullers who made the difficult journey from their homeland to Singapore. Discover the life in the old days and the reasons that drove the young migrants to brave the unknown to explore the secrets of Chinatown.

Experience first-hand it is to live in the cramped living quarters. The hard life of the migrants resulted in many of them seeking solace in the four evils temptations: opium smoking, prostitution, gambling, and secret societies. The center also showcases the 'golden years' of Chinatown in the '50s. Celebrate the bright and colorful cultural and traditional life in Chinatown and experience life through the eyes of the early residents. This center is highly recommended to be your first stop before proceeding to explore the rest of Chinatown.

The center reopened in early 2016 after an extensive refurbishment, providing new temporary exhibition areas and space for community events. Even better, you can now sample renowned local food at Old Chang Kee’s Curry Times, and pick up limited edition souvenirs by local designers such as Doe & Audrey and My Paper Earrings. 

The refurbished center also brings the Chinatown story up to date, with new exhibitions on the area from the 1960s onwards. It also features the fascinating tale of the Kongs, a family who used to live in the exact same building before it was transformed into the heritage center you can enjoy now. 

There has never been a better time to visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir on your way out! 

I. MULTIMEDIA GUIDED TOUR

Pick up a Multimedia Guide with your admission ticket. Explore the galleries at your leisure and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of Chinatown through commentaries, images, and videos.

Admission Ticket including Multimedia Guide

 ADULT: S$15.00

 CHILD: S$11.00 (FOR AGES 7 TO 12)

II. DOCENT GUIDED TOUR

Join our docent-guided tour to discover the humble beginnings and experience the transformation of Chinatown and Singapore from the 1950s to today. 

ENGLISH TOURS: 

• MON-FRI: 11.30AM, 1.30PM & 4.30PM
• SAT: 1.30PM
• SUN: 11.30AM, 1.30PM & 4.30PM

MANDARIN TOURS

• SAT: 11.30AM

*Duration: 60 minutes approximately

*Admission Ticket including Docent Guided Tour and Multimedia Device

 ADULT: S$20.00

CHILD: S$16.00 (FOR AGES 7 TO 12)

III. CHARACTER GUIDED TOUR

Join our iconic Chinatown characters and learn about this colorful district through their personal stories. Tour is limited to 16 people per group.

Sat: 4.30pm

Duration: 60 mins approximately

Admission Ticket including Character Guided Tour and Multimedia Device

 ADULT: S$20.00

 CHILD: S$16.00 (FOR AGES 7 TO 12)

Tips

• walk across the road the pastry shop mentioned in one of the exhibits for a snack after your tour.
• To get a more comprehensive picture of the galleries and exhibits on show, it is extremely useful to pick up a copy of the CHC Visitor Guide before you start your visit. You are expected to return this Visitor Guide once you are done with your visit. 
• Flash photography within Chinatown Heritage Centre is not permitted. Video with handheld cameras is allowed
  

Timings