Beautiful blue Baba House (babahouse.nus.edu.sg), one of Singapore's best-preserved Peranakan heritage homes, is a must-visit for those seeking to delve into Singapore's history and traditions. Built in the 1890s, this three-story prewar terrace house on Neil Rd was the ancestral home of shipping tycoon Wee Bin. The house was acquired by the National University of Singapore, which set about renovating it so it best matched how it would have looked in 1928, when the Wee family believes the building was at its most splendid.
The cobalt-blue facade is one of the few remaining frontages to be adorned with a high degree of Chinese-style plaster and brightly colored porcelain ornamentation. Step inside and marvel at the meticulously maintained period furniture and antiques, as well as the building's elaborate architectural details. You'll learn the stories of the house and its former occupants, whose original family photos still grace the walls.
The ornate bedrooms on the 2nd floor are a sight to behold: look out for the tenong (wedding-gift box), which takes pride of place. The 3rd-floor gallery features information on the research and materials used in the house's restoration and several artifacts uncovered during on-site excavations. Temporary exhibitions on Peranakan themes are also held here.
Due to signs of wear, the site is undergoing conservation evaluation and repair. It's scheduled to reopen some time in 2027. At the time of writing, we experienced an interim "exposed" tour which focused on structural discoveries after the furniture was removed. Subsequently, when actual works begin, this will be replaced by a guided walking tour that highlights only the exterior, but will be accompanied by other significant Peranakan pit stops in the neighborhood. See the website for updates.
