The House of Tan Yeok Nee is one of those buildings in Singapore that many of us have probably passed without giving it much thought. Sitting beside the busy junction of Penang Road and Clemenceau Avenue, it is now more conspicuous among the modern office buildings surrounding it.
My wife and I visited on a weekday afternoon. We were looking for something interesting to do in Singapore. Following an extensive restoration, the house has reopened as a heritage and lifestyle space, giving the public an opportunity to explore a building that had previously spent long periods in institutional and private use.
Built between 1882 and 1885, the mansion originally belonged to Tan Yeok Nee, a prominent Teochew businessman. It is the last surviving example of Singapore’s “Four Grand Mansions” and was gazetted as a National Monument in 1974.
The restored building is impressive without feeling excessively polished. Its red doors, gold detailing, decorative rooflines and traditional Teochew architectural features stand in sharp contrast to the glass-and-steel buildings immediately behind it.
Inside, the heritage gallery combines historical information with contemporary presentation. There are documents, architectural illustrations, restored decorative elements, video displays and interactive installations explaining the house, its occupants and its changing role over the years. The galleries have a distinctly modern feel, but enough of the original architecture remains visible to remind you that you are walking through a nineteenth-century home rather than a conventional museum.
Some of the displays focus on the painstaking restoration of the building’s craftsmanship, including its colourful plasterwork, carvings and roof ornamentation. Projections and animated artwork bring the history of the house to life in a more playful way.
The house was sparsely attended during our weekday visit, which made it easy to explore the available rooms and photograph the architectural details without having to work around a crowd. Not every section was accessible that afternoon, however, and the areas we saw felt more like an introduction than a complete exploration of the property. There is probably considerably more to discover during special programmes, guided tours or future visits.
Jing Studio, a Chinese teahouse within the property, appeared to be considerably busier than the galleries. It offers another reason to visit, particularly for those who would prefer to combine the heritage experience with afternoon tea. The property also houses dining and bar concepts, positioning the restored monument as more than a traditional museum.
A visit to the House of Tan Yeok Nee is an easy cultural stop while around Dhoby Ghaut, Orchard Road or the nearby museum district. Allow around an hour for the heritage displays, with additional time if you intend to stop for tea.
It was an enjoyable reminder that there are still unfamiliar corners of Singapore hidden in plain sight – even beside one of the city’s busiest roads.
House of Tan Yeok Nee
101 Penang Road
Singapore 238466 (houseoftyn.sg)