Singapore’s Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) is set to welcome visitors once again on 25 April 2026, unveiling a major revamp that introduces refreshed galleries, newly commissioned artworks, and a nine-day reopening celebration.
Anchored on the new narrative “Dari Rantau Ke Rumah” (From the Region to Home), the revitalised centre explores how Malay identities in Singapore have evolved over time, shaped by ties to both the wider Malay world and Singapore’s multicultural society.
The reopening marks an important milestone for MHC as it strengthens its role as a cultural anchor within Kampong Gelam and deepens its position as a leading institution for Malay heritage in Singapore.
Six Permanent Galleries Tell the Story of Malay Identity
Visitors can embark on an immersive journey through six permanent galleries, featuring 279 artefacts, with about a quarter loaned by members of the community.
Spanning narratives from 19th-century Singapore to imagined futures, the galleries invite reflection on what it means to be Malay in Singapore today.
The six themed spaces include:
- Gallery 1: We are Playing Relatives! – explores kinship ties in Singapore and Riau-Lingga
- Gallery 2: An Era of Changing Kings – examines the Malay Peninsula and Singapore in the early 20th century
- Gallery 3: Journeying to Settling – looks at migration as a rite of passage
- Gallery 4: City of Dreams: Making A Mark – highlights the changing visibility of Malay women in the 1950s and 1960s
- Gallery 5: Our Living Heritage – focuses on traditions, values, and memories passed through generations
- Gallery 6: We+ Heritage – invites visitors to imagine the future of Malay identity in Singapore
The galleries also broaden representation of Malay sub-ethnic communities including the Javanese, Baweanese, Bugis, Banjar, Minangkabau, and Orang Pulau communities.
Honouring Pioneers and Malay Women Trailblazers
The revamped centre introduces a wider cast of Perintis (pioneers), offering fresh perspectives on well-known figures and lesser-known stories.
Visitors can learn more about:
- Zubir Said, including his mentorship of younger musicians after composing Majulah Singapura
- Yusof Ishak, who co-founded Utusan Melayu in 1939 before becoming Singapore’s first President
The galleries also shine a brighter spotlight on pioneering Malay women such as:
- Hajah Maimunah, the first known Malay woman pilgrim broker
- Zahrah Za’ba, the first Malay woman radio announcer
- Nona Asiah and Siti Radhiah, recognised for their cultural contributions
Contemporary commissioned artworks by local Malay artists are also woven throughout the galleries, presenting heritage through a fresh lens.
Reopening Festival: Pesta Pecah Panggung — Transcending Boundaries
To celebrate the reopening, MHC will host Pesta Pecah Panggung — Transcending Boundaries from 25 April to 3 May 2026.
The festival features over 50 programmes delivered by more than 60 partners, spanning performances, workshops, installations, and community events.
The event is divided into two themed weekends:
- Exploring the Malay World – showcasing the diversity and shared heritage of the region
- A Home for Our Community – reflecting on what it means to be Malay in Singapore
Festival highlights include:
- Pecah Panggung Parade with over 300 community partners, themed pushcarts, and performances
- Kota Impian: Modern Women, an all-female musical theatre production celebrating pioneering Malay women
- Wajah & Bayang: Nusantara Arts Showcase, featuring performers from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia
- Santai Sampai Pagi: A Night Out at MHC, the centre’s first overnight event with karaoke, dance workshops, film screenings, and a pyjama contest
Free Admission Until 28 June
In conjunction with the reopening, all visitors, including tourists, can enjoy free admission to the galleries from 25 April to 28 June 2026.
