Singapore is world-famous for its sleek futuristic architecture, massive cultural hotspots, and multi-million dollar exhibitions and museums. But if you wander off the tourist trail and down a quiet residential street in the Joo Chiat neighbourhood…you’ll find one of the weirdest museums in the region. From the street, the micro museum looks like a completely ordinary, everyday terrace house—making it easy to walk right past without a second glance. When in fact, the hidden gem is hiding Singapore’s smallest museum behind an unassuming front door. The place we speak of is called The Intan and here’s why you need to schedule a visit to the smallest museum in Singapore.
What exactly is crammed inside the country’s smallest museum?
The Intan, located in the heritage neighbourhood of Joo Chiat, is known as the smallest museum in Singapore. From the outside, it looks like a standard terrace house, but once you step through the threshold, you’ll be transported into a maximalist wonderland.
Interestingly, owner Alvin Yapp has spend decades transforming his actual living space into a shrine to Peranakan culture, cramming more than 5,000 priceless antiques into every conceivable corner. From glass cabinets stuffed with intricate beaded slippers to vintage enamel spittoons lining the stairs, and the ceiling completely blanketed by hundreds of colourful ornate tiffin carriers…the sheer volume of items is dizzying.
The private home museum is around 1,000 square feet, making it incredibly tiny compared to the huge museums in the city centre. And because this is literally someone’s house, visiting The Intan is a deeply personal experience so you can’t just walk up and buy a ticket. Instead, guests are treated to the Intan Tea Experience led by Alvin himself, who guides visitors through his labyrinth of heirlooms, sharing captivating stories about the Peranakans, before sitting everyone down to enjoy authentic Nyonya Kueh and signature teas.
To experience this hidden in plain sight treasure at 68 Joo Chiat Terrrace, you must book an appointment. The signature hour-long Tea Experience costs $64 per adult. Although, you can select from a number of tours here. Plus, there’s an interesting virtual tour experience for any history buffs who can’t make it to Joo Chiat. Certainly, one of the most wonderfully weird exhibitions to tick off in Singapore.