Museum Phuket

Hours (Open/Closed) Tuesday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Wednesday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Thursday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Friday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Sunday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

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About Museum Phuket

The Phuket Baba Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those interested in the local culture. Nestled in the heart of the old Phuket town, this museum is conveniently located within walking distance from the popular Trick Eye Museum. The museum is housed in a striking yellow heritage building, a testament to the architectural prowess of the past. The museum offers a glimpse into the challenging times that the residents of Phuket endured during World War 2.

The museum is a great place to stop by for a quick visit, especially for those interested in the tin era. The best part is that the entrance is free, and the museum is fully air-conditioned, making it a refreshing stop during a day of sightseeing. However, some visitors might find the museum lacking in terms of the number of exhibits and detailed information. The museum can be explored in less than 15 minutes, making it a quick but informative stop.

The museum is more modern in its approach, focusing on audiovisual presentations rather than traditional artifacts and heritage items. This might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a more traditional museum experience. However, the information provided through these presentations is quite extensive, offering a deep dive into the history of Phuket.

One of the highlights of the museum is its focus on the local Baba heritage. The museum is located in the elegant Standard Chartered Bank building, which was built in 1907. The Baba heritage is a unique blend of Thai and Chinese cultures that evolved over the 15th and 16th centuries. Thousands of Chinese men migrated to the tropics in search of economic opportunities and ended up marrying local women due to a royal law prohibiting them from bringing Chinese women. This unique culture evolved in the Strait of Malacca, including Penang, Singapore, and parts of Indonesia. A similar museum can be found in the city of Malacca in Malaysia.

The Phuket Baba Museum is considered one of the best museums in Phuket and a landmark of the old town. It offers a learning space about the art, culture, and lifestyle of the Phuket natives or Peranakan. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:00 and 16:30.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the museum is also a great spot for photography enthusiasts. The beautiful clock tower, in particular, is a sight to behold both during the day and at night. However, apart from the clock tower and the architecture, there isn't much inside the museum. Therefore, it might not be worthwhile to visit unless you have plenty of spare time on your hands. Despite this, the Phuket Baba Museum remains a significant part of Phuket's cultural landscape and is worth a visit for those interested in the region's history and heritage.