Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures
With its dazzling feathers and spectacular tail, the peacock has long symbolised beauty, power, and divinity across Asia. For centuries, its striking form has captivated artists and devotees alike, inspiring works that range from sacred images to everyday adornment.
The peacock motif travelled between cultures. Peranakan art, shaped by the convergence of multiple influences, is the starting point for this journey. Treasures from the National Collection and important lenders explore the bird’s presence in a broad range of artistic disciplines. Each object invites visitors to consider how a motif moved between regions and contexts, revealing the networks that connect peoples and how artistic traditions evolve through exchange.
The exhibition presents these connections through colourful displays, interactive stations, and lively programmes. A new work by artist Ernest Goh explores the peacock in the context of its symbolism, cultural heritage, and ecology.
PROGRAMME LIST
In-gallery activity stations
From 31 October 2025
Museum opening hours
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Admission fees to the special exhibition apply
Learn about the artistry and symbolism of peacocks through two creative hands-on stations. Design your own regal peacock belt using embossing techniques to create raised motifs inspired by artefacts on display. Then learn about parts of a peacock and build a 3D peacock model with stencils to learn about ocelli eye-spot patterns.
Peacock Power: Activity Trail Booklet
31 October 2025 - 30 August 2026
Museum opening hours
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Admission fees to the special exhibition apply
Pick up our trail booklet and embark on a fascinating journey through the exhibition! Packed with surprising facts about peacocks and what they symbolise in different cultures, as well as engaging activities, the booklet guides you through object highlights while keeping young explorers entertained.
Suitable for ages 7 and up.
Peacock Paradise hologram experience
From 31 October 2025
Museum opening hours Exploration Zone, Level 2
Step into an enchanted garden where magnificent peacocks come to life through cutting-edge holographic technology. Capture magical moments as you encounter different peacock species in this ethereal setting. Marvel at the peacocks' distinctive behaviours, from their graceful strut to spectacular courtship displays.
Peacock Power: Curator Tours
Fridays (28 November 2025, 6 March 2026, 29 May 2026, 31 July 2026)
7:30pm | Peranakan Museum
$25/participant (Includes exhibition admission)
Join the exhibition curator in an exclusive after-hours tour of the Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures exhibition. Discover fascinating stories about the objects on display and get behind-the-scenes insights into the curation process.
Stay tuned at go.gov.sg/tpmwhatson
Community Voices at Peranakan Museum
Saturday & Sunday,
15 & 16 November 2025, July 2026
11am – 6pm | Peranakan Museum
Free admission to most activities
Celebrate with the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) community in this edition of Community Voices! Enjoy a weekend of hands-on activities, community-led tours, and vibrant cultural performances that showcase the rich tapestry of batik. Presented in partnership with the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association of Singapore.
Stay tuned at go.gov.sg/tpmwhatson
A Weekend of Art and Devotion
Saturday & Sunday, 24 & 25 January 2026
11am – 6pm Peranakan Museum
Free admission to most activities
Discover the vibrant Thaipusam festival, – a powerful Hindu celebration that honours faith, endurance, and the triumph of good over evil – through a weekend of talks, demonstrations and workshops.
Stay tuned at go.gov.sg/tpmwhatson
Armenian Street Party
March 2026
Peranakan Museum
Free admission to most activities
Get ready for an exciting weekend at the Armenian Street Party as Peranakan culture takes centre stage. Armenian Street Party is presented in partnership with the Peranakan Association Singapore, the Arab Network @ Singapore, and the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association Singapore.
Stay tuned at go.gov.sg/tpmwhatson
Peacock Power Talks
March 2026
Peranakan Museum
Free admission to most activities
Get ready for an exciting weekend at the Armenian Street Party as Peranakan culture takes centre stage. Armenian Street Party is presented in partnership with the Peranakan Association Singapore, the Arab Network @ Singapore, and the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association Singapore.
Stay tuned at go.gov.sg/tpmwhatson
DISCOVER WHAT'S ON
Programmes
Daily Guided Tours at Peranakan Museum
Daily
Guided tours led by our volunteer docents are available daily.
DETAILS