Chinese History Museum, Kuching

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This is a small colonial-era museum that used to be the courthouse for the Sarawakian Chinese, and now houses a small permanent exhibition of Kuching's many Chinese groups.

As we were the only ones there at the time, the Curator enjoyed chatting to us, and vice-versa, so we found out a little more on the history of the Chinese.

As you enter inside the building the first thing you see are the two large Chinese lions, with statues of a Chinese man, woman and children in traditional Chinese dress.

There were interesting musical instruments including a wailing er-hu and twanging pipa (if you know which one they are - photo 3) and more, quite unusual variety!
Then there are beautiful pieces of jade, and a display of ceramics including collections of bowls and plates of the Ming Dynasty.

An old rickshaw, a popular mode of transport around Kuching in the early 1900's, an old Chinese worship altar and many other interesting displays.
Around the walls there are photos and readings.
Even though it was small, it had lovely exhibits, well worth a visit.

It is located in the park that runs along the Riverside walk.

ADMISSION IS FREE

Open daily 9am to 6pm (closed Fridays)

We walked past this museum several times during our short stay but did not have sufficient time to go inside.

Very easy to find as it backs on to the riverside promenade and is opposite the colourful temple and the row of shops known as the " Bazaar".

The museum traces the history of the Chinese community in Sarawak. Open daily 9am to 6pm except Friday closed.

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The Chinese History Museum is located on Main Bazaar across the street from the Tua Pek Kong temple. The entrance is on the Waterfront side. The building itself is historic and was built in 1912. It was used as a court by the Chinese community from 1912 to 1921. As the name implies, the museum focuses on the history of Sarawak’s diverse Chinese groups. It is open Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:30. Admission is free.

The museum is housed in an old court house previously used by the Chinese community to administer their legal matters. The museum was largely funded by the community with most exhibits being contributed by the public. It is a small museum but gives a detailed depiction of the various Chinese dialect groups in Sarawak, their origins, lifestyle and customs.

The caretaker is a talkative and friendly man who is willing to share with you his take on the Chinese community of Sarawak.

Entrance is free (donation is encouraged). Open everyday from 0900 - 1630 hrs except on first day of public holidays.

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Originally this building was built in 1912, was used as a court for the chinese community in Sarawak. In 1930 it was taken over by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. In 1993 it was converted to Chinese History Museum with displays tracing the settlement of chinese in Sarawak.

The museum houses historical notes and photographs which recorded the history of Sarawak's Chinese migration from Canton, Fujian and other southern Chinese provinces from the 19th and early 20th century.

Descriptions are brief and historical pieces are limited, but it's still sufficient for tourist to know the basic history of Chinese immigrant.

The museum keeper is a friendly man who will initiate a small talk with you if he sees that you are a Chinese. He is just trying to impart the importance of preserving Chinese culture or tradition. Photography is not allowed but you can ask for permission.

Opening Hours: 9am till 5:30pm
Admission is free

This museum documents the history of the Chinese in Sarawak.

Completed in 1912, formerly it was the court for the Chinese population of Kuching, as the Rajah was keen that the Chinese should settle their dispute within their community in their own way. In 1930, it became the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Since 1993, it was hander over to Sarawak Museum and was turned into the Chinese History Museum.

Admission to the museum is free.

The Chinese History Museum's building was built in 1912 as a courthouse for Sarawak's Chinese community. In fact, the symbol of justice (the hand scale) is still veasible from the building's main doors. The building was later used as the office of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in 1930.

In 1993, it was converted to house exhibits for the Chinese History Museum. Its exhibitions offer a fascinating insight into the establishment and growth of Sarawak's Chinese population, which now comprises approximately 30% of the state's population.

Free entrance, open from 9.00a.m to 5.00p.m eveyday except on public holiday.

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This small museum is on the river front. It details the history of chinese immigration to Kuching. Admission is free.