Pinang Peranakan Mansion is the testament to the rags to riches story of Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee who was also a Second Level Magistrate of the Ching Dynasty.  Born in 1821, He came to Penang in 1841 to seek his fortune in the tin mining business.  In the 1890's he built his dream house with his hard-earned money.  Although he was not a Baba, his courtyard house was designed to look like a Peranakan mansion, featuring Chinese carved-wood panels, English floor tiles and Scottish ironworks. His son, Chung Thye Pin was the last Kapitan Cina of Perak.

There are English influences etched into the architectural details of the building e.g. the Stoke-on-Trent geometric tiles, the stained glass and the pillars. The main staircase dominates the centre court with cast iron from Glasgow, Scotland used in its handrail. The decorative ironwork on the staircase features an European-influenced design of fleur-de-lis that resembles Louis Vuitton’s signature design.

Sadly, after the death of the last Kapitan Cina, the mansion was abandoned in the 1930’s and fell into a state of disrepair.  Mr. Peter Soon Seng Mah and his wife Madam Loh Joo Eng who have long been intrigued with the dilapidated house, ‘rescued’ it by buying it over for about RM2 million a few years ago. 

Renovation work soon began at a cost of about RM3 million to restore it back to its former glory and then some.  The mansion became the ideal place to showcase Peter’s vast antique collection from some exotic parts of the world, namely China and England. 

The kitchen is a sheer nostalgic pleasure to walk through as every traditional kitchen utensil from cupboards to antique Tiffin-carriers and water containers are in their proper places, ready to be used to whip up a splendid Nyonya dinner. There is even an authentic nasi kandar carrier, which reminds one of where the sumptuous dish got its name.

Visiting hours:
Mon - Fri: 9.30am to 5pm
Sat: 9.30am to 3pm
Appointment on Sunday and all public holidays

Conducted tours are only available with prior arrangements for a group of 10 persons and above.  All rates are subject to change without notice.  Discounts are available to corporate or school bookings or other large groups.

Admission:
Children (below 12): Free
School children (in uniform): RM5
Adults (Ages 12 and above): RM10

Security

Security CCTV cameras are placed all over the mansion. Please refrain from touching any display items. Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in the mansion.

Videography and Photograpy

Videography and photography are not allowed within the mansion. Any use of photographs or video clips for commercial purposes without the express written consent from the Management is strictly prohibited.

Venue Hire:

It is also an interesting venue for functions such as birthdays, lunches, dinners, weddings, anniversaries, seminars, product launches, etc.  Rates start from RM3,000 and above (not inclusive of food).  Authentic nyonya cuisine can be prepared at the ancient kitchen filled with antique cooking wares.