Chinese History Museum (Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building) Kuching, Sarawak

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building was established in 1912 for the Chinese Community in Kuching Sarawak. The design of the building is largely colonial and not so complicated. This building now houses the Chinese History Museum which was officially opened in 1993.

Chinese History Museum (Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building) Kuching Sarawak

Chinese History Museum (Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building) Kuching Sarawak

It is quite easy to detect this building, it faces the waterfront area (facing the river) on Jalan Main Bazaar Kuching, right opposite the Tua Pek Kong Temple. It is a small museum when compared to the other museums in Kuching, but it is quite informative on the culture and tradition of the chinese community in this area.

We are not allowed to take photos in the Museum, but the person looking after the place allowed me to snap some photos when I told him that I’m a Travel Writer. How lucky right? There are no entrance fees to this place, so make sure you drop by if you happen to visit Kuching, Sarawak. The museum is opened everyday from 9.00am till 4.30pm.

The Chinese History Museum had a major facelift last year and reopened in December 2010. Visitors can learn about the origins of various Chinese dialects in Sarawak, pioneers and leaders. There are also numerous interactive exhibits like Chinese musical instruments where with a click of a button, you get to hear a recorded audio of the instruments. A short film featuring early Chinese migration to Sarawak was also specifically produced for the museum and they are played in English and Mandarin.

The chinese visitors can also check their chinese name that is featured on one of the walls in the museum. Below are some of the photos that I was allowed to take. I will only share a few of them so that it does not spoil the suspense when you visit the Chinese History Museum in Kuching Sarawak.

Chinese Culture and Festivitie at the Chinese History Museum Kuching

Traditional Chinese Musical Instruments

Walkway that talks about the Dialects and Leaders of the Chinese Community in Kuching Sarawak

Pioneers and Community Leaders

How and from where the Chinese migrated to Kuching Sarawak

The transportation ship used for the migration

Some of the warriors statue in the Chinese History Museum

Chinese Surnames - Can you see yours?

Chinese Chess - Surprisingly, I can play this quite well.