Gallery 1
Xinhui Clan History Gallery on the ground floor traces the ancestral roots and migration of the Xinhui people in China’s Guangdong province to Singapore and their social, cultural and economic life in Singapore, and highlights the role of the KCWK in caring for its fellow clansmen, preserving and promoting Chinese traditional culture, as well as its contributions towards nation-building. For instance, Kong Chow Wui Koon founded the Kong Chow Free School in 1929 to provide formal education to the needy, its premises was used as the World Red Swastika Society Headquarters during the Japanese Occupation, and was visited by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew to urge the people to establish a reliable national defense force.
The gallery will also feature the story of the illustrious family businesses of the Xinhui pioneer entrepreneurs Zhu You Lan and Lo Kee Seng of Market Street who once dominated the trade of tobacco, groceries, local products and soybean sauce from Guangzhou to Southeast Asia in the mid-19th century till the 1960s.
Gallery 2
| Cantonese Opera Gallery on the 2nd floor brings visitors into the intriguing world of Cantonese opera seen through KCWK’s efforts in preserving and promoting Cantonese opera in Singapore. Most of the plots of Cantonese opera are based on Chinese history. It teaches and promotes Chinese cultural values and Confucian ethics (like loyalty, filial piety, faithfulness and righteousness) through touching stories about the love, hatred, sorrow, joy, partings and reunion of the heroes and heroines. These values are essential to fostering one’s moral character and bonding in multi-racial communities. |
Gallery 3
| In the Kungfu Hall on the 3rd floor, you will experience the glamorous heritage of Kong Chow traditional martial arts, lion and dragon dances. Here you will also see the unique display of the most comprehensive collection of Southern Lion heads in Singapore. Learning Chinese martial arts, lion and dragon dances strengthens physical fitness and self-cultivation, and fosters self-confidence, tolerance and respect for martial arts masters and elders. |
Gallery 4
4th floor houses the Folk Culture Gallery which features acrobatic cycling and Xinhui people’s religious belief and practice in worshipping Lord Guan. It also houses antiques dating back to 1889, including a bronze broad sword that requires more than 8 strong men to carry.
Guided Tour
Scheduled group visits by students and other groups can be arranged by contacting us.
Be a Volunteer Guide!
KCCC Tours are made possible by volunteer guides
It is always a pleasure to have a guided tour led by friendly, knowledgeable people who make the exhibits come alive. With growing number of visitors to KCCC, we depend on the contributions of our volunteers who bring delight to visitors in sharing their interest and enjoyment of local history and culture.
Our volunteers are engaged primarily in providing pre-booked guided tours of KCCC’s permanent exhibits. Such tours are currently conducted in English, Mandarin, and/or Cantonese. KCCC provide volunteer guides with opportunities for service through training, study and self-enrichment. The volunteer guide is trained through a series of weekly lectures and immersion in KCWK’s many cultural events.
To be a English, Mandarin, or Cantonese guide, please contact us:
Telephone ：(65) 62239806
Fax ：(65) 62232596
Email ：info@kongchow.org