Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures

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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

Programmes 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

now - 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 ( 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.

Community Voices at Peranakan Museum

Saturday & Sunday,
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.

Peacock Power Talks

Peacock Power Special Exhibition Talks
January till end of exhibition in August 2026

The lecture series brings together scholars, specialists, and community practitioners to explore the topics and themes presented in the Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures exhibition at the Museum, sharing insights and research that deepen understanding of the peacock motif across Asian cultures.

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