Peacock Power at Peranakan Museum: Discover Stories Behind the Peacock
What comes to your mind when you think of a peacock? Beautiful feathers, vibrant colours and that dramatic tail, probably.
But at Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures at the Peranakan Museum in Singapore, there’s much more to this bird than meets the eye.
The exhibition looks at how the peacock has been used in art and design and what it has represented across different cultures. With more than 100 objects on display, it’s a fascinating mix of craftsmanship, history and symbolism - and there are plenty of beautiful details to spot along the way.
More Than Just a Beautiful Bird
The exhibition begins with the peacock itself and the fascination it has inspired over the centuries.
Its striking appearance has made it a popular motif in art, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and decorative objects. But its meaning goes beyond aesthetics.
Depending on the culture and context, the peacock has been associated with ideas such as beauty, prosperity, power and spirituality.
The exhibition helps unpack some of these associations rather than simply presenting the peacock as a decorative motif.
A Showcase of Craftsmanship
One of the best things about the exhibition is the variety of objects on display.
You’ll find textiles, jewellery, ceramics, costumes and decorative objects, with the peacock appearing in everything from intricate embroidery to elaborate patterns and ornaments.
This is where it’s worth slowing down and looking closely. The craftsmanship is often in the details — the way feathers have been rendered, the colours used and how the motif has been incorporated into an object.
If you enjoy traditional textiles and decorative arts, there’s plenty here to appreciate.
The Peacock in Peranakan Culture
The exhibition then brings the focus closer to home, exploring the place of the peacock within Peranakan culture.
The motif appears in Peranakan objects and traditions, including pieces connected with weddings and celebrations.
This section is particularly interesting because it puts the familiar Peranakan aesthetic into context. Instead of simply admiring the colours and patterns, you get a better understanding of why certain motifs were considered meaningful and auspicious.
Follow the Peacock Across Cultures
The story doesn’t stop with Peranakan culture.
The exhibition also looks at representations of the peacock in Chinese, Indian and other Asian traditions, showing how the bird has been interpreted in different cultural and religious contexts.
Rather than suggesting that the peacock has one universal meaning, the exhibition lets you see how its symbolism changes depending on where and how it is used.
It’s an interesting reminder that motifs and artistic influences have travelled across borders for centuries.
A Few Things for Kids to Do
For families, there are some hands-on elements to look out for.
The exhibition is recommended for children aged 5 and above and includes an activity trail. There are also activities where children can create a peacock belt using embossing techniques and make a 3D peacock model using stencils.
There’s also Peacock Paradise, a hologram experience featuring peacocks and their movements.
These additions make the exhibition a little more approachable for children who may not be quite as interested in spending time looking at traditional objects.
Don’t Miss “Thousand Eyes”
Another highlight is “Thousand Eyes” by artist Ernest Goh.
The work takes the peacock beyond its traditional cultural associations and explores its relationship with nature, ecology and human fascination with the bird.
It adds a contemporary perspective to an exhibition that otherwise takes you through centuries of cultural and artistic traditions.
Peacock Power: What You Need to Know
🦚 Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures
🏛️ Peranakan Museum
📍 39 Armenian Street, Singapore 179941
🗓️ 31 October 2025 - 30 August 2026
🕙 Monday - Thursday & Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
👧 Recommended for: Ages 5+
Our take
What I liked about Peacock Power is that it not only presents you something to look at but also something to think about.
The objects are beautiful, but the exhibition doesn't stop at the visual appeal of the peacock. It gives you a glimpse into how a single motif can carry different meanings and take on different forms across cultures.
If you're looking for a museum visit with a mix of art, culture, history and a few hands-on elements for kids, this is one to catch before it ends on 30 August 2026.