# Tjong A Fie Mansion | Museum of A Figure of Medan in the Past Tjong A Fie Mansion, also often spelled Tjong A Fie Mansion, is one of Medan's most valuable historical icons and architectural gems. Located in the historic Kesawan district of Medan, this mansion is more than just an old building, but a living museum, a silent witness to the journey of a successful immigrant. It also reflects Medan's multicultural life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tjong A Fie's Role in Medan To understand this mansion, it's important to know its owner. Tjong A Fie (1860–1921) was a Hakka immigrant from China who arrived in the Dutch East Indies empty-handed. Through hard work and business acumen, including the Sultanate of Deli and the Dutch colonial government, he became a successful entrepreneur, banker, and philanthropist. He was a very wealthy and respected man. He was appointed Kapitan Tionghoa (Majoor der Chineezen), a leader of the Chinese community tasked with bridging communication between his citizens and the government. Tjong A Fie was known as a generous and inclusive figure, contributing significantly to the development of Medan, including funding the construction of the Al-Mashun Grand Mosque and Maimun Palace. If you're planning to visit this museum, it's a good idea to choose a comprehensive [Medan tour package](https://switourmedan.com/) that includes visits to various attractions, including the Tjong A Fie Mansion. History and Architecture of the Mansion Construction: The mansion was built in 1895 and completed around 1900. It was designed as a residence for Tjong A Fie, his wife, and children. Architectural Style: The mansion's uniqueness lies in its eclectic architectural style. The building is a harmonious blend of three major cultures: Chinese: This is evident in the building's layout, which follows Feng Shui principles, the presence of an ancestral altar, an open courtyard, intricate wood carvings, and distinctive Chinese ornaments. Malay: Malay influences are evident in several decorative elements, the use of wood, and the roof design, which is adapted to the tropical climate. European (Art Nouveau/Victorian): European influences are strongly evident in the use of large windows, colorful stained glass, imported Spanish and Italian floor tiles, and several Art Nouveau-style furnishings and interior details. The building structure consists of two stories with a total of 35 rooms, designed to maintain privacy while facilitating social and business activities. What Can You See Inside the Mansion? After being opened to the public as a museum by his descendants, visitors can explore most of the mansion's areas and experience the luxurious lifestyle of the Peranakan elite of the time. Many people now want to learn more about the Tjong A Fie Mansion. The Medan Tour Package program makes this an optional attraction. This is because not everyone is interested in heritage attractions like the Tjong A Fie Mansion. However, this attraction will be included in the tour program upon prior request. Below is a brief explanation of what can be seen at the Tjong A Fie Mansion: Ground Floor: Main Living Room: Where Tjong A Fie received important guests, from Dutch officials to the Sultan of Deli. Ancestral Altar: The most sacred room in the house, where the family performs rituals to honor their ancestors. It is decorated with detailed gilded wood carvings. Central Courtyard: Two open courtyards that function to circulate air and natural light, in keeping with Chinese architectural philosophy. Dining Room: Furnished with a long dining table and antique furniture. Third Wife's Bedroom: The bedroom of Lim Koei Yap, a Malay wife from Penang, demonstrating the blend of cultures in her personal life. Upstairs: Ballroom: A spacious room with beautiful wooden floors, where the Tjong A Fie family held parties and social events. Tjong A Fie's Bedroom: The master bedroom with original furnishings, including a beautifully carved wooden bed. Children's Bedroom and Living Room: Showcasing the daily life of the Tjong A Fie family. Photo and Artifact Collection: Throughout the mansion, historical photographs are displayed that chronicle the life of Tjong A Fie, his family, and the past conditions of Medan. There are also letters, business documents, and other personal belongings. Historical and Cultural Value The Tjong A Fie Mansion, as a tourist attraction in the Medan Tour Package, is significant because: Symbol of Tolerance and Multiculturalism: The mansion is a physical testament to the harmonious coexistence of ethnic Chinese, Malays, and Europeans in Medan. Window on Economic History: Witnessing the golden age of the Deli tobacco plantations, during which Medan rapidly developed into a metropolis. Architectural Heritage: One of the finest and best-preserved examples of Chinese-Peranakan architecture in Indonesia. Inspirational Story: Immortalizing the story of an immigrant who succeeded through hard work and generosity, a story that remains relevant today. Another example is his brother, Tjong Yong Hian, who was also a philanthropist in Medan during his time. **Other Tour Packages organized by SWI Tour & Travel:** Besides Takal Kuda, there are three other peaks on Mount Sibayak. These are Pilar Peak (2,101 meters above sea level), Deleng Pintau Peak (2,212 meters above sea level), and the Outer Rim (2,000 meters above sea level). The uniqueness of this mountain [Medan hiking tour](https://switourmedan.com/mount-sibayak-hiking-medan/) lies in its summit. The summit of Mount Sibayak appears shattered and irregular. This condition is caused by several eruptions that have occurred on Mount Sibayak. [Bukit Lawang jungle trekking](https://switourmedan.com/bukit-lawang-jungle-trekking/) is a renowned activity, home to over 5,000 Sumatran orangutans. But don't assume that's all there is to it. Here, you can also encounter gibbons, hornbills, tigers, and wild elephants in Gunung Leuser National Park. Visitor Information Location: Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani No. 105, Kesawan, West Medan, Medan City. Status: A museum managed by a family foundation and open to the public (admission fee required). Tours: Visitors are usually guided by a tour guide who explains the history of each room in detail, making the visit a highly informative experience. The Tjong A Fie Mansion is a must-see destination in Medan. It is not just a beautiful building, but a time travel experience that transports visitors back to Medan's glory days. Visiting this place provides a deep understanding of the city's history, stunning architecture, and the inspiring story of a figure who shaped the face of modern Medan.