Asian Civilisations Museum

Exterior design of Asian Civilisations Museum

Background Information

The Asian Civilisations museum is located at Empress Place Building and was opened to the public on 1 March 2003. John Frederick Adolphus MacNair was the architect and engineer of this building. Upon completion of original construction in 1865, it was intended for use as a Courthouse. In 1907, the placed was revamped to commemorate the visit of the Empress of India, Queen Victoria’s visit to Singapore. After 1959, when Singapore attained self-rule, it housed and operated several government municipal functions, such as the Immigration Department, the Muslim Registry of Religious Council of Singapore, the Registry of Births and Deaths and the Singapore Citizenship Registry. As there was an increase in complexities of functions, the existing space was insufficient to support government facilities, and they subsequently moved out. In 7 April 1989, after 14 months of renovation, the first showcase of major Chinese dynasties did not attract the following that it needed to stay afloat and closed in 1995. In a bid to preserve and promote heritage in Singapore, the National Heritage Board labelled this place as a national monument in 1992, and re-opened it as an Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) in 2003 – a second wing showing Asian Civilisation on top of its existing branch at Armenian Street. It has since gone through multiple phases of revamping and re-construction. Today, it is the first museum in the region to present a broad, yet integrated perspective of pan-Asian cultures and civilisations. This is reflective of the roots of Singapore’s historic past, which stemmed from our forefathers who came from diverse regions. Therefore, the focus on this museum is to demonstrate the material cultures of the different groups originating from China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia. 

When we entered the building, the designs and architectural form adopts a neoclassical European Style, underscoring Singapore’s colonial past under the British Rule. The first storey is a reception area for visitors and has 2 open galleries to house seasonal exhibitions to showcase the history, people and cultures of major civilisations. During our visit, 1 gallery spot was opened to the public to exhibit the history of Zodiac Symbols. 

Singapore and Southeast Asia Collections on the Second Floor

On the second floor, there are 11 galleries which permanently house 5 components: Singapore River, Southeast Asia, West Asia, China and South Asia collections. In the former, it provides information on the roles of this river to the commercial and social life in the history of Singapore. These presentations of findings are anchored on pictures and archaeological digs.  They are also a continuous emphasis of how trade has promoted the prosperity and affluence to Singapore.

In the latter, there is a showcase of over 1300 artefacts from the Museum's growing collections on the civilisations of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia/Islam. Some collections include recent acquisitions as well as artefacts inherited from the historic Southeast Asian ethnographic collection of the former Raffles Museum. It is also noteworthy that the gallery employs state-of-the-art technologies to ensure that the experience of the tour would be as relevant and realistic as possible.

Reflections

The Asian Civilization Museum is an overview of cultures found in pan-Asia, and it reflects the cultural make-up of Singapore’s multi-ethnic society. I find the experience in this place to be enriching, because there is really a repertoire of information displayed. There is a good effort to consolidate various cultural aspects in a single space, but I find it a bit messy and there are chunks of long paragraphs. The presentation of information on the boards is slightly verbose and I think the museum can use different layouts, colours and fonts to make the viewing experience a more appealing one. Interestingly, most of the visitors present in the museum were foreigners. There were barely any locals present, except for our group. I think this is something we can work on: to encourage locals to see the importance of heritage and recognise that it is the duty and responsibility of every local to see heritage as their own.  

There are also cases when there are artefacts displayed in the Southeast Asian and India sections, but no interpretations, except for a simple label. I find it to be exceptionally puzzling, because visitors would simply walk past without a firm understanding of what they have seen. It occurred to me that this museum was more of an avenue of visual satisfaction, than a provision and dispensary of learning experiences. Whether or not this museum has been appealing to them is open to debate, but I believe there must be a purpose for putting artefacts in the museum. Hence, I am sure there could be more curators around to deconstruct and explain the significance of these artefacts.

Trivia

Do you know that the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) was named the top museum in Singapore and ranked ninth in Asia? Also, the restored building won the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s 2003 Architectural Heritage Award.

Suggested Activity

Research on all the accolades of Asian Civilisation Museum since its re-opening in 2003.

A Group Picture Outside the Asian Civilisations Museum

Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall

The Exterior Design of Victoria Theatre

Background Information

This National Monument, which was gazetted in 14 February 1992 by the National Heritage Board, consists of a Town Hall (completed in 1862), a Memorial Hall (built in 1905) and a clock tower (built in 1906). In June 2010, the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall was closed for major renovations and refurbishments. During this period, a passageway connecting the theatre and concert hall was converted into an air-conditioned public atrium. 

Getting closer to the architecture

Similar to the Asian Civilizations Museum, the design adopts a European Neoclassical Palladian style – a common style for buildings in 19^th Century British Singapore. 

The Assembly Rooms, which hosted local dramas and operas, were dilapidated and the authorities felt the need for a new facility. Hence, the new town hall was built to serve as a theatre on its ground floor and house government functions, such as offices and a meeting room, on its second floor. As a result of an increase in administrative functions, the offices gradually moved out. In 1901, a resolution was passed to build a memorial hall to remember the memories of Queen Victoria. The design was to integrate the existing Victoria Town Hall and the new building was to be named as Victoria Memorial Hall in 1905. At the same time, the Town Hall was renamed Victoria Theatre. Before the construction, the colonial government raised $368,000 with $28,000 to spare. The extra cash was used to refurbish the theatre in the Town Hall and to unify the facades of the two buildings. In 1906, a 54-metre clock tower was erected to join the two buildings. In 1979, the Victoria Memorial Hall was renovated and renamed Victoria Concert Hall.

Third Floor of Victoria Concert Hall – Exhibition Booth Showcasing the Changes It Lived Through

The Victoria Concert Hall played a critical role in Singapore’s political landscape. During World War II, it served as a hospital for the wounded and was the location for the trial of Japanese war criminals after their surrender. From 1948, the Hall became pivotal for the conducting of various civil and constitutional functions. It was a meeting place for the briefing of election officials and the counting of ballot papers. On 21 November 1954, the People’s Action Party (PAP) held their inaugural meeting in this place.

Between 1952 and 1958, the buildings underwent major renovations with the interiors restructured so that air-conditioning and soundproofing could be added. In 1979, it was renovated again, with a gallery added to bring the total seating capacity to 937. It has since been the home of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO).

In 2014, renovation works for both halls were completed. To promote intimacy and old-world charm, the seating capacity for the theatre and concert hall was reduced. The theatre now has 614 seats compared to 900 and the seating capacity for the concert hall reduced from 883 to 673 seats.

Reflections

Personally, I think it is interesting that despite its multiple renovations and changes in functions since its inception, the local authorities and engineers have retained the original architectural flavour of a Palladian style. Even today, it has not lost its cultural significance as a centre for the fine arts.  However, when I was there with my Heritage Trail friends in the afternoon, the place was almost empty. Perhaps, this place is only crowded when there are specific events or concerts, and more specifically, in the evenings when musicals or symphonic orchestra begin their performance.

I think that the local authorities can do more to reduce the monotony of this place in the day, maximize its usage and promote vibrancy. For example, every month there could be a theme, and local performers or artistes who wish to showcase their talent may come to the atrium at Victoria Concert Hall. It could be one of the many ways for amateurs in this scene to step up and gain exposure and experience in stage-performing. More school art exhibitions can also take place in the atrium, and I think it is a useful avenue for tourists to gain an understanding of the budding arts and cultural scene in Singapore, and a way for niche organizations to search and groom potential students who are talented in this area. 

Trivia

Do you know that the building and construction of the atrium which connects the theatre and concert hall seamlessly and the refurbishment cost $158 million?

Suggested Activity

Find out how many local and international concerts are conducted annually in this place.

A Group Picture at the Atrium of Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall

Raffles Landing Site

Raffles Landing Site

Background Information

This statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, sculpted by Thomas Woolner, is a national iconic representation located at Empress Place, in front of Victoria Memorial Hall, immortalizing his instrumental role of establishing Singapore as a vital trading post. This statue depicts Raffles in an upright position, arms folded, with an unambiguous demeanour of confidence, demonstrating his figure of authority and glorifying his contributions to Singapore. It is important to note that this statue is actually a copy of the original dark bronze statue, and was placed here in 1969 on the 150th anniversary of Singapore’s founding. This should not be confused with the original dark bronze statue currently located in front of the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall in Empress Place, which was unveiled on Jubilee Day on 27 June 1887.

Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles was a British Colonial Official with the East India Company. He and William Farquhar, a former British resident at Amboina, were on the lookout for a strategically situated way station in the Malay Archipelago which would play in the East the role Malta was playing in the West. He planned the city, prepared laws, and laid the foundation of the Singapore Institution, a Malay school.

Reflections

I think that where Raffles is situated in the urban landscape is strategic and deliberated, and it prominently exhibits people’s open admiration for his contributions towards Singapore. Many would also conveniently assume that where the statue is placed would be where Raffles first stepped foot, since it is located just beside the Singapore River. It is near many tourist hallmarks and against a backdrop of high-rise urban buildings. Hence, it feels to me that this structure is installed with elements of didacticism and it could be to honour the memory of Raffles and educate the young on the significance of Raffles’ contributions to Singapore.

A bronze shield is also affixed to the base of the granitic pedestal, with an inscription indicating that Raffles’ “genius and perception changed the destiny of Singapore from an obscure fishing village to a great seaport and modern metropolis”. The colour of this inscription directly juxtaposes the ‘white statue’, and it makes it very apparent and perceptible to any locals or foreigners who walk past the statue.

A statue of Raffles acquired a symbolic significance which far transcended the historical reality that he founded Singapore, yet this claim is met with competing definitions of what a “founder” means. If a “founder” would refer to one who introduced colonization to Singapore and planned Singapore to be on the global map for its extensive entrepot activities, then Sir Stamford Raffles is unequivocally the best option. Otherwise, if a “founder” is one who has carried out the process of developing its political, social and economic attributes, then it would be useful to consider Major-General William Farquhar (1st Resident of Singapore) or Dr. John Crawford (2nd Resident of Singapore).

With the statue of Raffles built at the heart of the urban town, I also feel that society might have implicitly endorsed the perceived benefits of the British legacy in relation to Singapore’s early development. This might be true to some extent. However, it might have downplayed the counter-narratives that the British mostly acted in self-interest and the instances when the British did not consider the needs of Singaporeans in their decision-making during the colonial period.  

Trivia

Do you know why the statue was shifted from Padang, facing the sea, between St Andrew's Road and Connaught Drive to the Empress Place? This is because Padang used to be a popular football field for players to congregate. However, the statue was subjected to waylaid balls and was often used as a “box seat” during games. To ensure that this precious monument is not compromised, they moved it to Empress Place.

Suggested Activity

Consider names of historic figures who were critical in the founding of Singapore, but that no monuments were erected. 

Aspiring Historians at Raffles Landing Site

City Hall

Zoe posing with City Hall

Due to the ongoing construction of the National Gallery, we were not able to go into City Hall. Hence, we only managed to take a few pictures of the building and head towards the Old Supreme Court. 

National Gallery

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, at the 2005 National Day Rally Speech, gave a sneak peek into the government's plan to convert the Old Supreme Court Building and City Hall into a new national gallery. This project was then officially announced during the Singapore Biennale 2006. 

City Hall in Colonial Singapore

The land with which City Hall now stands were once occupied by the private residences of Dr William Montgomerie of the East India Company and Thomas Church, the Resident Councillor. In 1926, the two homes were demolished to make way for the Municipal Building which was used to accommodate the growing administrative services. Its name was changed to City Hall in 1951 with the proclamation of Singapore as a city by King George VI.

On-going Construction

Singapore’s City Council called it home until 1963 and, after its evacuation, several other government departments (Public Utilities Board, the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the former Ministry of Culture) had their offices here before the Singapore judiciary staked its claim. It was gazetted as a national monument in 1992

Trivia

The National Gallery is scheduled to be completed in 2015 and will be the largest visual arts venue in Singapore and the region.

Suggested Activity

Research on how much was spent by the National Heritage Board to renovate and refurbish the National Gallery.

Civilian War Memorial

Civilian War Memorial

"Chopsticks'"Can you see the Resemblance?

As a kid, whenever I passed through Raffles Boulevard, my parents would always point out the Civilian War Memorial and share stories of how my grandparents lived through the Japanese Occupation. My parents would always refer to it as "chopsticks" and that name stuck with me till today. Actually, the structure of the Civilian War Memorial comprises of four identical pillars that soars to more than 68 metres, symbolising the shared "war experiences" of the Chinese, Indians, Malays, and other races.

On 15 February 1962, mass war graves were found in Siglap. The Straits Times reported the discovery of five separate war graves located in a "Valley of Tears" in the Siglap area. It was believed that they were the remains of the victims of the Sook Ching Massacre. The massacre by the Japanese took place during their occupation from 1942 to 1945 where Chinese men were rounded up, machine-gunned and buried in the beaches of Singapore. The remains were uncovered during sandwashing operations in an area off the 7.5-mile Siglap Road. The Civilian War Memorial is built over a burial chamber that contains these exhumed remains from the mass graves.The Monument was unveiled by then Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew on 15 February 1967, the 25th anniversary of the fall of Singapore. Since its completion and unveiling, every year on 15 February, ex-servicemen, families and others gather at the memorial to commemorate that fateful day.

Trivia

Remembering the Dead

Partnership with the Government

The $750,000 construction cost for the War Memorial was jointly funded by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Government.  The funds were taken from the $25 million paid by the Japanese Government to the Singapore Government as atonement for the atrocities committed during Japan's occupation of Singapore.

Group Photo :)

Suggested Activity

Find out what are the events that are carried out annually at the Civilian War Memorial,