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 19th
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
