Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall to close for restoration from mid-Sept (2024)

SINGAPORE - The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall will close from Sept 16 till 2027 for renovation, more than a decade since its last major revamp in 2011.

The renovation includes restoration and repainting of the building facade and artisanal works to be done to the building’s ornamental features, as well as necessary repairs for areas such as the roof.

The permanent galleries will also be revamped, including having their content enhanced.

Also known as Wan Qing Yuan, the building in Tai Gin Road in Balestier was gazetted as a national monument in 1994.

In 2023, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said in Parliament that the memorial hall and National Museum of Singapore were scheduled for restoration, along with the former Istana Kampong Glam and the Istana.

He added that national monuments are regularly restored to preserve the buildings for future generations.

The general manager of the memorial hall, Mr Winston Lim, told The Straits Times the building and galleries are showing signs of wear and tear due to the age of the building and the increase in visitors over the years.

The restoration and repair will be done in accordance with the preservation guidelines for national monuments.

“It is necessary for us to upkeep our nationally significant buildings beyond the regular maintenance work to safeguard them against deterioration,” Mr Lim said.

“Costs may sometimes increase exponentially if physical deterioration is not arrested in time.”

The undisclosed renovation costs will be funded by the Government with contributions from the Chinese Singaporean community.

Artefacts in the custodianship of the National Heritage Board will be kept in storage or sent for conservation treatment as required.

Artefacts on loan from various parties will be returned to the lenders until a decision is made on which of them to display after the revamp.

During its closure spanning about 2½ years, the memorial hall will continue to engage Singaporeans through off-site programmes such as travelling exhibitions, festivals and joint programmes to be held with partners.

Historical and cultural significance

Built in 1902, the double-storey villa became the residence and base for Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat Sen, who was instrumental in overthrowing the Qing Dynasty to establish a Chinese republic in 1912.

Besides its historical significance, the memorial hall has established itself as a cultural destination with signature festivals such as the Wan Qing Festival of Spring, Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival and Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival.

When it reopens, visitors will be given an enhanced experience that showcases the rich heritage of the Chinese Singaporean community, with the revamped galleries featuring exhibits that offer deeper insights into the community’s history, Mr Lim said.

Visitors can better appreciate and soak in the charm and beauty of the 20th-century villa. There will also be new programmes for all.

Wan Qing Closing Fest

Before the temporary closure, a Wan Qing Closing Fest will be held across the weekends of Sept 7 and 8 and Sept 14 and 15 at the memorial hall.

There will be performances, workshops and tours showcasing Chinese culture and traditions.

From Aug 20, there will be a light-up of the outdoor lantern installation titled Moonlit Legends.

It features legendary characters associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Sept 17.

These include the moon goddess Chang’e, immortal woodcutter Wu Gang and the jade rabbits. Admission is free.

Other programme highlights include Secrets In The Moon Palace, a mystery-puzzle adventure set in the galleries where participants can unravel clues as they ensure the safe return of Chang’e and her royal entourage to the Moon Palace.

Timeless Elegance, another programme, will offer visitors the opportunity to dress up in hanfu (Chinese traditional wear) and take photographs with the memorial hall as a backdrop.

Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2024 will anchor the closing festival’s second weekend with attractions such as craft stations, performances on the lawn and a festive food fair.

Another highlight of the second weekend is the premiere of Moonlit Memories, an original Chinese skit by local playwright Teo Pei Si, which is inspired by the memorial hall’s legacy and upcoming closure.