EXPERIENTIAL GALLERY

Chinatown Heritage Centre

Impoverished Chinese Immigrants came to Singapore in the 19th Century in search of better lives, but found themselves in a strange land with harsh living conditions. These hardworking migrants banded together in the Chinese ethnic enclaves of Chinatown, and eventually became the pioneer forefathers of our nation.

“The CHC celebrates the spirits of our pioneers and retraces how Chinatown has evolved and remains in the heart of many Singaporeans today.”

Welcome to CHC

Step into the world of a Pagoda Street tailor and help to take an order through the telephone. Go behind into the workshop and listen to the banter of the seamstresses at work. Walk further to discover the living quarter and story of an apprentice.

A squalid heaven

The long and narrow corridor connects the many families who lived here, each plying a different trade and from different hometown. Listen to the conversations in the physician’s room or at the kitchen amidst the ambient sounds of that time.

Living hell

Here, visitors retrace the journey of the Chinese immigrant. The massive 3D projection map on a junk tells the story of the treacherous sea journey. Many did not make it through, but for those who did, a glowing red lantern on the harbor rekindled their hopes of better days.

Giving thanks in a brave new world

Having survived the journey, these Sinkeh (“new guests”) were immediately thrown into a frenzied world of strange sight, sound and smell. They had to quickly find a job and settle down so as to repay their loans for the journey.

The Chinatown

Raffles had divided the ethnic groups into different quarters, but even within the Chinese quarters, the Sinkehs formed their own enclaves based on dialects. The projection mapped interactive explored the make-up, culture, and trades of these different dialects in Chinatown.

Hidden World

These poor immigrants were without families or friends. And with the little money they saved, many turned to vices like opium, prostitution or gambling. Listen to the story of a prostitute amidst the gambling den chaos.

The Busy Streets

Chinatown was a bustling and vibrant marketplace. Storytellers, barbers, goldsmiths, food, letter writers, cinema on wheels, and operas are just some of the reasons why people came to Chinatown for.

Festivals

Set in an immersive theatre, this wall to floor projection showcases the multicultural festivals that were celebrated in Chinatown. Listen to first person narratives of how these festivals were celebrated.

The death street

Reflective and sombre, this is where the story of Sago lane is told. Having worked here their entire lives, and sent most of the savings home to relatives, many of these pioneers died alone in Sago lane. The old chapter of Chinatown closes, but lest we forget, the living legacy they left behind.

Thread of Continuity and Chinatown today

The Chinatown is a living history. Many trades had vanished, but many continued to thrive. Some heritage brands have even gone beyond the shores of Singapore, and some continue to draw visitors to Chinatown. View the stories of how many younger generations are taking up where their great grand parents have left off.

Official Website

Chinatown Heritage Centre