The next time you’re out for foodie pursuits near Tanjong Pagar, consider adding a dash of historical insight to the pie. A new gallery has just opened within the 136-year-old Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church (TACMC) – a national monument that you’ve probably passed by multiple times, perhaps even daily during your work commute, but likely never paid much heed to amidst the everyday hubbub.
As the first church for the Chinese Methodist population in Singapore, TACMC certainly has stories to tell, harking all the way back to the pre-war era. During World War II, this very building – whose design is a mix of European and Oriental architectural styles – shielded the vulnerable from Japanese troops, and its bell served as a warning for airstrikes.
Today, visitors will be able to hear that same bell chiming through one of many interactive points at the heritage gallery, which stretches across four floors of the church. Wartime scenes will be brought to life through the use of AR technology, and plenty of actual artefacts from those bygone days remain on display.
Just a note: The church is still operational and hosts services to this day. Be sure to remain respectful and keep noise levels to a minimum when entering this place of worship.
Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church’s Heritage Gallery is open for free-and-easy visits on Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays, from 10am to 5pm. Tours are also available. Find out more here.
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