After three years since it was closed for a major redevelopment, Changi Chapel and Museum is finally reopening its doors on May 19. The museum is, arguably, the most iconic of World War II (WWII) sites in Singapore – never mind the fact that the museum is housed in a purpose-built venue, and the chapel is a reconstruction (the original was shipped to Australia after the war).
Following the update, the commemorative site features new content and artefacts showcased in an intimate and engaging format. History buffs can look forward to artefacts that complement those in other WWII sites such as the Former Ford Factory, and Reflections of Bukit Chandu which is set to reopen later this year.
At Changi Chapel and Museum, the main interest lies in the stories of industry and ingenuity within the Prisoners-of-War (POW) camps in Singapore. And with new multimedia offerings, you can uncover the lesser-known accounts of the internees, prison conditions back then, and legacies left behind by three and a half years of the Japanese Occupation through an enhanced immersive experience.
Other key highlights here include old favourites such as a section of the Changi Prison Wall, a Morse code device that was concealed in a matchbox used by POWs, and replicas of various biblical murals that were painted to provide spiritual solace during the war. If it all gets too much, the chapel, which is located in the courtyard of the museum, makes a good spot for some quiet reflection.
To welcome back visitors, the museum is hosting a digital reopening event via the museum’s official Facebook and YouTube pages on May 18 at 4pm. Tune in for interviews with families of former POWs who have contributed to the revamp, a curator’s highlights tour of the museum, and a tribute to the former POWs and civilian internees at Changi prison camp.
That's not all – you can also enjoy free admission from May 19 to 30. However, to better regulate the crowd and reduce waiting time, you are encouraged to pre-book your admission by timeslots online, and can do so for a maximum of two persons a week in advance. For more information, visit nhb.gov.sg/changichapelmuseum.
