ASIA

by Robin Blackburn, Manager

The Changi Museum is dedicated to all who suffered during the dark years of World War II.

Through letters, photographs, drawings and personal artefacts, the museum chronicles the compelling story of POWs and civilian internees during their years in captivity. It is a story about great adversity, inspiration and remarkable heroism.

Galleries trace the history of Changi from a rustic village to its role in the defence of Singapore and its transformation into a large internment camp in 1942.

Standing in the courtyard is the Changi Chapel – a symbolic replica of simple churches and chapels built by internees as places of comfort and solace. Today the Changi Chapel is a point of pilgrimage for veterans and families of ex-POWs.

Replicas of the famous Changi Murals and the Changi Quilts are on display in testimony to the spirit of resourcefulness and ingenuity that kept morale up and ultimately ensured survival.

Paying tribute to all who fought for the defence of Singapore and Malaya, is the section ‘We Remember’.

Through sketches, drawings and paintings, the ‘Wartime Artists’ section captures intimate details of men, women and children behind the walls and barbed wire.

The museum’s Giftshop offers an excellent selection of books on World War II, military interest and general Singapore history and culture.

The museum also has its own publications for sale including the reprint of the book ‘History of Changi’ by Henry Probert and ‘The Changi Murals: A Personal Viewpoint’ by Wally Hammond.

To learn more, take our Audio Tour, which weaves a complete picture of the museum exhibits and stories of Changi. S$8/Adults, S$4/Child (12 and under).

There are also two ‘Changi Museum War Trails’ available. These coach tours were created by the museum with our associate company, Journeys.

1. ‘End of Empire – Singapore 1942 (A Battlefield Tour)’. Intricate strategies, subtle plots, great follies, explosive action – we take you through the intense fire of battle and the fog of war that led to the fall of Singapore. Get to know them – the British, Australian, Indian and Malayan defenders. Uncover the realities behind seductive myths and propaganda.

Includes: Labrador Park/Drive Past Alexandra Hospital/Mt Faber/Kranji War Cemetery. Every Wednesday, 2pm to 5.30pm. S$45/Adult, S$30/Child (7 to 12 years).

2. ‘Changi WWII’. Once the site of many POW camps during the Japanese Occupation, Changi has gone down in history as a place of great pain, torture and human suffering. The Changi WWII trail commemorates the fight of brave men and women during battle and internment. Hear their stories.

Includes: Changi Museum/Changi Beach & Village/Johore Battery/Outside Changi Prison & Selarang Barracks. Every Saturday, 10am to 1pm. S$45/Adult, S$30/Child

For Changi Museum War Trails, reservations via phone or email by 5pm the day before will be appreciated. Call Journeys on +65 63251631 or email fun@singaporewalks.com.

The Bark Café located next to the museum, offers a range of local and western cuisine in a charming alfresco atmosphere.

Address: 1000 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507707
Tel: +65-62142451
Homepage: http://www.changimuseum.com/
Days closed: None
Admission: Free