Singapore's Chinatown Heritage Centre has opened with an updated visitor experience that tells the story of Chinatown’s evolution from a Chinese migrant settlement to heritage precinct.
Visitors to the Centre can expect a comprehensive narrative on Chinatown that goes beyond the 1960s, a collection of stories from within the community, exploration of Chinatown’s multi-ethnicity, clan associations, nightlife and heritage businesses and enhanced multi-sensory features such as soundscapes, multimedia content and interactive story panels.These are complemented by a line-up of immersive tours and events.
Closed since October 2014, the Centre will be operated by Chinatown Heritage Centre, a consortium between Singapore River Cruise, Journeys and Splash Entertainment.
Director of Cultural Precincts Development for the Singapore Tourism Board Kenneth Lim said, “As Chinatown evolves and increasingly discerning visitors seek more authentic and in-depth experiences, we saw the need to rejuvenate the Chinatown Heritage Centre to reflect the dynamic nature of the precinct, including that of a new generation that is continuing the legacy of their forefathers,”
He added: “We hope that the Centre will be a living interpretive centre that will inspire visitors to explore the precinct at a deeper level, and for the locals to gain a deeper appreciation of their heritage.”
The Centre will also host a regular line-up of temporary exhibitions and community events in a new exhibition gallery and event space. The first exhibition features Chinese New Year customs and traditions of various dialect groups. The exhibition runs till March 2016, and is part of “My Father Tongue” – a social campaign that aims to revitalise the use of dialects among young people.
Tours can be arranged for groups led by guides posing as traditional 'Chinese' characters, such as a Samsui woman or trishaw rider.
