Asian Civilizations Museum

Free-access Singapore River Interpretive Gallery on the 2nd Level. It traces the history of the Singapore River.

Q: How is the history of Singapore River portrayed in the gallery?

 The gallery takes on a very everyday life approach. It describes and show the different aspects of life then. 

Coolies smoking opium

Coolies having their meals

 Opium equipment used

 Currency used

Travel Documents

The gallery shows other aspects such as entertainment of the people living by the Singapore River. The exhibits includes traditional Chinese instruments such as the Er Hu. The gallery shows the importance of the Singapore River during that time as a center for assemblies as well as its economic importance. It also shows the vibrancy of the Singapore River during that time and how it has transformed over time to what it is now. 

Singapore River

From Chettiars to Financiers 

The Great Emporium

 Statue of Raffles at the spot where he is believed to have landed on 29th January 1819

Marble Carving introducing Raffles.

Q: Consider this open adulation of a colonizer. What kind of impact does it have on a nation's history?

It credits and glorifies colonization of the nation, hence it may make the nation's identity blurred. In Singapore's case, this glorification is justified taking into account how the colonization has eventually set the foundation for future development.

Group Photo! ^^

Cavenagh Bridge

Named after  the last Governor of Singapore. Built in 1869, it is the oldest bridge on the Singapore River to survive its original incarnation. The bridge was prefabricated in Glasgow, shipped to Singapore and reassembled on arrival by the Scottish firm P&W MacLellan. It was one of the last major public works to be built by convict labor from India.

Q: Who was the bridge named after?

Cavenagh Bridge was named after Major-General (later Sir) William Orfeur Cavenagh, last Governor of Singapore (1859 - 1867) before it became a Crown Colony. 

Q: Should the bridge be renamed after one of our local heroes?

No. It was after all built by the British and the style of the bridge is Western. It would be odd if it was renamed after a local hero of another ethnicity. 

Q: There's a secret to the bridge. What is it?

 The bridge is weak.

Police notice erected at both ends of the bridge.

Group Photo! :D

As we made our way to Cavenagh Bridge, we found, The Kucinta Cats!

Site 4: The Fullerton Singapore 

Qn: What is the history of this building? 

 The Fullerton Building stands on a historical site which was once home to the Fullerton Fort and a small General Post Office. 

Opened in 1928, the Fullerton Building was purpose-built to be the new General Post Office. Generations of postmen worked in the building till the General Post Office moved in 1996. 

Today, this grand building continues to make history as The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. 

Qn: What about Fullerton Square? 

Fullerton Square , on the left of the Fullerton Building, was a popular venue for political rallies during the Singapore's General Elections until 1988. They were usually held during lunchtime to draw the office crowds who worked in the nearby commercial district. Many braved rain and shine to gather at Fullerton Square to listen to the legendary speeches of then- Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. 

Site 5: Merlion Park

Qn: Why the need for such a mythical icon?
Created by  Lim Nang Seng in 1972, the Merlion was a symbol representing Singapore. The fish in its design alludes to the idea of Singapore as a port city and its dependence on maritime trade, especially in the days of Temasek. The lion is a reference to a tale narrated in the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals), which describes how Malay king Sang Nila Utama reportedly encountered a lion when he first stepped on the shores of this island, leading him to rename Temasek Singapura ( “lion city” in Sanskrit). 



The Esplanade
Esplanade, the premier centre for the Arts in Singapore, was built on October 2002.This centre was the crown jewel of our local government's efforts to make Singapore culturally successful and noteworthy. 

The Esplanade defines our local cultural space because it dictates and embodies certain artistic standards and standards for selection and acceptance into the mainstream locally.

This venue has since became one of Singapore's attraction and has helped to contribute to the social and national good. It creates a sense of community and belonging to Singaporeans and also the vibrancy of Singapore as an international arts city. 

The Fullerton Waterboat House

Built by Hammer & Company in 1919, The Waterboat House supplies fresh water to incoming 

ships. This historic landmark had been reinvented with a deep appreciation of its classical 

architectural design. 

Raffles’ Town Plan Information Board

The Raffles Town Plan (1822), drawn up by Sir Stamford Raffles and Lieutenant P. Jackson,

together with a Town Planning Committee was aimed at curbing disorderly growth of 

settlement in Singapore.Through the Town Planning Committee, Sir Stamford Raffles, laid out plans 

with great foresight for the new Singapore town. There were clear instructions on the plan which 

include the layout and design of new buildings, shophouses and streets.  

No. 31, the former premises of the Gambier and Pepper Society has now become a restaurant and bar selling American food (Dallas Restaurant & Bar).

No. 45C, the former headquarters of the Rubber Trade Association has now become an Aluminium Company.

Rubber tyres are placed on the bows of the boats. Since the Singapore River is rather narrow, these rubber tyres serve as shock absorbers in case of collision with other boats or the quay.

Elgin Bridge, which links between North and South Bridge Roads, was named after Lord James Bruce Elgin. He was the Governor General of India (1862-1863), the 8^th Earl of Elgin, and the bridge was named after him to honor him.

The signature on the cast-iron lamps belongs to Cavaliere Rudolfo Nolli, an Italian sculptor, who was the designer of the lamps.

A bronze elephant was located beside the Old Parliament House. The elephant was a gift from King Chulalongkorn of Siam as a token of appreciation after his stay on the 15^th of March 1871.

 Group Photo! :)

The Old Parliament House was originally built as a residence for Scottish merchant John Argyle Maxwell. However, it was never used as a residential building. It was used as a Parliament of Singapore from 1965 to 1999.

Now, it is known as The Arts House where performances and art exhibitions are held.