Conserving History

Although a small nation, Singapore has a rich and vibrant past compressed into its relatively short history. Conserving History is a study of Singapore museums that are housed in heritage buildings. Spanning differing architectural styles, the book chronicles the richness and diversity of these 17 buildings. An exploration of the design language of the buildings is made, both in terms of architectural styles and also the interior design. To bring depth, richness and life to the account, the book delves into the original use of the building, the reason for the commission, and the cultural and societal influences which surrounded the initial construction of the buildings. To bring contextual significance, the immediate environs of the building are explored within the historical period of its commissioning.

With each museum we will traverse its history, the changes that it went through leading up to the commissioning of the building both as a heritage site and also as a museum. Leading into present times, the focus of the book will be on the exhibits it houses and the plans for the future of these buildings.

The intention is to take the reader into a journey of these 17 remarkable buildings and through personification, they will leave the book with a deep appreciation of each structure’s individual character and identity.