The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH), a significant historical and cultural landmark in Singapore, will temporarily close its doors from September 16, 2024, until 2027 for extensive restoration and gallery enhancements. This closure marks the first major redevelopment of the National Monument since its last upgrade in 2011.
A Historic Landmark Undergoes Renewal
Known as Wan Qing Yuan, SYSNMH has a rich history dating back to 1902 when it served as the residence and revolutionary base of Sun Yat Sen, the key figure behind the overthrow of the Qing dynasty in 1912. Over the years, the Memorial Hall has also become a beloved cultural hub, hosting popular festivals such as the Wan Qing Festival of Spring, Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival, and Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival. Designated as a National Monument in 1994 and reopened as a heritage institution in 2011 under the National Heritage Board (NHB), the Memorial Hall stands as a testament to Singapore’s Chinese heritage and its connection to global history.
The upcoming restoration will include vital repairs and restoration treatments to the building’s facade, ornamental features, and roof. These efforts aim to preserve the Memorial Hall’s architectural integrity and enhance the visitor experience. Alongside structural improvements, the Memorial Hall’s permanent galleries will undergo a content refresh, with new artefacts and exhibits being introduced to ensure the relevance and impact of the institution.
A Grand Send-Off: Wan Qing Closing Fest
Before the closure, SYSNMH is inviting the public to celebrate its legacy with the Wan Qing Closing Fest, taking place on the weekends of September 7-8 and September 14-15. The festival will highlight Singapore’s Chinese culture and traditions through performances, workshops, and guided tours. Visitors can start the festivities early on August 20 with the light-up of the outdoor lantern installation, Moonlit Legends, featuring iconic characters like the moon goddess Chang’e and the jade rabbits. This 10th edition of the festive installation will be the largest ever, covering extensive areas of the Memorial Hall grounds.
Among the festival highlights is Secrets in the Moon Palace, a mystery puzzle adventure set in the Memorial Hall’s galleries, where participants must solve clues to ensure the safe return of Chang’e and her entourage to the Moon Palace. For those looking to delve deeper into traditional Chinese culture, Timeless Elegance offers the chance to dress in hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) and capture memories in a studio setting or while exploring the Memorial Hall grounds.
The Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2024 will anchor the second weekend of the celebration with themed activities, craft stations, live performances, and a festive food fair. The weekend will also see the premiere of Moonlit Memories, an original skit by local playwright Teo Pei Si inspired by the Memorial Hall’s history and impending closure.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Legacy
Although the Memorial Hall will be closed for approximately 2.5 years, SYSNMH plans to maintain its presence in the community through offsite programs, traveling exhibitions, and collaborations with partners. These initiatives aim to continue promoting Singapore’s Chinese culture and heritage until the Memorial Hall reopens in 2027, ready to welcome visitors to a rejuvenated and refreshed experience.
