Indian Heritage Centre Marks 10 Years with New Artefacts, Gallery Rotations, and Community Celebrations

The Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) celebrates its 10th anniversary in May 2025 with a vibrant slate of programmes, a major gallery refresh, and the unveiling of 60 new artefacts—marking a decade as Singapore’s cultural cornerstone for Indian history and heritage.

Since opening its doors in 2015, IHC has welcomed over 1.6 million visitors and played a pivotal role in highlighting the rich, living heritage of Singapore’s Indian community. Its community-focused exhibitions have explored the stories of diverse sub-groups—from the Chetti Melaka and Malayalee to Sikh and Tamil communities—through ground-breaking, co-curated showcases.

This year, the celebration continues with IHC’s first major rotation of artefacts in its Permanent Galleries. Timed with the upcoming SG60 celebrations in 2025, the refreshed galleries will feature 60 artefacts, many on public display for the first time. Drawn from Singapore’s National Collection and community donations, these objects reveal the layered history of South Asian migration, trade, and cultural exchange with Southeast Asia. Notable highlights include a hand-drawn Kalamkari Wall Hanging from Masulipatnam and a vibrant Bommai Golu doll display used during Navaratri.

The first phase of the gallery update launched in March 2025, focusing on early contact and migration narratives in galleries 1 and 2. The second phase, spotlighting community life and contributions, will follow in September with updates to galleries 3 to 5.

Complementing this milestone is the IHC10 Open House on 10 and 11 May, held in conjunction with the Singapore HeritageFest. Visitors can look forward to the debut of the Soapbox Gallery Tour, immersive Peranakan Indian Wedding and Lunch Trail experiences, hands-on craft activities, live community performances, and free IHC10 tote bags and magnets.

The year-long IHC10 celebrations also include:

• A digital campaign featuring the 60 new artefacts
• Monthly IHC10 Special Workshops with commemorative souvenirs
• Refreshed, child-friendly spaces with interactive learning on levels 3 and 4 (from June)
• Updated educational resources for students (from September)
• Festival programmes and community events with heritage partners

IHC10 Open House This May

Step into a weekend of culture, celebration, and community as the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) marks its 10th anniversary with a vibrant IHC10 Open House on 10 and 11 May 2025. Held in conjunction with the Singapore HeritageFest 2025, this milestone event invites everyone to experience the depth and diversity of Indian heritage through all-new programmes and immersive activities.

One of the highlights is the debut of the Soapbox Gallery Tour, where passionate storytellers bring the newly showcased artefacts to life through engaging tales of Singapore’s Indian communities. Visitors will also get to revisit fan favourites, including the Peranakan Indian Wedding Experience and Peranakan Indian Lunch Trail, celebrating the unique traditions of the Chetti Melaka community.

Throughout the weekend, enjoy drop-in craft activities, community performances, free snacks and tea, and take home a limited-edition IHC10 tote bag or magnet by participating in any IHC10 programme.

But the celebrations don’t stop there. The IHC10 anniversary kicks off a year-long series of special programmes, including:

• Monthly IHC10 Special Workshops, each offering a popular hands-on experience and a commemorative souvenir
• A digital showcase of 60 new artefacts introduced in the IHC’s permanent gallery rotation
• New child-friendly spaces on levels 3 and 4 (from June), featuring interactive and sensory experiences for young learners
• Updated educational resources in the galleries (from September), tailored for preschool to secondary-level students
• Community festivals and events with heritage partners

Admission to the galleries is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, and the centre is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 6pm.

Join the festivities and explore 10 years of Indian heritage in Singapore—visit here for more details.