Malay Heritage Centre
Location
SingaporeClient
National Heritage BoardSurface area
99,566 sq ft / 9,249 m2Completion date
2012
The Malay Heritage Centre is a conservation project and multifunctional visitor centre on the compound of the istana, the ancient residence of the sultan of Singapore. The centre includes a permanent exhibition, two temporary exhibition galleries, a theatre, a garden, workshops, and offices.
GSM Project was mandated to design the centre as a cultural hub, a place developing creative potential, instilling a sense of identity, and encouraging contributions from the community.
The exhibition narrative is site-specific, using the collection and the physical environment to tell true stories of community pioneers. Central to the storytelling is the idea that Kampong Glam and the istana itself are ideal starting points for a broader exploration of Malay heritage.
Based on research conducted by GSM Project, the architecture of the istana has been restored to its original condition, giving the visitor a rare opportunity to see the building as it would have appeared in the past. The design of the exhibition respectfully disengages from this original architecture, favouring neutrality in things like choice of colours and using sound, film, and other media to evoke the intangible human elements of the Malay story.
Summary
The Malay Heritage Centre is a conservation project and multifunctional visitor centre on the compound of the istana, the ancient residence of the sultan of Singapore. GSM Project was mandated to design the centre as a cultural hub, a place developing creative potential, instilling a sense of identity, and encouraging contributions from the community.