The Changi Chapel and Museum is a space centred on a narrative of remembrance and reflection of the personal stories of prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians interned in Changi prison camp during the Japanese Occupation.
It features 114 artefacts across eight galleries that delve into the daily lives of the internees, their responses to the challenges they faced, and their eventual liberation.
Changi Chapel and Museum: Learn About WWII Across Eight Zones
When you first arrive at the Changi Chapel and Museum, one of the most striking features that you will come across is the outdoor, open air chapel.
FREE FOR LITTLE DAY OUT PARENTS: Sign Up for a Free Trial with ACT 3 Academy to Find Out If Drama Classes are Right for Your Child
3 Recycling Adventures: Fun Ideas For Kids & Families
1:1 & Small Group English Lessons: How to Get Personalised, English Help
Changi camp was actually comprised of several camps that were spread out over 25 square km area. Only a few buildings remain from the camp.
The chapel that greets you at the front of the museum is a replica of St George’s Church, one of the places of worship that were built in Changi.
When you are ready, set indoors into the museum.
The narrative is presented in eight exhibition zones – Changi Fortress, Fallen Fortress, The Interned, Life as POW, Resilience in Adversity, Creativity in Adversity, Liberation and Legacies.
The collection at Changi Chapel and Museum includes 82 artefacts and objects that are on display for the first time. This includes a never-before-seen 400-page diary, a dinner menu and a toothbrush fashioned from scratch.
In addition to the artefacts and exhibits on display, Changi Chapel and Museum also boasts new multimedia features to enhance visitors’ experience and convey the stories and experiences of POWs and civilian internees in Changi during the Japanese Occupation in Singapore.
Visitors can also step into a re-created Changi Gaol cell where the internees were housed to get a sense of the cramped living confines of the internees. The re-created cell includes historical recordings of conversations between the internees which offer a glimpse into their living conditions and daily experiences.
What to Expect at the Changi Chapel and Museum
Changi Chapel and Museum is not a large museum, but it is thoughtfully curated and laid out to provide insights about the background to the battle for Singapore and its aftermath, as well as life within Changi Prison.
Section 1: Changi Fortress
The very first section that you will encounter when you enter into the museum is Changi Fortress where you can learn more about the history of Changi.
For the most part of the 19th century, Changi was covered by mangrove swamps and rainforests. This started to change in the 1920s when the British began to construct defences, including batteries and barracks, to protect Singapore from attack.
Section 2: Fallen Fortress
Singapore fell to the Japanese in less than three months after the aggressors landed in Malaya in December 1941. The Fallen Fortress section covers the events leading to the fall of Singapore. It also provides and account about what happened to soldiers and civilians after the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese.
Section 3: The Interned
Approximately 48,000 soldiers and civilians were marched to Changi where they were imprisoned. You can learn more about the stories of the men, women, and children who were interned in Changi.
Section 4: Life as Prisoners of War
Life as Prisoners of War is where you can step into an exact replica of a Changi prison cell. This will give you a glimpse of what it was like to be interned at Changi. For an even more personal account, you can listen conversations on the day-to-day lives of those imprisoned in Changi.
Section 5: Resilience in Adversity
Despite their difficult circumstances, the internees still used their resourcefulness and ingenuity to overcome challenges. In the Resilience in Adversity section, you can get a glimpse of the hardships faced by the Changi internees faced and how they responded to their situation.
Section 6: Creativity in Adversity
To keep their morale up, the internees would find ways to write, draw, read, craft, play sports, and even stage concerts and plays. Learn more about these activities within the camp.
Section 7: Liberation
The Japanese surrendered on 15 August 1945. In this section, you can learn about the internees’ feelings about their liberation as well as what happened immediately after the war.
Section 8: Legacies
Conclude your visit to Changi Chapel and Museum by learning about the legacy of Changi camp continues to live on in the present day. You can look up the names and stories of the internees, and view some artefacts that were produced to remember how they had survived the internment.
There is also a museum shop and a café.
Visiting the Changi Chapel and Museum
Changi Chapel And Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, with last admission at 5 pm. It is closed every Monday except Public Holidays.
Admission is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
If not, the Standard Adult ticket is $8. Concession tickets for Seniors who are 60 years old and above, Students and Special Access visitors are priced at $5. Children who are aged 6 and below enter for free.
Where: 1000 Upper Changi Rd North, Singapore 507707
For more information, visit Changi Chapel and Museum website site here.
If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will also enjoy reading about another WWII museum, Reflections at Bukit Chandu.
