Fresh from a renovation complete with a Sakura- themed new look, Gram Café & Pancakes at VivoCity Mall is now ready to take a break and have a Kit Kat with a new limited-edition Gram x KITKAT® menu!
In conjunction with its relaunch, Gram is excited to debut a series of premium Kit Kat pancakes, frappes, and soft serve, headlined by a Gram x KITKAT® Premium Matcha Pancakes as an ode to the Sakura theme of the new space.
The Osaka souffle specialist is looking to all things Japanese for the new outlet, including a menu made with Japan’s popular chocolate finger wafers, KITKAT®! Together, Osaka souffle pancakes, Kit Kat, and matcha serve to bring about three Japanese favourites in one place.
After a month-long renovation, Gram Café & Pancakes unveils a new look that is a nod to Japan with pastel pinks and baby blues dressing a bigger new space for sweets and treats. Rounded archways and plush cushions make for a welcoming invite, all anchored around a towering faux tree laden with lush pink sakura in full bloom. Whether you’re looking for a quick sweet fix or idle the afternoon away at Gram Café & Pancakes, there’s always a smile with pancakes.
Beginning 18th September, the KITKAT® menu will be available for order exclusively at the VivoCity outlet for three months as part of Gram’s reopening menu.
The star of the show is the Limited Edition Gram Premium Matcha Pancakes made with KITKAT® (S$22.90). Three discs of matcha souffle pancakes are served with a side of Kit Kat Chocolate Soft Serve, finished off with chocolate rasps, Kit Kat matcha chocolate bar, strawberries, and house-made butter and whipped cream. On the side, more Kit Kat sauce awaits to add to the indulgence should you prefer.
Marks & Spencer, the iconic British retailer, has relaunched its Wheelock Place outlet and also recently opened a new store at 313@Somerset bringing an even bigger and better range of clothing, food and home products to fans in Singapore.
The revamped Wheelock Place outlet offers a contemporary look and feel, with all-new interiors designed around an optimised shopping experience. The store’s design showcases the very best of the British brand: over 3,800 premium food products including its top-sellers and all-time favourites in addition to over 1,000 chilled food products as well as fresh fruits and vegetables; a full range of home products and the much- loved clothing range.
The new 8,000 square feet Food Hall at M&S Wheelock Place is its biggest ever in Singapore, and will highlight the outstanding quality and freshness of M&S food. This revamped space offers foodies access to the best of M&S’ mouth-watering food with the addition of over 500 new chilled lines focusing on cheeses, deli, fruits, yogurt and fresh vegetables. Over 3,800 food products are now available in store, including:
M&S’ popular chilled prepared meals inspired by popular world cuisines such as Indian, Chinese and Italian as well as staples like pasta, rice and noodles;
British favourites including Scottish Smoked Salmon, Beef & Lamb expertly sourced for M&S from farms in New Zealand, Cheddar Cheese, Shortbread, Scones and Crumpets;
A new cheese barge will also showcase the retailer’s best cheese selection ever, with new and improved cheeses handpicked from Europe’s best cheesemakers and added to the existing range, including Marmite Cream Cheese, Luxury Smoked Cheese and Bavarian Smoked Cheese; Matching your cheese with the amazing new wine range ‘Found’ that uncovers hidden treasures from the world.
Orchid Haven, a new 280 sqm space within Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest cooled conservatory is now completed and ready to receive visitors. It is a dedicated space to host Cloud Forest’s changing orchid displays as well as permanent orchid exhibits, with more than 1,000 orchids on show at any one time. This is the first time since 2017 that a major area has been revamped in Cloud Forest.
With the growing popularity of Cloud Forest’s changing orchid displays, which have been bringing to Singapore a plethora of beautiful and sometimes rare orchids from Central and South America to East Asia for the past four years, horticulturists recognised the need to carve out more space to showcase orchids. The new Orchid Haven is about three times the size of the original space for changing orchid displays.
After all, Orchidaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants, and orchids have a long history in Singapore. Gardens by the Bay also has an extensive and diverse collection of orchids, as well as its own orchid hybridisation programme.
Flight of the Moth Orchid, the first changing orchid display in the new Orchid Haven, is a tribute to the Phalaenopsis orchid, a diverse genus whose floral form resembles that of a moth in flight. In this display, more than 800 Phalaenopsis orchids of 17 taxa are showcased in a breathtaking “waterfall” of cascading blooms.
The Phalaenopsis is a popular orchid among both orchid enthusiasts, as well as breeders whose focus is on producing ever more innovative hybrids. In fact, the orchids in Flight of the Moth Orchid have been arranged to show how the morphology of the Phalaenopsis has evolved through the years, from its original look to the distinct and dramatic characteristics that breeders have coaxed out of hybrids. Phalaenopsis hybrids are known for bright colours, peculiar patterns and markings, as well as floral mutations that result in even more stunning varieties.
Singapore Philatelic Museum will be closed for redevelopment to refresh the museum’ infrastructure, content and offerings to enhance the visitor experience for Singaporeans. This will be a major redevelopment since SPM’s opening in 1995. The museum will be closed to the public from 18 March 2019, and is expected to re-open to the public in 2021.
Dedicated to showcasing Singapore’s rich philatelic heritage, SPM uses stamps as windows to introduce Singapore’s heritage and culture, as well as our connections to the world. Located at 23B Coleman Street, the building that houses SPM was formerly part of the Anglo Chinese School, and later the Methodist Book Room. SPM was officially opened on 19 August 1995 as a project of the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore. Since 2000, the museum has been managed by National Heritage Board.
Redevelopment works at SPM will include essential infrastructural upgrades to the museum building, as well as a revamp of the permanent and changing galleries to improve visitor experience.
During its redevelopment, SPM will continue to engage the young through travelling exhibitions and education programmes at pre-schools, primary and secondary schools. It will also continue to organise signature events such as the annualNational Stamp Collecting Competition and Draw My Stamp Story Art Competition. Families can also visit A Little Magic roving exhibition at public libraries. Look out for updates and activities on the museum website www.spm.org.sg!
More than 300 historical images and artefacts are featured in the revamped gallery. The gallery has 45 new artefacts which were contributed by both the National Collection and the community.
Admission to Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is free for Singaporeans and permanent residents.
NomadX is a multi-label destination that promises unique retail adventures and pastures. An experiential store that recognises your individuality, knows what you like, and finds what you seek. The multi-label concept store promises to be ever-changing, never boring.
Explore new brand concepts and first physical presence for major e-tailers. With 18 brands offering a line-up of new-to-market products and experiences across beauty, fashion, electronics and dining. Discover exclusives within thematic retail showroom spaces in the NomadX store, where you can see, touch and try out the various online offerings before making a purchase by scanning the product QR code. Shopping at NomadX is now 24/7 with over 3,000 SKUs from more than 30 local and international brands.
NomadX is a doorway for urban millennials to experience new worlds, boundaries and lifestyles, sourced and handpicked from eclectic cities and cultural trends.
The "X" in NomadX stands for the intersection of styles, tastes, products, brands and people. Giving you free reign to explore who you want to be — they curate collections across fashion, beauty and lifestyle to help you discover and taste new identities and possibilities.
After months of work and development, Singapore's most famous homegrown tailor brand, CYC have launched their brand new Capitol Piazza concept store – fully furnished and designed precisely to take your tailoring experience to the next level. Drop by for a visit and be wowed today!
Since 1935, CYC has been on a journey of distinction in dressing their customers for style and success. Their values, support of sustainability, communities and people continue to inspire them to embrace the new, while sustaining their valuable heritage.
Here are the top 5 things you can do at the newly-opened CYC @ Capitol Piazza (besides tailoring):
1. Create a 3D customised outfit - Ever find it difficult to imagine what some fabric swatches would look like as a shirt? You’re not alone. The solution: A touch screen 3D shirt builder in-store that helps you visualise your outfits with their curated range of fabrics, collar styles, and button colours! They also gave you the option to pair them with trousers so you’ll know just how to style your shirts!
2.Check out their new line of bespoke shoes - Get to learn more about your feet in the process. The concept store presents the collaboration between CYC and Hong Kong’s premier bespoke shoe artisans, ShoeArtistry. Apart from excellent craftsmanship, and a wide selection of beautiful veg-tanned patina leathers and styles to choose from, they’ve also got a 3D foot scanner to help them measure your feet with maximum speed and precision. With that collected data, they’ll be able to craft shoes moulded to fit the arches, insteps and heels of your feet perfectly.
3. Become a fabric expert in 3 minutes - “What is the difference between 1-ply and 2-ply cotton?” and “What’s the difference between cashmere and merino wool?” Their fitting rooms aim to answer all the common fabric-related questions they’ve encountered in their years of experience. With this knowledge, you will be able to pick out the exact fabric that meets all your needs without being overwhelmed by the choices.
4. Let your creative juices flow like you used to as a kid - Bringing your family and kids along? Now there’s a space for them to play while you focus on getting your clothes done! Create your very own backdrop for an Instagrammable shot with miniature CYC shirts, trousers and quirky animal magnets!
Don’t forget to tag them (IG: @cycmadetomeasure) while you’re at it!
5. Take a peek into CYC's 84-year history - Some of you have known of them since you were kids; some through your parents, some through their heydays. Regardless , it is nice to get a peek into the history of renowned local companies. For those new to CYC, go on a short journey with them as they reveal pivotal moments of CYC's 84-year heritage.
Just as el mero mero is Mexican slang for “the main man” or “the go-to guy”, so is El Mero Mero the restaurant the go-to place for Mexican gastronomy.
Five years after it first opened its doors, the restaurant has reinvigorated its mission of being the venue that sets the bar for Mexican hospitality. El Mero Mero at Chijmes brings to life the vital energy of Mexican culinary culture in all its allure and complexity, and this refreshed energy is manifested throughout all El Mero Mero.
The space has been refurbished with care for a renewed impression. Soft ivory walls, marble tables and lush green plants frame the open- plan kitchen where chefs work together in plain sight, their precise movements drawing the eye to what guests will shortly be dining on. The counter seating offers up-close kitchen- side dining that will illuminate different facets of Mexican food and transform your understanding of Mexican dining. This attention to detail and deep understanding of presentation permeates the new menu, which is designed to reflect both Mexican culinary history and its dynamic modern foodscape.
Consider El Mero Mero’s range of botanas or Mexican small plates such as the classic Baja Fish, elevated, and the Corn Sampler, a dish that plays with different flavours to offer a new perspective on corn; the selection of cocktails based on mezcal including the eponymous El Mero Mero that uses orange-infused mezcal for a subtly smoky, and refreshing long drink.
El Mero Mero’s new menu showcases traditional flavour combinations, and also demonstrates the current Mexican culinary trends. As representative of a cuisine that has so much more to offer, beyond the tacos and burritos that Singaporeans are familiar with: El Mero Mero hopes to open our eyes, minds, and palates to the power of Mexican gastronomy and hospitality.
Thus, while remaining faithful to old mores, the new menu is modern and global, executed with finesse and sophistication. These are some of its highlights.
For classics with spirit and soul, look no further than their El Taco. With crispy tooth fish tempura and juicy salsa, their Baja Fish tacos are a celebration of classic Mexican flavours and an explosion of textures. The Wagyu Volcan’s combination of charred cheese, Australian wagyu beef and molcajete (mortar & pestle) sauce of tomatoes, jalapeno and garlic is a rich burst of juicy umami.
The Avocado Taco brings forward a very different idea: charred corn tortilla and cool creamy avocado – for most Mexicans, this is the taste of home. For novices to Mexican fare, it’s an eye- opener: absolute simplicity, done impeccably.
Other dishes that bring forth these flavours of history and memory include the Hamachi and Coconut Ceviche, a glory of fresh sashimi-grade Hamachi tossed in coconut milk infused with the tangy hibiscus; and Tortilla Soup, creamy comfort made with tomatoes roasted in the Josper oven,guajillo chillies, and thickened with charred tortillas.
A restrained hand with contemporary updates drive up the culinary excitement. Consider the Atlantic Grilled Octopus, a generous Josper-grilled swirl of tentacle that offers oceanic sweetness with an undertone of smokiness and the Corn Sampler, a tribute to the many faces of that essential Mexican staple, maize with skewers of Josper-grilled organic baby corn and donuts made in-house from huitlocoche or “corn mushroom”.
The Gordita expands on the eponymous Mexican classic: rather than simply filling the empty pocket of this corn pastry, it becomes a base to celebrate heirloom vegetables and frijoles. The El Mero Mero Fajita brings together two beloved Mexican flavours not commonly paired together – a poblano shishito crema and grilled beef – to richly savoury results while the Tequila Pecan Pie is a creative and sweetly aromatic combination of Mexican produce – cinnamon, pecans, and tequila – made a little edgier with a final grill in the Josper before serving for a subtle smokiness.
This approach weaves the past and the ‘now’ together for a culinary tapestry like no other.
El Mero Mero promises a new vision of Mexican cuisine and hospitality, saturated with warm generosity. The Mexican heart is all-evident. Make a reservation with them via this link today and be wowed.
After 2-months of upgrading works, Sephora at Takashimaya S.C. is back again with a brand new look! Head on down to the newly-unveiled store for your beauty fix!
Visit Sephora at Takashimaya S.C. which is the first store in South-east Asia to offer Skincredible, a skincare consultation service that helps you determine your skin needs. Visit today and discover many other new features in-store for an elevated Sephora shopping experience!
Discover the Pre-Fall 2019 collection, the first Bottega Veneta collection by Creative Director Daniel Lee, in their newly refurbished boutique at ION Orchard.
Inspired by Italian culture and craftsmanship, Bottega Veneta combines noble and natural materials with the soulful touch of the human hand.
Following a multimillion-dollar asset enhancement programme spanning nine months across key facilities within the hotel, Orchard Hotel has unveiled an enhanced 360° guest experience with reimagined dining, events and lodging offerings. Upgraded areas include the hotel’s 260 Grand Deluxe Rooms, Grand Ballroom, Conference Centre, Lobby, The Orchard Cafe and Bar Intermezzo.
The storied history of Orchard Hotel traces back to late 1950s, where it began as a humble four-storey, 34-room hotel, complete with The Golden Venus – home to popular tea dances and emerging musicians of the 1960s. Redeveloped in the 1970s to cater to the tourist boom, the old building was eventually demolished in 1978, and the first inkling of the 656-key, twin-tower Orchard Hotel Singapore as it exists today took its place.
A brand new arrival experience welcomes guests through an enlivened lobby interior. The hotel's iconic clock tower is now brought to the modern age with a contemporary chandelier-inspired art sculpture, flanked by two upgraded dining and drinking destinations. The Orchard Cafe renews its legacy as a local dining icon with a vibrant new style and Signature Class buffet showcasing heritage-inspired creations and chef-curated classics. Bar Intermezzo inherits an air of sophistication with new, inviting interiors and contemporary botanical-influenced cocktails that toast to Orchard Road’s past. Overlooking the lobby from the second floor is Cantonese fine dining stalwart Hua Ting Restaurant, which was also given its own extensive makeover in 2018.
New and improved event solutions for every occasion come on the back of 11 refurbished conference and function rooms and spaces – now each more versatile than ever. A key highlight includes one of Singapore’s largest pillar-free grand ballrooms—occupying over 10,000 square feet and six metres high—refitted with a luxurious fresh new look, two floor-to-ceiling LED walls (a first in Singapore), statement lighting, state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities, an impressive foyer lined with floating Orchid-inspired chandeliers, and exclusive spaces carved out for various uses. The conference centre has also been redesigned with five intimate meeting rooms and upgraded meeting facilities. Event planners will now have the luxury of choice with creative catering options from the hotel’s four award- winning culinary concepts—Hua Ting Restaurant, The Orchard Cafe, Mon Bijou and Bar Intermezzo—as well as a Halal-certified kitchen, ensuring that all tastes and diets are catered for.
260 Grand Deluxe guest rooms in the hotel’s Orchard Wing have also been given a facelift. Each well-appointed room has been elegantly designed to provide maximum comfort and the best of living styles at every turn. With today's sophisticated traveller at heart, the newly refurbished rooms are now equipped with upgraded amenities including Handy smartphone that offers unlimited mobile data to make local and select international calls; six USB ports and both wired and wireless high-speed internet to ensure 24/7 connectivity; and a Smart TV loaded with a variety of channels to keep them plugged into current affairs. Unwind after a long day of shopping along the famed Orchard Road in the modern comforts of the new Grand Deluxe room – put on a bath in the luxurious Japanese soaking tub (select room configurations), or call for one of 12 signature spice-based cocktails from Bar Intermezzo to be delivered right to your room.
Cineleisure, the destination mall managed by Cathay Organisation, is proud to unveil its refreshed look, while welcoming three new and exciting concepts.
Forming a striking visual interplay of colours and textures, the revamped Cineleisure reveals interiors fitted with concrete juxtaposed against rustic wood timber. The playful balance between gritty accents and polished design, with a purposeful blend of warm earthy hues and cool steel palettes, add a distinctively dynamic element to the popular youth-oriented mall.
The pairing of fun and playful elements also extends to its eclectic mix of food, fashion, and entertainment tenants. This April, Cineleisure welcomes the addition of three new and hotly anticipated concepts—Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ and Shabu Shabu, The Alley Luxe, and Amazing Castle, of which the latter two are making its debut in Singapore
Well known and loved by millions of people across the world, Marks & Spencer offers high quality fashion, award-winning food and stylish homeware. Their VivoCity store has gone through a major revamp and now features an all-new Food Hall & Cafe.
Founded more than a century ago and with 1,000+ stores across 45+ countries, today Marks & Spencer is one of the UK’s leading retailers. They understand the importance of Quality, Value, Service, Innovation and Trust and live by these values in everything that they do. Through constant innovation, they make their own products and tailor the shopping experience to delight customers around the world.
A legendary icon of local dining, The Orchard Cafe at Orchard Hotel, renews its legacy with a vibrant new style and an enticing signature hotel buffet from heritage-inspired local creations to chef-curated cuisines from around the world.
The Orchard Cafe’s rejuvenation reveals a stylish ambience and brand-new restaurant layout incorporating a naturally-lit indoor bar with floor-to-ceiling windows and an al fresco seating section set against lush greenery – a cosy haven to wine and dine in Singapore.
Diners will savour signature dishes such as Wok-Fried Slipper Lobster with Salted Egg Yolk Sauce, Ox Tripe and Duck Hearts Satay, Braised or Crispy Pork Knuckle served with Fragrant Steamed Jasmine Rice, Hard-Boiled Eggs and Preserved Vegetables, alongside delicious Roast Meats by award-winning Hua Ting restaurant. Mouth-watering highlights also include an array of Asian noodle dishes served at a live Noodle Bar, as well as a selection of delectable desserts made with Gula Melaka.
Upbeat and distinctive, The Orchard Cafe is the ideal dining destination to savour delicious taste memories of Singapore’s culinary heritage and delight in best-in-class contemporary cuisines.
The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. at ION Orchard has a new look! Go experience their new tea bar and revamped menu.
The new and improved version of their tea bar at their flagship ION Orchard store is now open and the store includes a dining area so that their customers can enjoy freshly brewed specialty tea and sweet treats in the outlet.
In 1872, a young man named Balage Porolis de Silva embarked on a journey into the world of luxury. He set up a jewellery boutique along High Street, Singapore, presenting not only the finest gems, but also serving the best Ceylon tea to his customers. Hailing from Sri Lanka where having tea is a daily ritual for relaxation and enjoyment, he wanted to enhance his customers’ appreciation of jewellery with tea.
Gradually, the B.P. de Silva brand name grew in reputation and became synonymous with artistry and craftsmanship. The family continues to extend the very same values and philosophy of fine jewellery into tea, elevating tea beyond a simple beverage to a premium gift. This led to the creation of The 1872 Clipper Tea Co., whose name pays tribute to the historic Clipper ships that raced to carry chests of the freshest teas to all corners of the world, at the same time acknowledging the year they planted their roots in Singapore.
Today, The 1872 Clipper Tea blends are widely appreciated for its consistency in quality, signature aroma and refined taste.
Maggie Joan’s celebrates three years of being the underground place to go to with a new chef, revamped menus and refreshed interiors.
Located in the alleyways behind Amoy Street, Maggie Joan’s is a unique concept; a Modern European restaurant with a distinct underground character, reflected in edgy industrial décor and a hidden, nondescript entrance.
Maggie Joan’s cuisine has flair & finesse and is unremitting in its quest for artisanal flavours.
The restaurant is named after the 2 grandmothers of co-owner Daniel Ballis because it seeks to embody the women’s big-hearted stance on good food and social bonding that makes it warmly appealing to a contemporary audience.
To serve their members and guests even better, SAFRA Mount Faber have announced that they will be upgraded between July 2018 to June 2019 to provide a refreshed experience and more offerings as an executive lifestyle club for NSmen.
The enhancement works will begin later this month and will see the entire club take on a fresh industrial chic look with new facilities and amenities by mid-2019.
Anticipate new dining options, such as a drive-thru Fatburger outlet.
Expect dedicated co-working spaces fully equipped with high-speed wi-fi, video projectors, and other workplace resources. And more but of course!
For more information and a list of affected facilities as they embark on upgrading works, click here.
One of the few landmarks on Waterloo Street, the 148-year old Sri Krishnan Temple reopens after four years of restoration works costing nearly $4 million.
The shrines, ceilings, temple dome and pillars were all upgraded in the renovation. Intricate decorative works on the pillars required two sculptors working on them on-site over 3 years.
One of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, Sri Krishnan Temple's recent consecration ceremony called Maha Samprokshanam (done every 12 to 15 years) was attended by some 10,000 devotees.
After a 6-month transformation, the revamped eatery presents a revitalized dining experience for diners of all ages – with a bigger dining space inclusive of a water play area and a bolder menu with authentic, hearty Italian fare and creative reinterpretations of classic cocktails.
Long-time fans of Trapizza can also look forward to its signature wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas, pastas and desserts.
The regional art scene is set to become more vibrant with the major revamp of the Singapore Art Museum (SAM).
SAM’s museum programming will continue throughout the revamp which is likely to cost around $90 million. Internationally renowned SCDA Architects have been appointed to manage the redevelopment of the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) buildings.
SAM opened to much fanfare in 1996 in a converted museum space that once housed the former Saint Joseph’s Institution and has not upgraded its premises since. The upcoming building works will address the growing needs of contemporary art in Singapore and focus on improving the visitor experience at SAM. The project is targeted for completion in 2021.
SAM currently occupies two separate buildings – the former St Joseph’s Institution (SJI) along Bras Basah Road - a gazetted National Monument, and the former Catholic High School, located along Queen Street. The redevelopment plans include the creation of a fully contiguous museum, more spaces to accommodate museum-based learning opportunities, as well as the infrastructure to display large-scale or technologically- demanding artworks.
SAM’s museum programming continues to take place at SAM at 8Q till end of January 2019. Thereafter, members of the public can look forward to pop-up contemporary art projects at partner venues, as well as co-curated and touring exhibitions by SAM.
Prior to the commencement of the building works, a series of archaeological activities will take place at the former SJI building during Singapore Heritage Festival 2018, as part of the National Monument’s bid to deepen the public’s understanding of its history, which dates back to 1855.
One Michelin-starred restaurant Labyrinth launches its next phase of evolution with a fresh angle to the cuisine, a refocused interior and a stunning new menu.
Labyrinth, located at The Esplanade, explores the finest produce sourced in Singapore through a cuisine of stunningly inventive flavour harmonies. Helmed by celebrated Chef Han Li Guang, the dishes of Labyrinth draw inspiration from childhood memories and an in-depth understanding of local ingredients and traditional kitchen techniques, to bring to the fore the essential character and nuance of each core flavour.
Dining at Labyrinth is thus a sensorial experience in which the palate is seduced, and the curiosity holistically engaged by the stories that come with each ravishing plate of food. View their menu here.
The renovated temple has a new facade, a multi-purpose hall and other upgraded facilities.
AVGMT is an amalgamation of three Hindu temples - the Arulmigu Velmurugan Temple, the Sri Krishna Bhagwan Durga Parameswari Devasthanam and the Sri Mariamman Muneeswarar Temple.
For great margaritas and delicious Mexican food, you must check out the newly-refurbished Margarita's at Dempsey Hill!
Margarita's is a hidden gem located in the area that offers a wide range of authentic and succulent Mexican cuisine.
With an unyielding passion for exciting, yet clean and authentic flavours, founder and owner and chef-to-date, Andy Yap, is the brainchild behind Singapore's first Margarita's restaurant. From its humble beginning at Faber Drive in 1988, Margarita's rapidly expanded to the East Coast, and subsequently blossomed as a hidden gem at Dempsey Hill.
The Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, a 164-year-old national monument and one of the oldest temples in Singapore, was recently re-sanctified in a consecration ceremony called the “Maha Samprokshanam” which is done once every 12 years.
Major redevelopment works at the temple, costing S$4.5 million, were recently completed.
The temple had to invite foreign experts to help in the restoration as certain specific skills were not available here. A team of 20 highly-skilled artisans, known as sthapathis, were flown in from India for the job.
In 1978, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple was declared a National Monument by the Preservation of Monuments Board. The temple also underwent major facelifts in year 1987, 1992 and 2005.
The history of Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple dates back to the late 1800s. Read more about its rich history here.
The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) building is undergoing renovations and will reopen at the end of this year. The building, which was originally the Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), will also have its Oldham Theatre expanded from a 44-seater to seat 135.
NAS houses the collective memory of our nation. This memory allows current and future generations of Singaporeans to understand our different cultures, explore our common heritage and appreciate who we are and how we became a nation.
As the official custodian of the corporate memory of the government, NAS manages public records and provides advice to government agencies on records management. From government files, private records, historical maps and photographs to oral history interviews and audio-visual materials, NAS is responsible for the collection, preservation and management of Singapore's public and private archival records, some of which date back to the early 19th century.
NAS’ repository of archival materials makes it an important research centre for those in search of information about the country's history.
Estimated to cost more than $50 million, works will be carried out over two years and should be completed by the third quarter of 2020.
Aside from typical upgrading of façade, skylights, flooring and ceiling for a refurbishment; Allgreen will also reconfigure the escalators and interior walkways to enhance navigation and accessibility of consumers. It also plans to connect the office’s lifts to the mall’s third level.
Uniquely-designed dual-level retail pods in the foyer of the mall are also part of the renovation plan, which are among the first for shopping malls here in Singapore.
The mall will also house some 50 new tenants. And the F&B offerings will increase from the current 20 per cent to 30 per cent of net lettable space when works are completed.
Shoppers can look forward to an enhanced shopping experience at Great World City in the near future after its transformation.
Sit back and relax with a refreshing cocktail and jive to music on the al fresco deck of the revamped Bar Canary at Grand Park Orchard.
Bar Canary is an uber-chic poolside bar where you can go barefooted on the lush turfs and chill under the stars. Enjoy great beats and also not forgetting "boozy pops" (a union between a cocktail and a popsicle) which are made exclusively for the bar by local frozen treats creator, Popaganda.
Tampines Regional Library was the first regional library under National Library Board (NLB) and it covered a floor area of 6,208 square metres back then. The all new Tampines Regional Library at Our Tampines Hub has unveiled on 5th Aug, and spans a floor area of 12,600 square metres.
More than 400,000 books are available in the nation's four official languages. The library will also feature a Singapore collection of more than 12,000 books by local authors.
The new Tampines Regional Library is the largest of its kind in Singapore, and spans five floors with dedicated spaces for children, teens and adults. Other than books and library programmes, visitors can also enjoy facilities such as the PIXEL Labs@NLB maker space, an indoor playground (opening in October) and a culinary studio.
The National Library Board (NLB) is partnering with the People’s Association Culinary Studio to hold cooking classes there. The studio will also showcase a digital display of recommended books, as well as cooking videos to facilitate learning.
The library will have new services, including an immersive storytelling room for children. There will also be customised reading spaces for patrons of all ages.
The library's new Children’s Zone, will pilot the Stories Come Alive Room. Be ready to step right into a storybook, complete with changing scenes, sounds and animations! Enjoy an immersive storytelling experience when the library re-opens.
Located within Compass One shopping mall, the newly revamped Sengkang Public Library covers an area of 2,136 square meters.
New areas in the library include the Early Literacy Area where families can read and bond together, the Tween Space targeted at children aged 10 to 14 and a dedicated Adults section for quiet reading.
Sengkang Public Library has a total collection size of 125,000 books, magazines and audio-visual items. This includes items from the Adult, Young People and Children's collections. All items in the library can be loaned out by library members.
The collection covers a broad range of subjects for leisure reading and stocks popular reads for all ages. Popular fiction, liifesyle reads, mgazines, award-winning books for children, as well as picture books are very well-received by library users.
After over a year of restoration and upgrading works, the iconic Sultan Mosque - located at the heart of Kampong Glam - now comes complete with a rejuvenated look as well as new and expanded amenities.
Some of these include elderly friendly features such as two new lifts, each located at the south of the mosque's main building and the other at its annex building. This will enable elderly congregants as well as those with special needs to gain access to its higher floors.
Works to restore and upgrade the mosque started back in August 2014, and cost an estimated S$3.65 million.
In a new exhibit like "Overcome the Supernatural", visitors will be able to "levitate" and pose with skeletons and vampires. If you are not a horror movie fanatic, then "Escape into Fantasy" where you can "ride" a unicorn and dance with fairies.
With the new 4D element, one of the things that visitors can do is to undergo a quick head-scan on "Dancing Star" where they can view an avatar of themselves dancing in different traditional costumes on-screen.
In the lead up to Singapore’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2015, the National Museum will be undergoing another timely revamp so as to better share the Singapore Story and to celebrate the multiple voices in the nation’s historical narrative and the many facets of the multicultural “everyday heritage”.
The refreshed National Museum aims to be a museum for the people – a civic space where guests will enjoy visiting, allowing for reflection on what Singapore has achieved in the past and inspiring confidence in the future. It therefore aims to connect well with you through greater interactive and participatory experiences as well as enhanced coherence and integration of its narratives and displays.
The revamp will present a more comprehensive overview of Singapore’s history and development as a country in its galleries and spaces, which includes developing the nation’s post-1965 chapters that many Singaporeans can personally relate to. The galleries will be expected to re-open in the second half of 2015.
The existing office space on Level 3 of National Museum will be converted into a new Wing, called PLAY@NMS, which stands for “National Museum Singapore”. It will be a multi-sensory environment dedicated to children, with interactive exhibitions that encourage learning through play. Programmes thoughtfully curated based on the collections in the National Museum’s permanent galleries will be made available, to stimulate the young visitors’ natural curiosity and creativity. PLAY@NMS will be a multi-purpose space for interactive exhibitions, workshops as well as educationalplay.
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