Early last month, I have attended a blogger event at the former Supreme Court and City Hall that soon to be transformed into the new National Art Gallery. Now that the media embargo is lifted, I am here to share with you some photos I have taken, a fly-through video made by the National Art Gallery team, and an opportunity to sign-up for a guided tour to visit this heritage site before the transformation. From what I envisage so far, this is monumental. I am proud that we are adding an iconic museum in Singapore … right in front of the F1 track. Perhaps I shall start drawing some F1 inspired paintings and get them exhibited in National Art Gallery one day. Ha!
The event was in the late evening. The rain lately had cast doubt on whether we could admire the sunset from the former Supreme Court. Fortunately, the weather held up. After a brief buffet meal by the tall glass windows sealed by the authority that overlooked Padang, we were invited into a conference room and had the opportunity to hear more about the future of National Art Gallery.
Our guided tour began with a climb to the dome of the former Supreme Court. It was quite an adventure on its own. The narrow steel spiral staircase looked old – I suppose it comes with the heritage of time – and after going through what appeared as the internal roofing of the building vaguely lit up by some flood lights, we emerged at the bottom of the dome (photo as above). There were some flying animals in the dark. We exited the dome and were greeted by the skyline of Singapore. The business district and the nearby historical buildings. What a beautiful sight!
OK. By the time we came down, I thought the tour was almost over (as we had a fair bit of climbing, a fair bit of chit-chat). But there was a lot more to come as the visit to the dome was especially prepared for the bloggers and media friends – a prelude! We have visited the Chef Justice’s Court Room and his private chambers. We have taken the route of the alleged offenders through the tunnels that linked the court rooms and the cells. We have also visited the “grandest room” in Singapore where the Japanese surrendered to the Allied Forces and where our first Prime Minister and Cabinet took their Oaths of Allegiance to the State. If you too wish to experience these rare moments in time, you may wish to sign up for the open house event. Due to overwhelming response, National Art Gallery has added new slots for the English guided tour on 16 and 17 October 2010. Ready your cameras and witness part of our history! I too have taken some photos and have included the captions here for sharing.
- This dome shaped structure is mysteriously beautiful at night. To be honest, I was puzzled by what the flying animals were. I tried not to open my mouth as I looked up. But it was hard.
- This is the skyline of Singapore as seen at the dome. Below us, the preparation work for F1 had begun. I tried to beg for a standing space during the Singapore F1 race. But that did not work.
- This stone was laid on April 1937. I was told that underneath the stone was a mysterious item to be retrieved in 3000 AD. I wish I had pay more attention to the guided tour on what it is. If you do visit the guided tour, drop me a comment here on what it is please?
- This is quite a scary walk. We were led from the courtroom, through the tunnels, and into the prison cells. It was the first time I saw a door not standing vertically but laying flat on the floor.
- OK. Here we went. As you can see, I was the first one being escorted into this high security area. I gently reminded the beloved tour guide not to close the gate behind me. I still wanted to go home and see my wife tonight, I said to her.
- This, my friends, is a real life prison cell. The toilet flashing system is outside the cell, triggered by the guards I suppose. The organizer joked that we could spend a night here. Erm. No thank you?
- Looking up at the ceiling of the courtroom, I marveled at the elegance. However, imagine when this courtroom was in operation, the last thing people would see was the ceiling, I reckon. Order! Order!
- This is a library. I cannot wait to see how this beautiful area will be transformed into when National Art Gallery is completed.
Curious on what the new museum will look like? Below is an artist interpretation of the museum, courtesy of National Art Gallery. More details can be found in here.
