Old SJI Building Could Soon House New S'pore Design Museum

The former site of the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), the old St Joseph's Institution building in Bras Basah, could soon house the new Singapore Design Museum.

- Clement Yong

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said in Parliament on March 10 that the National Heritage Board (NHB) has begun feasibility studies at the 160-year-old building – the first official announcement for the civic district national monument since it was vacated in 2019 for a $90 million revamp.

If found suitable, the building will house an addition to the arts and heritage institutional circuit here that spotlights Singapore designers and design firms, including those related to fashion, architecture and urban planning.

The initiative comes amid increasing global success for Singapore designers. During the debate on his ministry's budget, Mr Tong cited the successes of fashion designer Andrew Gn, Singapore-based jewellery brand State Property Fine Jewellery – whose pieces have been worn by former US first lady Michelle Obama and singer Lady Gaga – and home-grown architecture firm Woha, describing the field as one with "untapped potential".