Sun Yat Sen memorial hall to close for renovation till 2027

1902 villa, a national monument, will have its facade restored and galleries revamped

- Chin Soo Fang

The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall will close from Sept 16 till 2027 for renovation, more than a decade since its last major revamp in 2011.

The renovation includes restoration and repainting of the building facade and artisanal works to be done to the building's ornamental features, as well as necessary repairs for areas such as the roof.

The permanent galleries will also be revamped, including having their content enhanced.

Also known as Wan Qing Yuan, the building in Tai Gin Road in Balestier was gazetted as a national monument in 1994.

In 2023, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said in Parliament that the memorial hall and National Museum of Singapore were scheduled for restoration, along with the former Istana Kampong Glam and the Istana.

He added that national monuments are regularly restored to preserve the buildings for future generations.

The general manager of the memorial hall, Mr Winston Lim, told The Straits Times the building and galleries are showing signs of wear and tear due to the age of the building and the increase in visitors over the years.

The restoration and repair will be done in accordance with the preservation guidelines for national monuments.