view of the Singapore River from the museum's window
<- large archway (and some tourists)
There was a beautiful view from the open 2nd storey window of the Singapore River exhibition, overlooking the Singapore River and skyscrapers in the financial district on the opposite bank. This allowed us to compare what the river used to be like and what it is like today, enhancing our understanding of it and its history. Every now and then, a cooling breeze would blow in through the windows and freshen up the air in the exhibition. It was a refreshing change from the air-conditioned rooms commonly found in other museums, and it surprisingly was not too warm. The high ceilings and large archways gave the place a spacious feel, no worry about being claustrophobic or lethargic!
The Singapore River, we learnt, was key to the development of modern day Singapore. The river and the adjacent harbour were the centre of Singapore's popular entrepot trade, back in the days when Singapore was colonised by Britain. The gallery was filled with interesting information about the Singapore river, accompanied by photographs of what it used to look like. There were also displays of various artefacts varying from pottery to old coins and notes, as well as sculptures depicting the lives of Chinese from poor financial background living along the river.
After a few hours of viewing the exhibition, we went down to the actual site which was just a minute's walk away. From there, we realised how tall the skyscrapers on the opposite bank really were. They towered over the older shop houses just down the river, the contrast between Singapore's past and present economy was obvious. I spotted a Chinese bank on the other side, and remembered what the information in the museum told us about it, that Chinese banks alongside European banks were the most successful compared to other banks and money-lending businesses. It had the support of the local Chinese population, and it provided them with offers they were not eligible for from other banks. It helped the less fortunate people to become rich by providing them with the funds needed to set-up a shop and improve it, which aided in Singapore's overall development. It made me proud to be a Chinese.
skyscrapers on the opposite bank, centre building is the Chinese Bank
Overall, the museum was a fulfilling and enriching place to visit. There are many other exhibits as well, ranging from Southeast Asia to Islamic galleries. I'll be visiting the museum again soon, to uncover what wonders the other exhibits have in store.
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