Launch of New Exhibits at Changi Museum

Posted by shaun wong under Museums/Heritage Galleries
(2) Comments • (3898) Reads • Permalink

The idyllic seaside locale Singaporeans know as Changi is home to a beautiful museum which tells of tragic yet inspirational stories of World War Two (WWII) Prisoners-of-War (POWs) who were interned in Changi Prison.

I was fortunate to be at the launch of the revamped Changi Museum, one of the activities happening over Memorial Weekend.

Prior to the launch of the revamped Changi Museum, there was a short observance ceremony, which comprised of a reading, wreath laying by dignitaries and war veterans and their families, as well as an observance of a minutes silence.

At 11.25 am, Guest of Honour Dr Balaji Sadasivan symbolically unlocked the chains which shackled the entrance of the museum, to launch the revamped Changi Museum.

I’ve always had fond memories of Changi Museum since visiting it as part of history lessons in secondary school. Then, even with its sparten layout and presentation of artefacts, the museum managed to articulate the contrasting emotions of despair and hope explicitly. I clearly remember the beautiful Changi Murals painted by Stanley Warren.

I’d strongly recommend picking up this book from the Changi Museum Gift Shop.

You’ll discover the inspirational stories behind Stanley Warren’s Murals

Why Jesus’ eyes were always closed in his paintings

As well as why this painting is ‘unfinished’

On to the exhibition proper. Click here for an idea of the the museum’s layout.

The general presentation format was black and white photo montages accompanied by artefacts.

Vegetables grown by POWs

You’ll pick up interesting tidbits (heh) including the existence of a snail farm in the prison where snails were a source of protein for the POWs. Vegetables were grown on available land, discarded tins and containers.

The extent of food shortage? This quote enlightens.
“In Singapore, I was told there were some 210,000 ration cards that relied on the distribution of rice by the government. One ration card was issued to at least two persons. On the average, some ration cards might even be for four or five persons.”

Always in gloom, a glimmer of hope. I was particularly fascinated with ‘Innovation in times of distress’ themes which was testement to how the human spirit triumphed over adversity.

I was amazed at how dire circumstances brought out the resourcefulness and creativity in the POWs. They had ingenious ways of making objects they needed. Artefacts featured include a razor made of tooth brush, plastic and metal from a Japanese Zero fighter plane, a badge, tobacco box and copper tooling.

Activities POWs engaged in during their internment

Lining the walls of the replication of St Luke’s Chapel were the murals mentioned earlier on. I’m glad they didn’t change this section of the museum too much, as its appeal lay in its simplicity.

I had to pay a visit to the Changi Chapel before leaving. A comforting abode to seek respite, the Chapel was a beacon of hope to the POWs who’s only wished to survive the ordeal and be reunited with their loved ones.