All You Need To Know About Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall in Singapore
History of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
In the capacity of being the Southeast Asian headquarters for Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s Chinese Revolutionary Alliance, also known as Tong Meng Hui, Singapore played a crucial role in the 1911 Revolution, which ultimately brought down the Qing dynasty and gave rise to modern-day China. Dr. Sun had a dedicated group of overseas Chinese supporters in figures like Teo Eng Hock, Tan Chor Lam, and Lim Nee Soon. These individuals provided invaluable assistance through fundraising efforts and the dissemination of revolutionary principles and ideals.
Originally named Wan Qing Yuan, this villa was acquired by Teo Eng Hock in 1905 as a retirement residence for his mother’s later years. He later offered the villa to Dr. Sun for his revolutionary activities. It was within this villa that Dr. Sun strategized for three uprisings leading up to the successful Wuchang Uprising of 1911.
After Teo Eng Hock sold Wan Qing Yuan in 1910, the ownership of the villa changed hands multiple times. In 1937, six prominent Chinese leaders from the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the local business community, including Lee Kong Chian, Tan Ean Kiam, Lee Chin Tian, Chew Hean Swee, Lee Choon Seng, and Yeo Kiat Tiow, collectively purchased the villa. In 1938, they generously donated it to the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce, now known as the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI). The villa was opened to the public for the first time as a memorial hall on New Year’s Day in 1940.
In 1994, the memorial hall was designated as a national monument, and SCCCI renamed Wan Qing Yuan to “Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall,” announcing plans for its renovation in 1996. The Memorial Hall was subsequently reopened to the public in 2001.
In 2009, SCCCI appointed the National Heritage Board to oversee the management of Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. The board, composed of SCCCI Vice-President and Council Members, supervises the operations of the Memorial Hall and sets its strategic direction.
Redevelopment works on the Memorial Hall commenced in October 2010, and one year later, it was reopened on 8 October to commemorate the centenary of the 1911 Revolution.
Today, the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall stands as a national monument and heritage institution under the management of the National Heritage Board. The revamped museum tells the story of Dr. Sun’s revolutionary activities in Southeast Asia, the contributions of the Singapore Chinese to the 1911 Revolution, and the impact of the revolution on Singapore and the Chinese community.
Location
12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is located within the Balestier precinct in Singapore. Getting to the Memorial Hall is easy by public transport or car.
By Bus
Bus service nos. 21, 130, 131, 139, 139M, 145, 186 (to alight at Zhongshan Mall)
Bus service nos. 139, 139M: Opp EASB (to alight at East Asia Institute of Management)
By Train
Toa Payoh Station (NS19)
Take bus service nos. 139, 145 from Toa Payoh Bus Interchange (to alight at Zhongshan Park)
Novena Station (NS20)
Take bus service nos. 21, 131 from Novena Church (to alight at Zhongshan Park)
Alternatively, the Memorial Hall is a 20 minute walk from Toa Payoh Station (NS19) or Novena Station (NS20)
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday
10:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission 4.30 pm)
Monday – Closed
Admission
Free admission for all Singaporeans & Permanent Residents (PRs)*
Foreign Residents & Tourists (inclusive of 9% GST)
Adult – S$8
Seniors (60 years old and above) – S$5
Students (Free admission for children under 6 years old) – S$5
Person with Disabilities (PWD) – S$5
1st caregiver of PWD – Free admission
Family Package of 5 (not exceeding 3 adults per family) – S$24
Book your Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall tickets from the GoSingapore App.
