Malay Heritage Centre
Malay Heritage Centre
The Malay Heritage Centre is a conservation project and multifunctional visitor centre on the compound of the istana, the ancient residence of the sultan of Singapore. GSM was first commissioned to study the master plan for the MHC and was later given the mandate to produce the concept, content, and design of the permanent exhibition.
Situated in Kampong Glam, Singapore’s oldest neighbourhood, the centre has given this important historical building a new role as an interpretive and cultural centre for Singapore’s Malay community.
The centre includes a permanent exhibition, two temporary exhibition galleries, a theatre, a garden, workshops, and offices. It has been conceived to act as a cultural hub, developing creative potential, instilling a sense of identity, and encouraging contributions from the community. The exhibition narrative is site-specific, using the collection and the physical environment to tell true stories of community pioneers. Central to the storytelling is the idea that Kampong Glam and the istana itself are ideal starting points for a broader exploration of Malay heritage.
Based on research conducted by GSM, the architecture of the istana has been restored to its original condition, giving the visitor a rare opportunity to see the building as it would have appeared in the past. The design of the exhibition respectfully disengages from this original architecture, favouring neutrality in things like choice of colours and using sound, film, and other media to evoke the intangible human elements of the Malay story.
Together we create meaning.
Audiences seek emotional and educational connections that inspire.