The international blockbuster exhibition features never-before-seen artefacts and untold accounts on the fall of Singapore
Photos: National Heritage Board/National Museum of Singapore/Weekender
In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore, the National Museum of Singapore has partnered with 10 overseas museums and institutions to present Witness to War: Remembering 1942.
Featuring more than 130 artefacts, the blockbuster exhibition explores Singapore's role in a larger scheme of things — namely the wider campaign waged by the Japanese Empire across the Pacific. From film screenings and craft workshops to guided tours and even wartime rations, visitors are set to go back in time by perusing an illustrious showcase of inspiring stories and poignant memories as told by individuals who braved through this extraordinary era. This is also the museum's first to hold a war exhibition on such a large scale.
Regardless whether you're a history buff or not, Witness to War: Remembering 1942 is something not be missed by all Singaporeans. Still not convinced yet? Well, here are five more reasons why you should check the exhibition out when it opens from 23 September 2017 to 25 March 2018.
4. Delve deeper into history through private loans to the National Museum
The exhibition’s focus on personal stories shines through with its diverse selection of artefacts loaned to the museum from private lenders. A highlight is the personal diary of Major-General Lim Bo Seng which will be showcased to the public for the very first time. With entries stretching from 11 February to 4 April 1942, the diary offers a glimpse into his life a husband, a father and his affection for his family; a lesser-known side to Singapore’s well-loved war hero. All the pages of the diary will be photographed and digitised with transcription, and will be featured in the exhibition gallery in its entirety. Selected excerpts from the diary are narrated by a voice actor as an illustrated sequence of these passages play on a screen. Madam Leow Oon Geok and Dr Lim Whye Geok, Major-General Lim’s children, are also featured in an interview where they recount their memories of their father.
ADVERTISEMENTS