SINGAPORE - More than 250 artefacts have been collected which will go on display at the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) when it opens early next year.

They include family heirlooms such as a gold necklace belonging to the Pillai family, an Indian trading family, and wartime publications donated by Singapore's sixth president Mr S R Nathan.

The necklace, made up of 62 coins, is a "superior example" of gold craftsmanship from Tamil Nadu and represents the material culture of Tamils in British Malaya in the first half of the 20th century, the centre said.

The artefact collection drive began in June 2011. To date about 40 donors and lenders have come forward to share pieces that tell the story of the community's contributions to Singapore's history and Indian culture and traditions.

Located at the intersection of Clive Street and Campbell Lane, the four-storey centre cost about $12 million to build. Centre director Dr Gauri Krishnan said: "We hope more members of the community will continue to come forward with their personal treasures so that we can share them with visitors."