Eurasian Heritage Centre to undergo big makeover

Reopening to be in time for Eurasian Association's 100th anniversary in 2019

President Tony Tan Keng Yam, seen here with Eurasian Association president Benett Theseira, visited the Eurasian Heritage Centre's three galleries yesterday.
President Tony Tan Keng Yam, seen here with Eurasian Association president Benett Theseira, visited the Eurasian Heritage Centre's three galleries yesterday. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

A major revamp of the Eurasian Heritage Centre will be under way by the year end, with its galleries set to reopen next year.

The makeover is being undertaken ahead of the Eurasian Association's 100th anniversary in 2019.

While details have not been finalised, there are plans to incorporate technology elements and better organise the exhibits at the centre, said Mr Benett Theseira, 52, president of the association.

Currently, the centre features three galleries that were opened in phases - in 2003, 2006 and 2012.

"We thought it was timely to do a complete revamp to better integrate them," said Mr Theseira.

The revamp's costs are estimated to be between $600,000 and $700,000. The National Heritage Board (NHB) will co-fund $150,000 under its Heritage Project Grant. The rest of the funds will come from donations and fund-raising efforts.

The NHB will also help with the curation of the galleries, which were previously put together by community volunteers.

Mr Theseira added that he hopes to "bring (the centre) up to a level that is on a par with NHB galleries like the Peranakan Museum and the Malay Heritage Centre, to attract more visitors to learn more about the Eurasian community".

The revamp was revealed yesterday during a visit to the centre by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

Dr Tan visited the centre's three galleries, which showcase the roots, history and culture of the Eurasian community in Singapore, the experiences of Eurasians during World War II, and the influence of Europeans on Singapore society through trade and inter-marriage.

He commended the Eurasian Association for promoting a sense of ownership and community among the Eurasians in Singapore through its heritage and welfare efforts.

Dr Tan also praised the Eurasian Association and other self-help groups - the Chinese Development Assistance Council, Mendaki and Sinda - for their work together in providing services for all Singaporeans.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 08, 2017, with the headline Eurasian Heritage Centre to undergo big makeover. Subscribe