Singapore’s Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is moving forward with its next phase of development and will soon construct a distinct new addition. The new S$5.5 million wing, designed by GreenhiLi Consultants, will be a stark contrast to the 19th-century, neoclassic original structure, as it features a modern structure clad in titanium that will float weightlessly above a glass encased atrium.
This atrium will continue up, filling the interstitial spaces between the old and new structure, while connecting the galleries on all three levels and revealing parts of the interior gallery to street-level pedestrians.
Dr. Alan Chong, Director for Asian Civilisations Museum: “The new wing is a respectable, yet clearly different, addition to an important heritage structure. The new galleries will take advantage of natural light and provide a different experience for the visitor. We will have the chance to reveal more of the museum’s collection in an innovative and hopefully thought-provoking way. The generosity of the Hong Leong Foundation is a true model of philanthropy.”
S$500,000 of the $5million donation from the Hong Leong Foundation will be used to acquire artifacts related to Fujian culture. This will expand the collection of Chinese objects and allow audiences to make connections with the areas which gave rise to trade and immigration.
The S$5million in donation funds, which is the largest single cash donation that the museum has received to date, was provided by the Hong Leong Foundation as part of an ongoing effort to promote the understanding and appreciation of Chinese art and culture. Established in 1980, Hong Leong Foundation is the charitable arm of the Hong Leong Group, which is dedicated to the philanthropic causes of the Group, including the arts, education and welfare.
Kwek Leng Beng, Governor of Hong Leong Foundation: “By working with the Asian Civilisations Museum, we hope to be able to inform and educate future generations about the roots of our forefathers. The Fujian culture is especially meaningful to me as my late father was born in that region. He came to Singapore at the age of 16 but never forgot his roots. He used to share with us about Fujian, its rich culture and fine art.”
The new wing is scheduled for completion in 2015.
