History on the walls

Here’s where to check them out.

Everton Road
Singapore’s quiet neighbourhood comes to life through murals by a self-taught street artist and accountant Yip Yew Chong. His wall paintings include “Amah, The Barber”, and “Provision Shop” dating back to the old days when he was living in the neighbourhood.

Tiong Bahru
Yip Yew Chong also brings colours to Tiong Bahru. Ideal for travellers to escape from the city’s fast pace, the neighbourhood features cool cafes, restaurants and book shops, with another two of Yip Yew Chong’s murals. 
The “Bird Singing Corner” illustrates the bygone scene of Tiong Bahru Bird Arena, where bird lovers from Singapore and neighbour countries used to gather and admire each other’s’ prized pets in their nicely decorated cages, chatting and sipping coffee. The Home painting reflects the history and ambience of Tiong Bahru’s households in older days. 

Haji lane
Located in Kampong Glam neighbor, Haji lane is famous for its variety of cafes, restaurants, and most importantly the graffiti works created by talented artists both from Singapore and overseas. 
Visitors can admire Ceno2 on the outdoor wall of the Singapura Club restaurant, depicting a labourer wearing a turban, a Samsui woman and a Malay man, all referencing the heritage of Arab Street and the multi-ethnic identity of the restaurant, which serves Asian and North Indian food. The restaurant Piedra Negra has a gigantic hippie-meets-tribal mural painted by Jaba.

Chinatown 
The precinct is full with number of murals that bring liveliness to Chinatown.
Starting at Banda Street, visitors can explore such art pieces as “Welcome to Our World” and “The Samsui Women” inspired by female immigrants from China in red headscarves who contributed greatly to the building of Singapore in the mid-90s. The “Cool Dude” illustrates the male immigrants who worked as fishermen and labourers. 

Little India
Little India is a vibrant heritage precinct akin to a fascinating tapestry that weaves the Singapore-Indian culture and way of life together with contemporary presentations. Strolling along streets and alleys, your eyes will be drawn to extravagant murals showcasing Singapore’s colourful past. 
Among the highlight murals are “Traditional Trades of Little India” at Belilios Lane which highlights the trades common to Little India when merchants and traders settled in the precinct many years ago and “I am Still Here” at Clive Street, which puts a face to a place that holds a lot of tradition and history, and continues to stand the test of time in a city with an ever-changing landscape. 

Bras Basah
222 Queen Street and 51 Waterloo Street have played an important role at the heart of the Bras Basah community, once the home of the prestigious Catholic High School, an all-boys educational establishment. 
In 2009, the building was given a new lease of life and transformed into an arts centre. The building is currently home to art and cultural institutes, performing art centres, fitness and wellness studios, catering services and a gem museum. 
To mark the 80th anniversary of the buildings in 2016, 222+51 has commissioned local artists, Yip Yew Chong and Yuen Kum Cheong to paint murals inspired by the colourful history of Bras Basah. 
The must-see murals are “Mama Shop” by Yuen Kum Cheong, “Odeon Cinema” and “National Theatr”e by Yip Yew Chong, “Two Rails” by Yuen Kum Cheong, and “National Library and MPH” by Yip Yew Chong.
Find out more at www.STB.gov.sg or www.VisitSingapore.com.