A National Treasure

The museum originally comprised just the front block with its central rotunda crowned by a dome and its main portico flanked by two wings of equal length. It was officially opened in October 1887 as Raffles Library and Museum. Over time, numerous modifications were made, including the addition of a rear block in the early 1900s and the construction of a new wing in the 1950s that connected the front and rear blocks.

In the current restoration project, architects found the museum generally well preserved. Using the 3R principle and top-down approach, they gave priority to retain the inherent fabric, spatial quality and spirit of the monument. Ad-hoc alterations that were done over time and found to be inconsistent with the architectural language of the original building were removed. They included the external fire escape staircases and the baroque staircase carpets which were stripped to expose the original terrazzo steps. Windows that had been concealed were reinstated.

Reviving Beauty

Decorative steelwork, like the spiral staircases and cast-iron columns, had their layers of paint removed and were repainted. The exception was the balustrade at the second storey of the rotunda, which was only given a clear coat of varnish, to highlight its original beauty.

The zinc fish-scale tiles of the dome were carefully taken down, cleaned and checked for damage or cracks. If there were cracks, they were repaired and spray-coated thrice. Damaged ones were replaced with new fabricated tiles. These were reinstalled from bottom-up in original order with rusty screws replaced.

A professional stained glass artist was called in to meticulously remove and restore the 50 delicate pieces of Victorian glass panels on the dome. After extensive polishing and buffing, the original vibrant colours of the floral and grid patterns shine once more.

Paint layers were carefully stripped from the facades which were cleaned, repaired and restored. Rising damp was treated with pressure-injection of chemicals into both sides of exposed walls.

In a somewhat bold move, part of the original tiled roof was cut away to incorporate a glass connector between the front and rear blocks of the old building. Sensitively executed, this glass passage now gives visitors an unhindered view of the museum’s historic dome, and functions as a visual link between the past and present.

Ageless and Timeless

This national monument has not only regained the grandeur of her noble past but has been invigorated to meet modern challenges. Its new rear extension, which has been intentionally set back to create an atrium, serves to complement the old dame. This contrast of modern and old heavy masonry construction embodies the spirit of the different eras.