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CHIJMES (pronounced "chimes") is a historic building complex in Singapore, which began life as a Catholic convent known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ). The complex is located at Victoria Street in the Downtown Core, within the Central Area, Singapore's central business district.

Key Information

The complex was used as a Catholic convent from 1852, with an acquired Caldwell House which was constructed in 1840–1841, an acquired Convent Orphanage house in 1855, the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Chapel in 1904 and an acquired hotel complex for the girls' school in 1933. The Caldwell House, currently a wedding venue, and the Gothic-style chapel, renamed as CHIJMES Hall, currently a function hall and also a wedding venue, have both been gazetted as national monuments. The complex was restored in 1996 for commercial purposes as a dining, shopping and entertainment centre with ethnic restaurants, shops and a function hall, providing a backdrop for musicals, recitals, theatrical performances and weddings.

History

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The CHIJMES Hall, designed by Father Charles Benedict Nain as a chapel, was completed in 1904.

After Father Jean-Marie Beurel consecrated the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd on 6 June 1847, he had an ambition to open a school for boys to be managed by the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

In 1848, Father Beurel asked the Straits Settlements government for land to build a school, but was refused. He left Singapore on 28 October 1850 for France. While he was in France, Father Beurel approached the Reverend Mother Saint François de Sales de Faudoas, the 14th Superior General of the Infant Jesus Sisters, to enlist some sisters in starting a school for girls. He returned to Singapore in 1852 with some Brothers from the Brothers of the Christian Schools and with them he later founded Saint Joseph's Institution at the former chapel in May 1852.

In July 1852, he asked the Straits Settlements Government once again for land next to the church for a charitable institution for girls, he was told that there was already sufficient land given to the church. Later in August 1852, Father Jean-Marie Beurel purchased the house at the corner of Victoria Street from H.C. Caldwell for the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus for 4,000 francs, the house was since known as the Caldwell House.[1]

In October 1852, the four Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus, Reverend Mother Mathilde Raclot, Mother Appollinaire, Mother Gaetan Gervais and Sister Gregory Connolly arrived in Penang after having travelled overland from their native country in caravans. Mother Mathilde Raclot, leader of this group, was to become a key personality in the early history of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus on Victoria Street.[2]

On 2 February 1854, the Sisters sailed to Singapore from Penang on a mission to build a school for girls.[3][4] On 5 February 1854, they reached the island's shores and took up residence at the Caldwell House.

The nuns began taking in pupils only ten days after moving in, establishing the first CHIJ school in Singapore. Reverend Mother Mathilde staffed her school with sisters from the parent Society, the Institute of the Charitable Schools of the Holy Infant Jesus of Saint Maur. She dedicated 20 years of her life turning the convent into a school, a house at the corner of the Stamford Road and North Bridge Road was acquired in 1855 to serve as an orphanage and refuge known as Home for Abandoned Babies for local girls and women and sometimes boys. Two classes were conducted, one for fee-paying students and another for orphans and the poor. Slowly, the nuns managed to restore the house into a simple but austere residence.[2]

Replica of the Gate of Hope at CHIJMES (original gate and orphanage were destroyed during the Battle of Singapore).

Father Beurel had since acquired all the nine lots of land between Victoria Street and North Bridge Road, originally belonging to the Raffles Institution, that would constitute the entire convent complex. He presented them all to Reverend Mother Mathilde.

The first chapel of the Convent, which was built in 1855, was in such a bad condition that it was necessary to build a new one. At the end of the 19th century, the Sisters started fund-raising by various means for the new chapel. The old one was becoming so dangerous that the Sisters decided to celebrate mass in Caldwell House.

Father Charles Benedict Nain, a priest at Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, was engaged as an architect for the construction of the chapel at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus and, on behalf of the Roman Catholic community, was in charge at the same time of the construction of the extension of the Saint Joseph Institution. The construction of the chapel started in 1901 with the architectural firm Swan & Maclaren oversaw its constructions and it was completed by 1903. Father Nain was highly involved in the worksite. He was the author of all the fine architectural details found in the chapel. The new chapel was consecrated on 11 June 1904.

Intricate floral and bird motifs on the Corinthian columns at CHIJMES Hall

Much of the knowledge about the daily activities of the convent comes from seven volumes of diaries that were meticulously kept by convent scribes. These diaries cover over a hundred years of convent history, from 1851 to 1971; they are handwritten in French and entitled Annales de Singapour. From their observations, it is known that life within the convent walls was anything but sedate. Apart from daily chores, the nuns also had to organise and attend mass, grade papers, maintain the buildings and the grounds as well as raise money to support their activities.[2]

Saint Nicholas Girls' School was established on 16 January 1933 and held classes in the four old bungalows which once formed the Hotel van Wijk of the 1890s.

During the Battle of Singapore on 15 February 1942 at 3:30 pm, four bombs were dropped by the Japanese warplanes onto the complex; one bomb exploded near the main gate and damaged; the second bomb exploded near the orphanage, which destroyed it; the third bomb exploded in the field next to the chapel, scattered its stained glass windows including two of the large panels around the chapel's high altar; a fourth bomb exploded at the school field of the Saint Nicholas Girls' School.

During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, about forty of the Sisters, together with the orphans and teachers were deported to a camp in Bahau, Negeri Sembilan, Malaya (present day Malaysia), where many of them would die from the harsh conditions there. Two months later after the Occupation began, the school reopened under Japanese authority as the Victoria Street Girls' School. The remaining Sisters at the Town Convent had to wear armbands to show they were not British people, and had to learn Japanese in order to teach Japanese curriculum to their students.[5] Students there were made to learn Japanese songs and watch Japanese films as part of the curriculum.

Following the surrender of the Japanese in 1945, the school resumed under its former name. Later in 1949, one of the bungalows' room had suddenly collapsed. The bungalows were subsequently deemed unsafe and demolished in 1950. The new three storey building blocks designed by Swan & Maclaren was later built on the former site and completed by 1951.[6] In 1964, the school was separated into primary and secondary sections.[7]

In 1983, the Singapore Government acquired the land from the Convent and the schools were allocated a new site in Toa Payoh. The last religious service was held in the chapel on 3 November 1983, after which the chapel was deconsecrated and the town convent was closed. By December 1983, both primary and secondary schools had vacated the site and moved to their new premises in Toa Payoh, where they began operations in the following year. Part of the former schools was demolished in 1984 with one of its remaining block was incorporated in part of the SMRT Headquarters Building which was later built on its former site.

The former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Chapel under conservation and reconstruction in 1994.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority put up the site for sale in March 1990 and later had the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Chapel and Caldwell House gazetted as national monuments on 26 October 1990.

The complex underwent extensive restoration works in 1991, careful restoration work had preserved much of the original structure of the convent: the Caldwell House, the chapel, and the remaining school blocks which were spared from demolition. In 1996, after almost five and a half years of conservation and construction work, what was once the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus and the seat of education for generations of Singapore girls, has been converted into a plaza of theme retail and food and beverage outlets interspersed with ample outdoor spaces and courtyards, cloistered walls and long, covered walkways. This haven in the city hub of Singapore, now known as CHIJMES, is a S$100 million project unmatched for its location and unique ambiance.

The CHIJMES won a Merit Award in the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2002.[8]

Architecture

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A few of the 648 capitals on the columns of the chapel and a spiral staircase along a corridor

The Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus is distinctive for being an architecturally self-contained city block in Singapore. It contains groups of buildings of different styles and periods to maintain diversity in aesthetics. They are formed around courtyards and other expansive spaces, landscaped and enclosed with walls which scale with its urban surroundings.

The various buildings are related by design with the intent to form exterior spaces that would be pleasing for its users and were used for church school activities until November 1983 when the school vacated the premises. The spaces contained within the whole block have been adapted for public use, and form one of the major buildings in the Central Area.

Caldwell House

[edit]
Main article: Caldwell House, Singapore
Caldwell House at CHIJMES

Caldwell House was purchased for the convent by Father Jean-Marie Beurel, a French missionary, who also established Saint Joseph's Institution, the former site of which is now the Singapore Art Museum, and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, where he was the parish priest. Caldwell House was built from 1840 to 1841 for H.C. Caldwell, a magistrate's clerk, is the oldest building in this enclave, which also includes the Gothic chapel and Saint Nicholas Girls' School buildings. The bay on the upper floor became the sisters' lounge. It was in the Caldwell House that the nuns did their sewing, reading, and writing for so many years in the semicircular upstairs room whilst the first story served as a parlour and visitors' room. Caldwell House was designed by George Drumgoole Coleman, and is an example of his Neoclassical style.

CHIJMES Hall

[edit]
Main article: CHIJMES Hall
The interior of CHIJMES Hall, showing the arched ceiling and stained glass windows

The early Gothic Revival style Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Chapel has finely detailed works, such as the plasterwork, the wall frescoes and stained glass panels.

The grand Anglo-French chapel was established with the support of the Catholic community in Singapore and beyond. Designed by Father Charles Benedict Nain, the chapel is one of the most elaborate places of worship ever built in Singapore. The chapel's stained-glass windows were designed by Jules Dobbelaere and were imported from Bruges, Belgium.

A five-story spire flanked by flying buttresses marks the entrance to the chapel. The 648 capitals on the columns of the chapel and its corridors each bear a unique impression of tropical flora and birds.

Physical alterations within CHIJMES

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Apart from having part of its compound taken by MRTC headquarters, the remaining site went through several modifications in order to increase its commercial viability.

In 2013, CHIJMES was given a $45 million uplift. Some of these physical changes include the 1) lowering of cloister walls along Victoria Street, 2) 4 new entrances, 3) Access to the chapel and Caldwell house 4) removal of cobblestone floor and lifting of the roof, 5) covering of sunken courtyards.

Lowering of cloister walls along Victoria Street

  • The upper section of the cloister walls is replaced by metal grilles to allow Chijmes to be visible from the street.

New entrances

  • Apart from the main entrance on Victoria Street, three entrances will be added to the complex - along Bras Basah Road, North Bridge Road and the last one at the junction of both roads. These entrances act as "Historical Portals" with narratives on the walls telling the Chijmes heritage.

Access to the chapel and Caldwell House

  • The front of the chapel is now replaced by glass doors and walls and is open to visitors to tour its interior.

Change of cobblestone floor and elevating the roof

  • The old cobblestone flooring in Chijmes’ driveway, forecourt, and Caldwell House have been replaced with large black granite pavers to make it more pedestrian-friendly.
  • The roofs of the old walkways are elevated and replaced with glazed panels, to allow for increased light penetration.

Sunken courtyards sheltered

  • Previously, there was a big, open space below ground behind the chapel, which housed an open-air area and outdoor seating. Now, the area is being covered with a glass ceiling that will protect the patrons from the elements.
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The wedding scene in Crazy Rich Asians took place at CHIJMES Hall.[9][10]

References

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[edit]
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CHIJMES

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CHIJMES is a heritage complex in central , originally established in as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), the oldest Catholic girls' school in the country, founded by French nuns of the Congregation of the Holy Infant Jesus under the guidance of Father Jean-Marie Beurel and led by Mother Mathilde Raclot. Located at the intersection of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Street, the site initially comprised Caldwell House, a neo-classical purchased in that dates to – and ranks as the second-oldest surviving structure in . The complex expanded over the decades to include an opened in 1855—accessed via the symbolic 'Gate of Hope' for abandoned girls—a boarding house constructed in 1892, and a prominent Anglo-French Gothic completed in 1903 and consecrated the following year, designed by Father Charles B. Nain with features like a five-storey , flying buttresses, and stained-glass windows by Belgian Jules Dobbelaere. Caldwell House, designed by Irish architect George D. Coleman, exemplifies early with its jack roof, French windows, and ornate columns. By the mid-20th century, the site supported multiple schools, including Victoria Girls’ School added in 1933 (rebuilt in 1951 and later becoming St. Nicholas Girls’ School), serving as a key center for and social welfare in colonial and post-independence . In 1983, the schools relocated to Toa Payoh, leading to the chapel's deconsecration and the site's partial demolition for the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC) headquarters, though preservation efforts culminated in its gazetting as a National Monument on 26 October 1990, encompassing Caldwell House, the chapel (renamed CHIJMES Hall), and the former orphanage. Restored and reopened in 1996 as CHIJMES— an acronym derived from the original convent's name—the complex now operates as a lively commercial and cultural hub privately managed under the preservation oversight of the National Heritage Board, featuring over 30 restaurants, bars, retail outlets, and event spaces that attract locals and tourists while honoring its ecclesiastical and educational legacy.

Overview

Location and Description

CHIJMES is a historic complex situated at 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996, in the heart of the city's downtown core. It lies in close proximity to key landmarks and transportation hubs, including City Hall and the Bras Basah MRT stations, making it easily accessible for visitors and locals alike. Originally constructed in 1854 as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), the site served as a Catholic and operated by the French Sisters of the Congregation of the Holy Infant Jesus. It functioned as Singapore's oldest Catholic girls' , providing spiritual, educational, and residential support to Eurasian, European, and later local girls, while also accommodating an established around 1856. Since its restoration and reopening in , CHIJMES has been repurposed as a mixed-use heritage site, preserving its colonial-era structures while integrating modern amenities such as dining outlets, retail shops, bars, and event spaces for weddings and corporate functions. The complex maintains its historical integrity as a , blending preserved architecture with contemporary leisure and commercial activities. The name "CHIJMES" is derived from the original "CHIJ" , with "MES" appended to evoke the sound of "chimes," alluding to the site's heritage and bell-like historical resonance.

Heritage Significance

CHIJMES holds significant heritage value as a preserved complex in , embodying the nation's colonial-era educational and religious history. Established in 1854 by French Catholic nuns from the Congregation of the Holy Infant Jesus, it served as a and girls' school, reflecting the influence of European orders in shaping Catholic education during British colonial rule. This site illustrates the broader narrative of French contributions to Southeast Asian Catholicism, providing education to local and Eurasian girls amid 19th-century colonial expansion. Legally, the Former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Chapel (now CHIJMES Hall) and Caldwell House were gazetted as National Monuments on 26 October 1990 under the Preservation of Monuments Act by Singapore's National Heritage Board, granting them the highest level of protection for built heritage. This status underscores CHIJMES's role within Singapore's network of 76 National Monuments as of 2025, which collectively preserve key examples of Gothic Revival and rare in . The site's transformation from a religious institution to a public heritage space exemplifies , balancing historical integrity with contemporary urban needs in a densely developed . In 2002, CHIJMES received a Merit Award from the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, recognizing its exemplary restoration that revitalized 19th-century structures while maintaining their cultural authenticity. This accolade highlights the complex's contribution to global standards in heritage preservation, promoting public appreciation of Singapore's multicultural past through accessible, integrated spaces.

History

Founding and Early Development

In 1852, French missionary priest Father Jean-Marie Beurel, a member of the , initiated the establishment of a in by purchasing a house at the corner of Victoria Street and Bras Basah Road for the anticipated arrival of the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus from . This acquisition, made with Beurel's personal funds for approximately 4,000 francs, laid the groundwork for what would become the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, aimed at providing education and care for girls. The house in question, known as Caldwell House, had been constructed between 1840 and 1841 by architect George D. Coleman as a private residence for Henry Congreve Caldwell, a senior sworn clerk to the magistrates. On 5 February 1854, four Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus, led by Reverend Mother Mathilde Raclot, arrived in from and officially opened the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in the purchased Caldwell House, initially functioning as an and girls' for underprivileged children. Between 1854 and 1859, the convent expanded with the construction of enclosing walls along Victoria Street, Bras Basah Road, and North Bridge Road, as well as a two-storey building behind Caldwell House to house abandoned infants and provide shelter for orphans. These early structures emphasized the convent's mission to educate and support disadvantaged girls, many of whom were orphans or from impoverished families. Further developments in the early included the addition of entrance gate pillars in 1904 to the front of the newly completed , enhancing the site's formal access and symbolic presence. By 1929, as student numbers grew, a was constructed adjoining the to accommodate the increasing enrollment of girls seeking education and refuge.

Convent Operations

The Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) at the site now known as CHIJMES functioned primarily as an educational institution under the management of the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus, a French Catholic order, emphasizing moral and academic formation for girls in a colonial context. From its early years, the convent integrated schooling with religious instruction, drawing on the order's traditions to foster discipline and piety alongside basic literacy and vocational skills. By 1933, it hosted the newly established Victoria Girls' —later renamed St. Nicholas Girls' —which operated as a Chinese-medium primary institution dedicated to Catholic education for Chinese girls, starting with 40 pupils and expanding into a full by 1940. This educational role extended to secondary levels over time, serving as a cornerstone for female learning in . Institutional growth at the convent included dedicated facilities for boarding and care, transforming it into a multifaceted community hub. The boarding house accommodated both paying students and orphans, with fees from the former subsidizing support for the latter, who were often left at the convent's "Gate of Hope" entrance. The chapel, consecrated on 11 June 1904, served as the spiritual heart of operations, hosting daily Masses, confirmations, and communal prayers that intertwined convent life with school routines. The curriculum bore a French influence reflective of the sisters' origins, incorporating elements of European pedagogy such as structured moral education and languages, while adapting to local needs with English and Chinese instruction. In 1951, a new school building designed to accommodate rising demand was completed, enhancing capacity for integrated educational and residential activities. During its operational peak in the mid-20th century, prior to Singapore's , the convent's schools achieved peak enrollments in the hundreds, including boarders from diverse backgrounds, underscoring their role in community welfare. St. Nicholas Girls' School alone grew to support over 1,500 students by the , though wartime and expansions laid the groundwork for this scale earlier. The institution particularly targeted underprivileged and Eurasian girls, offering free or subsidized , shelter, and skills training that empowered women in a patriarchal colonial , where female rates remained low. This focus contributed to broader social upliftment, enabling alumnae to enter , , and clerical roles, thus advancing equity in pre- Singapore.

Wartime Impact and Closure

During the Battle of Singapore in February 1942, the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus sustained bomb damage when a struck the complex, killing two women who had sought refuge there after attending mass at the nearby . The site served as an for civilians during the intense Japanese bombardment leading up to the British surrender on 15 February 1942. Following the occupation's onset, approximately two months later, the convent's school reopened under Japanese administration as Victoria Street Girls' School, where the remaining sisters taught a curriculum that included and to comply with authorities. After Japan's surrender in 1945, the British colonial government facilitated the repair of war-damaged structures at the convent, allowing the sisters to resume educational and operations under the original name, Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. The institution adapted to Singapore's post-war recovery by expanding enrollment to meet the needs of a growing population, incorporating new classroom blocks in 1951 to accommodate increased student numbers amid the return to normalcy. Following Singapore's independence in 1965, the convent continued to evolve as a key educational hub, aligning with national priorities for girls' schooling while maintaining its religious ethos, though it faced pressures from rapid urbanization that shifted families to suburban areas. By the late 1970s, declining enrollment at the Victoria Street site due to urban migration and space constraints prompted relocation plans, culminating in the school's move to Toa Payoh in December 1983 to accommodate the Mass Rapid Transit headquarters. The last Holy Mass was held on 3 November 1983, after which the chapel was deconsecrated and the convent decommissioned, leaving the site vacant. This closure marked the end of nearly 130 years of active religious and educational use, driven by Singapore's modernization efforts. The transition from a sacred to potential secular development sparked public outcry in when initial plans included partial of school buildings, leading to protests by alumni and heritage advocates who emphasized the site's cultural and historical value, ultimately influencing preservation decisions. Amid Singapore's push for , the site's decommissioning highlighted tensions between religious heritage and state-led progress, with the government's urban program prioritizing over continued convent operations.

Architecture

Overall Design and Layout

The CHIJMES complex is organized around a central that serves as the focal point of its spatial layout, surrounded by a series of interconnected buildings spanning approximately 1.4 hectares. This arrangement incorporates cloistered walkways, lush gardens, and expansive open spaces, creating a self-contained enclave that facilitates fluid movement and communal interaction within the site. Architecturally, CHIJMES exemplifies a fusion of neoclassical and Gothic Revival styles, drawing from 19th-century European colonial traditions while incorporating adaptations suited to Singapore's . Early structures feature neoclassical elements such as symmetrical facades and classical proportions, complemented by later Gothic Revival additions including pointed arches and ornate detailing. To mitigate heat and humidity, the design includes wide verandas for shade, high ceilings for ventilation, and large French windows fitted with adjustable louvres to promote airflow. Prominent among its key features are the 648 unique stone capitals adorning the arcade, each hand-carved with motifs of tropical and to evoke a sense of with the local environment. The complex also boasts intricate windows, comprising over 30,000 pieces imported from , , which depict biblical scenes and filter natural light to enhance the serene interior ambiance. Overall in the layout underscores themes of religious seclusion and structured communal living, with balanced wings and axial alignments reinforcing a contemplative atmosphere. Integrated into Singapore's historic civic , CHIJMES maintains its original perimeter walls and distinctive gates, such as the Gate of Hope, which enclose the site and preserve its historical sense of enclosure amid surrounding urban development. This positioning enhances the complex's role as a preserved colonial-era oasis, distinct from the modern skyline yet accessible within the city's core.

Caldwell House

Caldwell House, constructed between 1840 and 1841, stands as the oldest structure within the CHIJMES complex and the second-oldest building in overall. Originally built as a private , it was acquired in 1854 by Father Jean-Marie Beurel, a French , from H.C. Caldwell, a magistrate's clerk, to serve as the initial residence for the upon their arrival in . The house was designed by George Drumgoole Coleman, Singapore's inaugural Superintendent of Convict Labour and a pioneering architect in the colonial era, in a neoclassical style that reflects early European influences adapted to the . This design exemplifies the simplicity and functionality of 19th-century colonial residential architecture in , prioritizing natural ventilation and light. Architecturally, Caldwell House is a single-storey featuring a prominent semi-circular projection on its Victoria Street facade, which forms a pedimented supported by sturdy Doric columns. Expansive verandas wrap around the structure, enhancing airflow, while large French windows equipped with louvred shutters allow for cross-ventilation suited to Singapore's humid environment. The exterior boasts white-plastered walls under a jack roof, a practical choice for the tropical setting. Inside, high ceilings contribute to cooling, and a vaulted timber ceiling is upheld by Doric columns; a notable original feature is the French inscription on an interior wall reading “Marche en ma présence et sois parfait” (“Walk before me, and be perfect”). Throughout its history in the convent, Caldwell House functioned first as the nuns' primary living quarters and later as a communal lounge where the sisters engaged in , reading, writing letters, and grading students' work. Adaptations were kept to a minimum to retain its original form, ensuring the preservation of its neoclassical elements during the site's broader restorations. As the foundational Catholic structure in what became a major educational and religious hub, it holds significant heritage value, gazetted as a in 1990 alongside the adjacent chapel, and represents a rare surviving example of Coleman's early residential designs in .

CHIJMES Hall

CHIJMES Hall, originally the chapel of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, was constructed as the central structure of the complex. An initial chapel was built in 1855 to serve the needs of the newly established convent, but by 1898 it had become inadequate for the growing community, prompting the construction of a larger replacement. The current building was designed by French and Father Charles B. Nain and completed in 1903, with its Anglo-French Gothic Revival style reflecting influences from French . It was consecrated on 11 June 1904. The chapel's exterior is characterized by a prominent five-storey above the entrance and decorative flying buttresses along each side, enhancing its vertical emphasis and Gothic silhouette. Internally, it features a cross-vaulted ceiling and a layout that supports its role as the complex's centerpiece for worship. The stained-glass windows, imported from , , and crafted by artist Jules Dobbelaere, include several panels depicting biblical scenes, including 5 events from the in the and 12 for the Apostles. These windows, along with the overall design, create a luminous and spiritually evocative space suited to the convent's traditions. Wooden pews imported from , , originally furnished the interior. Notable interior elements include stone columns supporting the vaults, each adorned with intricate foliated capitals carved to represent tropical flora and fauna, blending local motifs with European Gothic conventions. The flooring consists of colorful tiles, adding vibrancy to the space. A memorial plaque honors Nain, underscoring his pivotal role in the chapel's creation. These features collectively position CHIJMES Hall as the ornate heart of the former convent, distinct from the simpler ancillary structures.

Ancillary Buildings

The ancillary buildings at CHIJMES supported the convent's educational and residential needs, forming an integral part of the site's communal layout through functional expansions over time. The original orphanage wings, constructed between 1854 and 1859 adjacent to Caldwell House, consisted of simple two-storey structures in a neo-classical style, providing shelter for abandoned infants and orphans via the nearby Gate of Hope on Victoria Street. These early additions, overseen by Mother Mathilde Raclot, reflected the convent's initial focus on humanitarian care amid growing enrollment. Later developments included the entrance gate pillars added in 1904 at the front of the Gothic , featuring wrought-iron gates that enhanced access while echoing the site's religious character. In 1929, a was built adjoining the as a multi-storey facility to accommodate boarders, addressing the rising demand for residential spaces in the expanding girls' school. By 1951, three existing bungalows were demolished to make way for a new school block designed by the architectural firm Swan & Maclaren, introducing functional additions for additional classrooms to support . These expansions also incorporated service areas and recreational spaces, such as a hall added in 1910–1913, to meet the practical needs of the community. Architecturally, these secondary structures blended Gothic elements like arcades and pointed arches—evident in connecting cloistered corridors—with more utilitarian colonial styles, creating shaded walkways lined with columns adorned in tropical motifs that linked the orphanage, dormitory, and main buildings. Though less ornate than the primary and , these buildings were essential to the site's self-contained layout, facilitating daily convent life and preserved as part of the overall designation to maintain historical integrity.

Restoration and Preservation

Designation as National Monument

In the 1980s, as pursued aggressive urban redevelopment to accommodate and needs, heritage advocacy groups intensified efforts to protect historic sites from , including the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus complex on Victoria Street. Public petitions and campaigns highlighted the irreplaceable cultural and historical value of these structures, arguing that their loss would erode the nation's tangible links to its colonial past and Catholic missionary heritage. These advocacy initiatives influenced government policy, leading to the official gazetting of key components of the complex as National Monuments on 26 October 1990 under the Preservation of Monuments Act (Chapter 239). The designation specifically encompassed the Former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Chapel—later repurposed as CHIJMES Hall—and Caldwell House, while the broader site had received conservation area status from the on 6 July 1990. This legal protection ensured that these buildings could not be altered or demolished without approval from the National Heritage Board. The monuments met established criteria for national protection, including exceptional architectural merit through their Neo-Classical (Caldwell House, designed by George D. Coleman) and Anglo-French Gothic (Chapel, designed by Reverend Father Charles B. Nain) styles, deep historical ties to the Congregation of the Holy Infant Jesus's missionary work since 1854, and their role in representing colonial-era girls' education in Singapore. The immediate effects of the designation were to arrest ongoing decay following the convent's closure in 1983 and prevent further encroachment by development projects, while prompting initial feasibility studies for sensitive that balanced preservation with modern functionality.

1990s Redevelopment

Planning for the redevelopment of the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus site began in 1990, when Singapore's (URA) placed the property on the market following its gazettal as a . The site was acquired by a led by CHIJMES Pte Ltd for S$26.8 million, with the URA providing oversight to ensure conservation guidelines were met. Extensive restoration works commenced in 1991 under the direction of conservation experts, including French architect Didier Repellin and local firm Ong & Ong Architects, and continued through 1995. The project involved a total investment of S$65 million, focusing on repairing and reinforcing the aging structures while preserving the site's historical integrity. Key efforts included meticulous restoration of the neo-Gothic chapel's windows—over 30,000 pieces sent to , , for repair without replacement of intact elements—and cleaning of stonework to reveal original features. Structural reinforcements addressed decades of wear, and the works retained the majority of the original fabric, such as the 19th-century walls, adapting the complex for contemporary use without altering its facades. Significant adaptive changes transformed the vacant buildings into a multifunctional space: the deconsecrated became CHIJMES Hall, a multipurpose venue for events, while the former residence and ancillary structures were repurposed for and retail. Cloistered walkways were converted into arcades housing shops and restaurants, enhancing accessibility while respecting the site's architectural layout. The complex reopened to the public in 1996 as CHIJMES, a name derived from the original "CHIJ" initials and evoking "chimes" to honor its heritage. This redevelopment successfully repositioned the site as a vibrant destination in downtown , blending preservation with commercial viability and earning the Architectural Heritage Award in 1997.

Subsequent Renovations

In 2013, co-owner Perennial Real Estate Holdings initiated a S$45 million renovation project at CHIJMES to enhance its operational functionality and visitor experience while adhering to heritage conservation standards. This uplift included the installation of glass canopies over key courtyards to provide weather protection against , allowing year-round use of outdoor spaces without compromising the site's historical integrity. New entrances were added to improve , and the electrical and systems were comprehensively upgraded, incorporating energy-efficient LED fixtures that highlight architectural features such as the Gothic arches and during evening hours. Following the 2013 works, CHIJMES has undergone ongoing maintenance under the oversight of the National Heritage Board (NHB), Singapore's responsible for preserving national monuments. This includes regular technical assessments and minor repairs to address wear on stonework facades and the site's iconic windows, ensuring structural stability and aesthetic preservation amid high visitor footfall. The NHB's guidelines emphasize proactive upkeep to mitigate , such as humidity-induced deterioration common in tropical settings. Adaptive modifications have been implemented to meet modern usage needs without altering the site's acoustic heritage, particularly in CHIJMES Hall. Air-conditioning systems were installed in enclosed and event spaces, using discreet ducting to maintain the original vaulted ceilings' resonance for concerts and gatherings. enhancements incorporated retractable awnings and shaded plantings to evoke the convent's original garden ambiance, supporting outdoor dining while providing relief from heat and rain. These renovations have addressed key challenges in sustaining a high-traffic heritage site, including the balance between tourism-driven demands and strict conservation requirements. Efforts focused on integrating resilient features like reinforced structural elements to withstand tropical storms, given Singapore's vulnerability to extreme weather, while avoiding visible alterations to the protected Gothic Revival elements.

Contemporary Role

Commercial and Event Uses

CHIJMES serves as a vibrant commercial hub in Singapore's Civic District, featuring approximately 18 outlets that cater to dining, entertainment, and retail needs. These include 10 restaurants offering diverse international cuisines, such as Vietnamese at Bếp Mai, Korean at BOMUL , Italian at RISTORANTE, and Japanese BBQ at , alongside five bars and pubs like and Bar, and two cafes including Coffeesmith and . Wellness services, such as Natureland Spa & Therapy, complement the experiential environment, emphasizing the site's historical ambiance to enhance visitor engagement. Caldwell House within CHIJMES functions primarily as an intimate venue and fine-dining space, accommodating up to 100 guests through its Alcove area for ceremonies and receptions with options for Western, Asian, or menus starting from S$5,188++ for 30 persons (as of 2025). Managed by Watabe Wedding as the official operator, it provides a blend of heritage charm and modern hospitality, suitable for smaller celebrations. The complex excels in event hosting, with CHIJMES Hall—a restored neo-Gothic —serving as a versatile space for weddings, concerts, conferences, and corporate gatherings, with a capacity of up to 400 standing or 300 seated guests, equipped with AV systems, projectors, and . Annual events further animate the site, including the Christmas Enchantment from 5 to 31 December 2025, featuring festive markets, live performances, snowfall experiences at the Mini Lawn, and light projections, as well as self-guided heritage trails that explore the convent's history. These activities draw locals and tourists, supporting Singapore's MICE sector through high-profile business and incentive events. Operated by Holdings under a expiring in 2090, CHIJMES adheres to strict heritage guidelines as a , where private lessees like Watabe and restaurant operators maintain operations without altering the facade or structural integrity, ensuring the preservation of its 19th-century features while fostering sustainable commercial vitality. This model balances economic activity with cultural stewardship, contributing to the site's role in Singapore's landscape.

Cultural Impact and Events

CHIJMES has become a vibrant hub for cultural programming in , hosting signature events that blend historical reverence with contemporary artistic expression. The venue regularly features Candlelight Concerts, immersive live music performances illuminated by thousands of candles in the historic CHIJMES Hall, with tributes to artists like and continuing into 2025. These concerts draw diverse audiences, fostering appreciation for classical and within a Gothic Revival setting. Additionally, the self-guided CHIJMES Heritage Trail educates visitors on the site's Catholic origins, tracing the arrival of the Infant Jesus Sisters in 1854 and their role in girls' and orphan care, while occasional guided heritage walks deepen public understanding of this legacy. Cultural festivals, such as the annual Singapore Night Festival organized in collaboration with the National Heritage Board, transform the courtyards into immersive zones with projection mappings and light installations celebrating 's island heritage, as seen in the 2025 edition themed around Island Nights. In media, CHIJMES's photogenic architecture has elevated its profile, serving as a key filming location for the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians, where the chapel hosted the extravagant wedding scene of Araminta Lee and Colin Khoo, showcasing the site's neo-Gothic grandeur to global audiences. The complex's intricate details, including arched cloisters and restored facades, make it a favored spot for professional photography and pre-wedding shoots, highlighting Singapore's blend of colonial and ecclesiastical styles. These appearances have amplified CHIJMES's role in promoting local heritage through visual storytelling. Public engagement initiatives at CHIJMES emphasize educational outreach and inclusivity, with the heritage trail and NHB collaborations offering programs that explore Singapore's Catholic amid its multicultural fabric, such as exhibitions on the convent's contributions to for diverse communities. The site symbolizes inclusive heritage by hosting events that unite varied cultural groups, reinforcing Singapore's identity as a harmonious . Post-2020, adaptations like 360-degree virtual tours have sustained access during the , allowing remote exploration of the architecture and . Furthermore, evolving event policies promote sustainable tourism, as evidenced by eco-conscious elements in the Singapore Night Festival, including reusable installations and low-impact lighting to minimize environmental footprint.

References

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