Hidden in Plain Sight

The Secret Art of Fort Canning

by Jennifer Williams and Isabelle Tadmoury

Fort Canning has been the central to life in Singapore for centuries. First, as a palatial resort of the former Majapahit kings, second as the residence for the colonial governors (starting with Sir Stamford Raffles) and then as a British miliary base before becoming a national park. In Malay it was known as Bukit Larangan or "Forbidden Hill", a place that was haunted, and considering that the British surrendered here to the Japanese in WWII, maybe Malay folklore was right.

Besides its lush wild forestry, the park continues to play a central role in public art thanks to the ASEAN Sculpture Garden. As a symbol of ASEAN unity and cooperation, each member country – the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore – donated a sculpture to this garden in 1982.

By starting at the National Museum of Singapore, there is a 2km or approx. 45-minute walking tour that takes you through all the key public art including the ASEAN garden (see map for details).

Fort Canning Sculpture Map, From National Parks

Our favorites include:

• Pedas Pedas, is a giant, dirty-red chili pepper sculpture on the grounds behind the National Museum near the Fort Canning Park entrance along Canning Rise. The name Pedas Pedas means ‘spicy’ in Malay which seems like a nice reference to local cuisine.

Tombstones Along the Walls

Across from the pepper are the Gothic gates. The ivory white gates were designed by Captain Charles Edward Faber, whom Mount Faber was named after, which take you into the Fort Canning Green. This was the city’s first Christian burial ground, with many of the oldest tomb stones placed along the walls of this sanctuary. Past the cannon and the Black Box/Fort Canning Center is

• Spring of Life by Chua Boon Kee is a forged stainlesssteel sculpture that was inspired by underground springs. It is a symbolic representation of life, which is like spring water, ever flowing with energy.

Once you pass through the Fort Gate, the remnants of a fortress that has a roof top with a great view, you’ll come to our next sculpture:

• Mediation Site by Han Sai Por looks like a long bench. This row of natural wooden benches is set in a tranquil space that allows for a temporary meditation spot from the restless and noisy city.

Walk along the back of the Fort Canning hotel to finally get to the ASEAN sculpture garden to see:

• Augury by Anthony Lau from Malaysia, are red stainless-steel plates that are intertwined.

'Balance' by Singaporean artist Ng Eng Teng

• Balance by Singaporean artist Ng Eng Teng is a minimalist piece that was created using aluminous cement, popularly known as Ciment Fondu®. Ng Eng Teng, known as the grandfather of Singapore Sculpture, has many other public art pieces including Mother and Child at the beginning of Orchard Rd (by the Forum)

• Unity by But Muchtar from Indonesia are copper sheets reinforced with mild steel to create this textured sculpture which is so aptly named for the garden

'Fredesvinda' by Philippina artist Napoleon Abueva

• Fredesvinda is created by Philippina artist Napoleon Veloso Abueva. The name comes from German and translates into ‘strength of the country’. A symbol of regional cooperation, this tall structure depicts an unfinished boat cast in reinforced concrete.

By now you’ll be back by the National Museum of Singapore ready for a nice meal at Flutes.

Isabelle and Jennifer share a love of art, good coffee and exploring Singapore. Both came here in 2019 and are always on the lookout for the next great statue or mural that is just around the corner.