“Groundbreaking for Founders’ Memorial at Gardens by the Bay, Opening in 2028 to Celebrate Singapore’s Heritage”

SINGAPORE – The construction of the Founders’ Memorial, dedicated to honoring Singapore’s pioneering leaders and the values they championed, has officially commenced at Gardens by the Bay’s Bay East Garden. Set to open in 2028, the memorial will blend gallery spaces and gardens to offer visitors a unique, immersive experience, the National Heritage Board (NHB) announced.

The structure will include two connected buildings with a viewing gallery overlooking Singapore’s skyline, exhibition spaces, and rooms for workshops. Extending from the memorial, paths will connect with Bay East Garden, symbolizing the journey taken by Singapore’s founding leaders in shaping the nation.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on June 5, coincided with the anniversary of Singapore’s first cabinet taking office in 1959. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, alongside other dignitaries, officiated the event, planting saplings from species that were originally part of Singapore’s early greening initiatives. “The Founders’ Memorial will tell the story of our leaders who faced challenges from colonialism to communalism and, ultimately, built a united, independent nation,” SM Lee said. The memorial will celebrate figures like founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his team, with a particular focus on the values they instilled.

Originally planned for completion in 2027, the project was delayed due to the pandemic. The winning design, created by Japanese firm Kengo Kuma & Associates and Singapore’s K2LD Architects, was selected from an international competition. The design envisions the memorial as a landmark uniting Singaporeans and inspiring them to build a better future.

During the ceremony, SM Lee expressed gratitude to the 200,000 Singaporeans who shared ideas for the memorial. He emphasized that the memorial should serve as a space where generations can reflect on Singapore’s founding values and strive for a harmonious future. The NHB will also display a mural, “Our Memorial, Our Singapore,” at Bay South Garden from June to December 2024, allowing visitors to contribute thoughts and well-wishes.

As the project progresses, public workshops and exhibitions have gathered community feedback, with over 140,000 people participating so far. Through this collective engagement, the Founders’ Memorial aims to resonate as a meaningful space for every generation of Singaporeans.