Listen to the acoustics of art and the rhythms of heritage with the Raffles Place Audio Tours.
The Raffles Place Audio Tours help you explore the sights and sounds of Raffles Place like never before! Whether you are an art enthusiast or a history buff, these self-guided audio tours will captivate as you stroll along the Raffles Place precinct. So, wait no more, grab your headphones, put on your comfy kicks and get ready to discover fascinating stories you never knew, with two exciting audio tours to choose from.
THE ART AUDIO TOUR
On your previous visits to Raffles Place, you may have come across a few sculptures in the precinct, without giving much thought to the story or the inspiration behind them. These exquisite works of art from artists around the world deserve more than just a passing glance or a quick snapshot for social media. Each is a masterpiece born from the creator’s imagination and given life against the bustling backdrop of Raffles Place. The way in which you view and interact with the different pieces add to your unique interpretation of each art piece.
The Art Audio Tour features 8 locations and 3 bonus stops, each lasting from two to four minutes at each stop. The tour takes you through prominent pieces created by globally renowned artists around the precinct. The Art Audio Tour commences at Raffles Place Park where you can spot the Raffles Place Audio Tours signs on the lamp posts. Scan the QR code or click HERE to start your art-venture!
During the Art Audio Tour, you will have the opportunity to visit several locations, including CapitaSpring, Ocean Financial Centre, and Republic Plaza, before concluding the journey at CapitaGreen.
You will be guided through the Art Audio Tour by local artist, Tim De Cotta, a musician and producer. Along with him, a few personalities lend their voices to offer insightful and valuable perspectives on the art pieces. They include singer, musician and poet weish, graphic designer, painter and ceramicist Marc Gabriel Loh, ceramicist Jeanette Adrienne Wee and graphic designer and artist Chris Chai.
Here are some sneak peeks of what you will hear on the Art Tour:
THE HERITAGE AUDIO TOUR
Travel back in time and explore the rich history of Singapore, from the early days of the Sumatran empire of Srīvijaya to the British modernisation that shaped the city we know today. The Heritage Audio Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors throughout Singapore’s development and how Raffles Place came to be. To embark on this enlightening journey, simply click HERE for the map and the five accompanying audio tracks that will guide you along this eye-opening and mind-expanding trail.
The Heritage Audio Tour comprises five distinct zones, each with a unique focus, and begins at the Red Zone where you can explore the history of Raffles Place and its origins. Head to the Blue Zone for an immersive experience of modern day architecture of Raffles Place, while the Yellow Zone offers insights of how different ethnic groups and architectural styles have evolved around the Singapore River and surrounding areas. Then, move on to the Green Zone to discover the role of the Singapore River in shaping the cityscape around Raffles Place; finally the Pink Zone shares the glitz and glamour of Collyer Quay and Clifford Pier.
Narrated by Tim De Cotta, along with Carisa An-Yi Davies, their voices paint a vivid picture of Singapore’s history, immersing you in the sights, sounds, and stories of the past. In the years before, the bustling freeport of Singapore was a melting pot where individuals from diverse backgrounds arrived in Singapore to exchange goods, cultures and ideas. The freeport has progressed into the epicentre of our island’s Central Business District, Raffles Place.
Over the years, Raffles Place has embraced its rich heritage and has undergone a transformation that is a testament to the synergy of business, ideas and culture, which is exemplified by the array of architectural styles present in Raffles Place.
Here are some of the quick facts from the Heritage Audio Tour that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s rich heritage and vibrant culture:
Skylines at Raffles Place
Image Credit: Hotels.com
In 1953, the Bank of China – an 18-storey building – was the first to emerge and monopolise the skyline in Raffles Place for 20 years.
The Neptune Theatre Restaurant, Collyer Quay
Image Credit: National Heritage Board
The Neptune Theatre at Collyer Quay was a well-known theatre restaurant in SG – famous for holding international concerts. Famous singers like Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Teresa Teng and Anita Sarawak were some of the acts that performed at the theatre.
Yueh Hai Ching Temple, Phillip Street
Image Credit: Expat Living Singapore
The “Temple of the Calm Sea” is a historical and cultural icon, serving as one of the earliest destinations for Chinese immigrants arriving at the Singapore River in the 1800s. After going through an extensive restoration, the temple won the Award of Merit in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2014. Today, it is still a famous place of worship for the Chinese community especially when it comes to finding soulmates as the temple is also now known as the “Temple of Love”.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned resident of Singapore, the Raffles Place Audio Tours provide a great opportunity to delve deeper into the art and heritage of the Raffles Place precinct. By exploring further, gain a richer perspective on the people, places, and stories that make Raffles Place unique.
Ready to start? Click HERE to begin your exploration or bookmark the link to save it for your upcoming activity or even share it with your friends!
