Lion City embraces local heritage as an important part of life

Museum officials are ensuring that facilities in Singapore become stylish cultural lifestyle destinations focused on sharing the country's unique art, heritage and culture with citizens and visitors of all ages.

State-of-the-art technology, including computer graphics, touch-screen displays, artistic lighting and design, mood music and even original scents, complement the evocative displays of art and artefacts. There are also many interactive elements for the public - children included - to get a physical feel of the art and heritage on display.

According to the National Heritage Board (NHB), which runs the city state's nine museums and heritage institutions, more Singaporeans are embracing heritage as an important part of their lives.

'Annual outreach programmes, such as the Singapore HeritageFest, Explore Singapore and International Museum Day, have matured into iconic national events attracting loyal followers in the hundreds of thousands with an attractive array of art and heritage related activities,' an NHB spokesman said.

Landmarks, such as the Empress Place Building and the old Supreme Court, are among the 55 national monuments gazetted because of their historical significance. Heritage walking trails in various neighbourhoods and districts, including the Civic District in the Bras Basah area, are also considered vital as they tell visitors of the history and life of the area and its early settlers.

Heritage markers have recently been erected dedicated to historical figures linked to Singapore.