Sea to District

1932

As part of the Beach Road Reclamation project, acres of land were reclaimed for the site to become the new Singapore Volunteer Corps Headquarters (eventually today’s South Beach).

1933

The construction of the Singapore Volunteer Corps Headquarters and Drill Hall was complete.

1966

Singapore would begin the seven-phase East Coast Reclamation project, also known as “The Great Reclamation”. The project would last 20 years and reclaim 1,525 hectares of land.

1977

The completion of phase five of the East Coast Reclamation project formed the site of Marina Centre — the beginnings of the district that would become Marina Central.

1985

Phases six and seven of the East Coast Reclamation project were complete to form today’s Marina Bay area.

1986

Marina Square, the first mall in Marina Centre, opened its doors. At the time, it was the largest mall in South East Asia.

1996

Millenia Walk was built. It is designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Philip Johnson who also designed the prestigious New York State Pavilion and Rockefeller Guest House.

1997

Suntec City was established to position Singapore as a global business hub and attract foreign investments, with its large-scale convention spaces plus a mall and five office towers.

2002

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay opened with a three-week-long Opening Festival, during which it received over a million visitors who enjoyed 73 ticketed and 600 free arts experiences, featuring 1,300 artists from 22 countries.

2015

South Beach opened, maintaining the rich heritage of its location by amalgamating the four conserved buildings — three army blocks and the NCO Club — with two new towers to create a refreshing mixed development.

2022

Marina Central pilot district was started by Marina Square, Millenia Singapore, South Beach, Suntec City and URA, to support the district’s businesses, enliven common spaces through public events and build a community for common good.

2023

DISTRICT M was in full swing. The inaugural two-day festival featured 4 music zones, 30 live performances and 13 fringe activities. It was the first of its kind — uniting commercial malls and industry talents here and abroad in an exciting, free event at reimagined public spaces.

20th Century

Heritage Experiences in Marina Central

Tea Practice & Tea Appreciation

Dates: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 & 24 May
Venue: Heritage Strings & Arts (#03-280A) at Marina Square
Admission: $50

Experience the essence and cultural significance of traditional Chinese tea culture! Enjoy Cha Yuan’s exclusive pure wild tea while learning how to maintain good health through tea drinking.

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The Nanyang Chronicles: A Journey Through Time

Dates: 1 May – 25 May
Venue: BELLS Baking Studio at Suntec City
Admission: $58

Discover the timeless flavours that have defined our cultural identity as we bring together food and heritage. Learn the traditional methods behind Kopi and Teh Tarik; make Kaya and Pandan Chiffon Cake from scratch; and prepare a traditionally Singaporean breakfast.

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Uncovering Chinese Paper Art at Madame Fan Bar

Dates: 2, 9, 16 & 23 May
Venue: Madame Fan Bar in the NCO Club at South Beach
Admission: $59.95

Uncover the history of Chinese art of paper cutting. Immerse yourself into the creative process and end the session with a cocktail inspired by the art form paired with a side of dim sum.

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Painting with Yarn (Tingkat Edition)

Dates: 3 & 17 May
Venue: South Beach Tower Lobby
Admission: $60

Create a heritage-inspired masterpiece by “painting” with yarn on canvas in this hands-on workshop. Blend tradition and modern craft while exploring the tactile art and vibrant colours. No experience needed.

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Indian Wood Block Printing

Dates: 3 & 17 May
Venue: South Beach Sky Garden
Admission:
Adult: $45
Parent + Child Bundle: $60

Explore Indian wood block printing with Peranakan tile-inspired motifs in this hands-on workshop. Create unique designs on recycled cotton fabric, crafting a sustainable bandana or napkin while celebrating the artistry of traditional techniques and cultural heritage.

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Treasures of Indian Cuisine

Dates: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 & 25 May
Venue: Bombay Brasserie at South Beach Avenue
Admission: $75

Learn about Indian gastronomical heritage alongside a 5 course tasting menu, taking the diner through a vivid journey of the true treasures of Indian cuisine by using age old cooking techniques and ingredients.

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Heritage-inspired Dining at Oscar’s and the Hotel’s Asian Art Self-guided Tour

Dates: 4, 11, 18 & 25 May
Venue: Conrad Centennial Singapore
Admission: $60++

Enjoy Oscar’s Heritage-Inspired Sunday Buffet Dinner at Conrad Centennial Singapore, priced at $60++ in honour of Singapore’s 60th year of independence. Relish traditional recipes and explore the hotel’s self-guided audio art tour, featuring 21 curated works by renowned Singaporean artists.

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Experiential Guzheng Class

Dates: 6, 9, 13 & 16 May
Venue: Heritage Strings & Arts (#03-108/109) at Marina Square
Admission: $40

In this 1 hour workshop, you will be introduced to the guzheng instrument. Learn its heritage significance and how to wear guzheng nails, and play some simple tunes on the guzheng.

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Painting with Native Plant Pigments

Dates: 10 & 24 May
Venue: South Beach Sky Garden
Admission: $60

Discover native plants as natural dyes and pigments in this hands-on workshop. Paint fabric using exclusive heritage-inspired stencils, blending sustainable art with cultural heritage for a unique creative experience.

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Punch Needle Wearable Heritage Art

Dates: 10 & 24 May
Venue: South Beach Tower Lobby
Admission:
Adult: $45
Parent + Child Bundle: $60

Explore the charm of Singapore’s shophouses and the intricate beauty of Peranakan tile designs, delving into their cultural significance. In this hands-on workshop, craft a unique punch needle brooch inspired by these iconic heritage elements. Perfect for all skill levels, this experience combines creativity, tradition and wearable art.

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