The Changi Museum in Singapore is a museum that exhibits the history of Singapore during the Second World War. Collections of exhibits and other items of the Federal military personnel held in Changi prison as prisoners of war during the occupation of the Japanese army.
Changi Museum is located just east of Changi International Airport. Exhibits related to the Changi prison that the Japanese army housed Allied soldiers who became prisoners during World War II are displayed. Visitors to the Museum can see photos, diaries, clothes, etc. of people housed.
What is the history of this museum?
Before the Second World War, it was an area of the British Air Force. This was the location of a military base which protects the British Commonwealth countries from Hong Kong to New Zealand, where many foreigners lived, mainly English people. When Singapore collapsed because of the invasion by Japanese Army and was occupied from 942 – 1945, the military base was turned into a prison. It housed civilians, and soldiers, mainly British and Australians, who were captured as Prisoners Of War / POW. It is said that there were 4000 people in Changi prison and 50,000 captives in the old barracks.
The current Changi Museum was relocated in 2001 from the side of the Changi prison, the simple chapel in the courtyard is a replica of the chapel where prisoners prayed for prayers in the Changi prison.
It was rebuilt in 1998 by the current prisoners of Changi prison. The original Changi Chapel has been dismantled after the war, and now it is in the capital city of Australia Canberra.
The Changi Museum is dedicated to everyone who experienced the hardships of World War II beyond nationality.
What are the exhibits like?
In the museum, there is displayed what is called banana money. This is a type of martial art issued by the Japanese army during the war. When the military occupied the area, it was standard martial practice to issue as a substitute for money. This was so that the Military could control the economy of the region. As the banana tree was drawn on the martial shelf issued by the Japanese Army at this time, it was called “Banana Money.” The Japanese army who fell short of funds caused a sudden inflation due to the turbulence of World War 2, and the value fell steadily and steadily.
That is just one of the many exhibits that are located in the Changi Museum. There are a ton more, and these include graphic pictures and videos of what the POWs experienced when they were under Japanese Rule. There are also included in the exhibits diaries of the prisoners in Changi. These diaries paint a very accurate picture of what it was like to live in Changi prison and under Japanese Rule. Through these first-hand accounts and detailed exhibits, visitors will be able to know what it was truly like to live in Singapore during the 1940’s and under the Japanese occupation of Singapore.
Admission to Changi Museum is also free, so you can get in without having to pay for a ticket if you want to see these exhibits.
Look for us here and find out our Location