Asian Civilisations Museum (Tao Nan)
39, Armenian St, Singapore 179941
Civic District Trail 2, Marker 8

The Asian Civilisations Musuem educates people on the cultures and traditions of our ancestors. It attempts to unite the people by displaying information on cultures of other races. Through this information, we can be able to understand why people from other races do certain things. Thus, we will be able to respect them and not make fun or have prejudices towards their religion. This Museum contains many historical treasures which help to educate and unite the people from different races in our country.

The Hokkien Clan Association started Tao Nan School on 18 November 1906. It was one of the six modern Chinese schools in Singapore with a curriculum influenced by the educational reforms in China at the end of the 19th century.

Classes were first held at the residence of Tan Kim Ching in North Bridge Road. With the generous support from the Hokkien community, a purpose-built school was constructed. Benefactors include Tan Boon Liat, Lee Cheng Yen, Low Kim Pong, Tan Kah Kee, and Oei Tiong Ham, the sugar magnate of Semarang, Java, whose donation largely financed the purchase of land in Armenian Street.

The move to Armenian Street coincided with the 1911 overthrow of the Qing dynasty. Tao Nan became the first Chinese school to change the medium of instruction from dialect to Mandarin. Among the teachers was the philanthropist Lee Kong Chian (1894 - 1967). Pioneer artist Pan Shou was the headmaster from 1932 to 1940.

In 1982, Tao Nan School moved to Marine Parade. It was saved from being taken down when the National Heritage Board decided to conserve it for use as the first wing of the Asian Civilisations Museum. Restoration work to the building commenced in 1992. The Asian Civilisation Museum was officially opened on 21 April 1997 and focuses on Singaporeans' ancestral cultures."

The three-storey building was restored to house the current Asian Civilisations Museum which showcases Asian arts and cultures. Structural strengthening, damp proofing, repair and reconstruction of parts of the historic building were carried out. The cellular nature of the existing school classroom layout was adapted to gallery needs, while the atrium space was retained, serving to orientate visitors moving about the galleries.

For more information on the Asian Civilisations Musuem, visit its official website at http://www.nhb.gov.sg/ACM/acm.shtml