CHIJMES
30, Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
Civic District Trail 2, Marker 2

The historial landmark was part of the Catholic society and it was a place of gathering for the them to get along with one another. The heritage of CHIJMES educate others about its history and culture, creating understanding between different cultures and hence unite the people.

CHIJMES (pronounced "chimes") was once the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), established in 1854. The order of the Holy infant Jesus was founded by a Frenchman, Father Nicholas Barre. Born in Amiens, France in 1621 and educated at a Jesuit college in his hometown, Nicholas Barre decided to dedicate his life to God. He joined the Convent des Minimes, one of the strictest orders in the church and was appointed Professor of Theology. Despite his success, he was a man of humility and the idea of improving education in France struck him.

The first chapel of the Convent, which had been built around 1850, was in such a bad condition that it was necessary to build a new one. At the end of the 19th century, the Sisters started the fund-raising by various means for the new chapel. The old one was becoming so dangerous that the Sisters decided to celebrate mass in Caldwell House.

Father Charles-Benedict Nain was engaged as an architect and, on behalf of the roman catholic community, was in charge at the same time of the construction of the extension of the St Joseph Institution. The construction of the Chapel started in 1901 and it was completed by in 1904. Father Nain was highly involved in the worksite. He is the author of all the fine architectural details found in the Chapel.

During this period, the Mother Superior went to Europe to choose the furniture for the Chapel. The stained-glass windows were made by a Belgian artist, Jules Dobbelaere, who worked also for the chapel of St Joseph Institution.

The two-storey galleries, at both sides of the Chapel, were added around 1913 by another architect, Craig, who continued in the same neo-gothic style, with the same quality of details and finishes. The neo-gothic style made a radical change in the general classical concept which was adopted so far, but Father Nain for the Chapel as well as Craig for the galleries, adapted with a great feeling and skill for harmony, the rhythm and the proportions to the existing situation.

There were no more major changes on the site till the nuns left in 1983, except the addition of the new building in the courtyard in 1950 (block E) with less architectural significance.

After almost five and a half years of painstaking conservation and construction work, what was once the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) and the seat of education for generations of Singapore girls, has been converted into a plaza of theme retail and F&B outlets interspersed with ample outdoor spaces and courtyards, cloistered walls and long, covered walkways. This haven in the city hub of Singapore, known as CHIJMES, is a S$100 million project unmatched for its location and unique ambience.

CHIJ Saint Nicholas School once had their lessons at this location.

If you are interested to know more about CHIJMES, please visit their official website at http://www.chijmes.com.sg/