Singapore’s Indian Heritage Centre celebrates its 10th anniversary with an open house, exciting programmes, and a major artefact rotation featuring 60 new objects from the National Collection and the community.
The Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) in Singapore is commemorating its 10th anniversary in 2025 with a year-long series of celebrations highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of Indian and South Asian communities in the city-state. Since its official opening in May 2015, the IHC has welcomed over 1.6 million visitors and has become a vital institution for the appreciation and promotion of Indian heritage.
To kick off the festivities, a media preview of the IHC10 Open House was held at the Indian Heritage Centre on 7 May 2025. The event unveiled a refreshed line-up of programmes and exhibitions aimed at engaging the wider community through culture, education, and immersive experiences.
Over the past decade, IHC has collaborated closely with community members, cultural organisations, and partners from the Little India precinct to deliver insightful and inclusive exhibitions. These have included showcases on the Chetti Meflaka, Malayalee, Sikh, and Tamil communities. The centre also plays a central role in festive celebrations such as Deepavali, Pongal, and the Indian New Year, welcoming people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.
In honour of its 10th year and in alignment with Singapore’s SG60 celebrations in 2025, IHC is conducting its first major rotation of artefacts in the Permanent Galleries. The initiative introduces 60 new artefacts – some displayed publicly for the first time – in two phases. The first phase, launched in March 2025, focuses on level 4 galleries, while the second phase will be unveiled in September 2025 on level 3.
Noteworthy items include a rare Kalamkari wall hanging from Masulipatnam, representing historical maritime exchanges, and a vibrant Bommai Golu doll arrangement used during Navaratri. These objects are drawn from Singapore’s National Collection and private community donations, offering visitors personal and historical insights into the Indian diaspora’s contributions to Singapore’s development.
Chairman of the IHC Advisory Board, Mr R Rajaram, remarked, “As the Indian Heritage Centre commemorates its 10th anniversary, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to serving as a cornerstone for the Indian community in Singapore… an achievement we are proud to share with each and every one of you.”
The centre will also roll out a host of special programmes, including the return of the popular Peranakan Indian Wedding experience, craft activities, community performances, and IHC10 workshops with limited-edition souvenirs. New child-friendly zones, interactive exhibits, and refreshed educational resources tailored for various school levels will be launched in phases throughout the year.
These initiatives continue IHC’s mission of fostering cultural understanding and preserving the stories of Singapore’s Indian and South Asian communities for future generations.
