CHIJMES

In the heart of Singapore’s bustling Civic District stands CHIJMES, a place where the past whispers through every arch and corridor, even as modern life hums gently outside its gates.

With its gothic spires, courtyards, and stained-glass windows, CHIJMES is one of Singapore’s most beautifully preserved heritage complexes. Once a convent and girls’ school, it has been transformed into a vibrant destination filled with restaurants, bars, and cultural spaces — all while retaining the serenity and grace of its origins.

It’s a place where history meets harmony, and where the old world and the new world coexist in perfect rhythm.

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A Journey Through Time

From Convent to Landmark

CHIJMES has its roots in the mid-19th century, when it was established as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ). The original complex was built in 1854, founded by French Catholic missionaries as an orphanage and later expanded into a convent and a school for girls.

For more than a century, it was a sanctuary of faith and education, nurturing generations of young women and serving as a cornerstone of Singapore’s Catholic community.

Transformation Through Time

After the convent relocated in the 1980s, the site was carefully restored and reopened in 1996 as CHIJMES — a name that pays homage to its past while embracing its new identity as a hub for lifestyle, dining, and events.

Today, it stands as one of Singapore’s most elegant examples of adaptive reuse — preserving heritage architecture while giving it a vibrant, modern purpose.

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Architectural Elegance

At first sight, CHIJMES feels like stepping into a European courtyard hidden within the city. Its Neo-Gothic chapel, intricate carvings, and manicured lawns evoke a timeless elegance that captivates visitors instantly.

CHIJMES Hall

The heart of the complex is CHIJMES Hall, the former convent chapel completed in 1904. Designed by French priest Father Charles Benedict Nain, it features:

• Towering arched ceilings
• Ornate columns and ribbed vaults
• Over 600 pieces of stained-glass artwork, imported from Belgium and France

The hall’s acoustics are exceptional, making it a popular venue for weddings, concerts, and private events. With its glowing interiors and serene ambience, CHIJMES Hall retains the spiritual grace of its past — now reborn as a space for celebration and creativity.

The Courtyard and Cloisters

The open-air courtyards and covered walkways surrounding CHIJMES Hall once housed classrooms and dormitories. Today, they are lined with chic restaurants, artisanal cafés, and boutique bars, where diners enjoy the charm of candlelit evenings under historic arches.

The Caldwell House

One of the oldest buildings in the complex, Caldwell House was designed by architect George Coleman, who also built Singapore’s early civic landmarks. It now houses cultural exhibitions and event spaces that showcase the city’s architectural and religious heritage.

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CHIJMES Today: Where Heritage Meets Lifestyle

CHIJMES has become one of Singapore’s most beloved social and cultural destinations. Whether you come for a quiet afternoon coffee or an evening of music and dining, there’s something magical about its atmosphere — tranquil yet lively, historical yet contemporary.

Dining and Entertainment

The complex is home to over 20 dining venues, offering everything from local delights to international cuisines:

• Prive – for modern Singaporean fare with al fresco seating
• El Mero Mero – serving contemporary Mexican dishes
• Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria – an indulgent meat-lover’s feast
• Renga-Ya – Japanese charcoal grill dining
• The Winery Tapas | Bar – a cozy spot for wine and conversation

As night falls, CHIJMES transforms into a romantic, softly lit haven where live music and laughter fill the air.

Events and Weddings

CHIJMES is also one of Singapore’s most sought-after wedding venues, thanks to its picturesque chapel, elegant interiors, and central location. Its tranquil courtyards also host open-air concerts, cultural festivals, and film screenings, blending art and community in the heart of the city.

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Visitor Information

Address: 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996

Nearest MRT Stations:

• City Hall (North-South & East-West Lines)
• Bras Basah (Circle Line)
• Bencoolen (Downtown Line)

Opening Hours:

The complex is open daily, 24 hours.

Restaurants and bars typically operate from 11:00 AM to midnight.

Entry: Free admission (charges apply for dining and events)

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Fun Facts

• The name CHIJMES comes from the acronym CHIJ (Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus) combined with the word “chimes”, reflecting the chapel’s bell towers.
• Its chapel spire rises 29 meters high and still retains its original cross at the top.
• Caldwell House (built in 1840) is one of the few surviving works of architect George Coleman, who also designed the Armenian Church.
• The stained-glass windows depict biblical scenes and saints — each pane restored by hand during the site’s preservation.
• CHIJMES was featured in the film Crazy Rich Asians (2018) as the wedding venue for one of its most memorable scenes.

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Nearby Attractions

• National Museum of Singapore – a 5-minute walk away, showcasing Singapore’s history and art.
• Raffles Hotel – another colonial masterpiece nearby, perfect for afternoon tea or a Singapore Sling.
• St. Andrew’s Cathedral – Singapore’s largest Anglican cathedral, just across the road.
• Bugis and Bras Basah Districts – lively neighborhoods filled with arts, culture, and local crafts.

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Conclusion: The Sound of Timeless Beauty

CHIJMES is not just a landmark — it’s a love letter to Singapore’s history. Its walls have echoed with prayers, lessons, music, and laughter for over 160 years.

Today, they continue to welcome visitors from around the world — not to worship or study, but to experience the same sense of peace, connection, and grace that has always defined this place.

By day, CHIJMES is a tranquil retreat filled with light and history. By night, it sparkles with life — a symbol of how heritage can evolve beautifully without losing its soul.

In the symphony of Singapore’s modern cityscape, CHIJMES remains its softest, most elegant note.