CHIJMES

"CHIJMES (pronounced “chimes”), or the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Middle Education School, is a renowned historical landmark in Singapore, originally established as a Catholic convent in the mid-19th century. Situated on Victoria Street in Singapore’s central business district, the complex has a rich heritage, beginning as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) in 1852. The site's transformation included Caldwell House, built in 1840–1841, and later expanded with a chapel in 1904 and other structures to support a convent and orphanage. Both Caldwell House and the Gothic-style chapel, now CHIJMES Hall, are gazetted national monuments, embodying Singapore's architectural and cultural heritage. Father Jean-Marie Beurel, a French Catholic priest instrumental in Singapore’s religious education scene, was the visionary behind the convent, inspiring the arrival of the Infant Jesus Sisters who founded a girls' school there in 1854. Reverend Mother Mathilde Raclot, leading the sisters, dedicated decades to shaping the convent into a sanctuary for education, particularly for orphans and destitute girls. Under her guidance, CHIJ became a vital institution for vulnerable children and a focal point for girls’ education in colonial Singapore. Over time, the convent grew, supported by donations from the Catholic community, which enabled the construction of a more permanent chapel, consecrated in 1904. Throughout its history, CHIJMES has witnessed significant events, including damage during the Battle of Singapore in World War II and the hardship faced by the Sisters and orphans during the Japanese Occupation. Post-war, the complex resumed its educational mission until 1983, when the Singapore Government acquired the land, and CHIJ moved to a new site. CHIJMES was repurposed in 1996 into a commercial center blending heritage with modern lifestyle, housing restaurants, shops, and entertainment spaces while preserving historical elements like the cloisters, hallways, and garden courtyards. This $100 million restoration garnered the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2002, highlighting its historical and architectural significance. The architectural charm of CHIJMES is a blend of styles, with the neo-classical Caldwell House and the Gothic Revival chapel as the focal points. Designed by Father Charles Benedict Nain and completed by the architectural firm Swan & Maclaren, the chapel features intricately detailed Corinthian columns, unique stained-glass windows imported from Belgium, and capitals adorned with motifs of tropical flora and birds, making it an extraordinary example of early Gothic Revival architecture in Singapore."

"The grand venue for Colin and Araminta's (and many real life couples') wedding ceremony, CHIJMES used to be a girls' school run by French Catholic nuns. Today, it is THE place to go for good food and drinks - highly recommend Hvala, The Winery Tapas and Senor Taco. "

"CHIJMES is a historic building complex located in the heart of City Hall. Has a courtyard with many restaurants to choose from. Great to grab dinner and drinks. "