Haw Par Villa

Article By: Sook

2 years ago

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Culture-Museum Entertainment-Theme Park

If you're into gory and dystopian dioramas based around Buddhist and Taoist teachings, this place is perfect for you. Though not on the listed recommended sites to visit when you come to Singapore, Haw Par Villa will surely remain in your memories for a long time to come. Filled with over 1,000 sculptures that has been restored over the years, the park's main attraction is the ten courts of Hell exhibit, which has been revamped and expanded to include a newly added Hell's museum. Expanding on the Buddhist and Taoist narrative of death, more religions have been included to curate the world's first museum on the topic of death and the afterlife. It's difficult to express how stationary sculptures can bring about a sense of unease and eeriness so do visit to experience it yourself! Built in 1937 by the Aw brothers who brought Tiger Balm into the world, it was originally intended to be a theme park for children to learn about Buddhist and Taoist teachings. However, that plan was abandoned and in recent years, a private tour operator took over the grounds from the government and planned an interesting list of things to revitalise the area, including an upcoming escape room, container hotel and even art jamming sessions! Do note that although the main park grounds are free, Hell's museum charges an entrance fee of SGD$18 for adults and $10 for children (free for children under 6 years old but you probably won't want to bring them here). Photo by Vuitton Lim on Unsplash