The Singapore Coffee Shop Heritage Gallery, located in the Foochow Building at 21 Tyrwhitt Road, is a captivating tribute to the evolution of Singapore’s beloved coffee shop culture. Spanning 4,900 sq ft, this free-entry permanent gallery offers an immersive experience into the story of the local coffee shop scene, which dates back over a century to the British colonial period.
A gift to Singapore for its 60th birthday in 2025, the gallery showcases nearly 3,000 artefacts, photographs, and objects representing the rich history of coffee shops in Singapore. From early wooden hawker carts to the transformation of coffee shops into vibrant social hubs, the gallery captures the milestones of a cultural institution that has grown alongside the nation.
The Foochow Coffee Restaurant and Bar Merchants Association, which has been active since 1921, is behind this fascinating initiative. Over 300 members, many of whom are owners of more than 400 coffee shops across Singapore, contributed to the gallery’s creation.
Visitors will discover a variety of nostalgic artifacts, including vintage coffee strainers, ceramic cups with delicate floral designs, and soft drink bottles that evoke memories of simpler times. These objects reflect the humble yet significant role that coffee shops have played in shaping the social fabric of Singapore.
From the 1950s to the 1980s, government policies saw the transformation of street hawkers into coffee shop owners, often relocating to new housing estates and diversifying their offerings. Today, these iconic establishments not only serve local staples like kaya toast and kopi but have also embraced international flavors, welcoming dishes from Vietnam, Thailand, and beyond.
Singapore’s coffee shops continue to serve as vital community hubs, where people from all walks of life gather for food, drink, and camaraderie. The association hopes to preserve this heritage for future generations while adapting to modern needs, with some shops incorporating digital ordering systems and automated coffee machines.
The Singapore Coffee Shop Heritage Gallery is more than just a collection of artifacts; it is a celebration of Singapore’s multicultural society and the enduring relevance of coffee shops as a central part of everyday life. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this gallery offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of an institution that has long been a symbol of Singapore’s social life.
The gallery is open weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm and welcomes contributions from the public to enrich its collection.
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