99 years
Curated by: Warren Wee
19 to 28 January 2026 Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter
“99 years” is presented by independent platform Digital Art Week Asia and is held in the historically significant Air Raid Shelter in Tiong Bahru built in the 1930s. The exhibition's title (pun intended) has a double meaning; in some countries such as Singapore, the longest practical term of a “leasehold” property is 99-years without it being considered perpetual. In some cultures, the number 9 is also considered auspicious and has the same sound for the word “long-lasting” or “eternity”, an interesting juxtaposition when contextualised in this exhibition. The same number is also often used to signify love, especially in Asia where couples send 99 roses to profess their “eternal love”. This exhibition examines this reflective and contemplative theme through the various artistic practices and challenges visitors to explore this narrative and also explore their societal position and how time erodes and what permanence the future might hold.
Featuring Artists:
BOEDI WIDJAJA (INDONESIA) • BIANCA TSE (HONG KONG) • GOH CHUN AIK (SINGAPORE) • JAKE TAN (SINGAPORE) • JIN JIN XU (MACAU) • ROBERT ZHAO (SINGAPORE) • SAMANTHA LEE (MALAYSIA) • SAREENA SATTAPON (THAILAND) • SEAHEE CHANG (SOUTH KOREA)
Tickets
Due to safety and crowd control, visits to this exhibition are strictly by advance registration only with limited slots available daily. Registration details will be announced soon, please watch this page or our socials.
Venue
The historically significant Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter is Singapore's only surviving pre-war civilian shelter built in the 1930s. According to a press report dated 28 June 1939, this shelter was intended as a covered playing ground for children in normal times, but in times of emergency, it could readily be converted into an effective air raid shelter. In the twentieth century, continuing into the 1980s, Singapore had an active brick manufacturing industry and bricks by the now defunct Alexandra Brickworks can be found throughout the interior of the shelter amongst other relics. The shelter is generally closed to the public and this is a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Singapore's history.
Things to expect
༚ The venue is on ground level, however please expect the grounds to be uneven.
༚ Due to the nature of the venue, visitors may encounter pests like cockroaches.
༚ Unpleasant smells are expected and facial masks are recommended.
༚ There may also be occasional water puddles on the ground.
༚ Covered footwear is essential.
༚ Kindly note the organiser is not liable for any claims and /or injuries whatsoever.
Due to safety and crowd control, visits to this exhibition are strictly by advance registration only with limited slots available daily. Registration details will be announced soon, please watch this page or our socials.
Venue
The historically significant Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter is Singapore's only surviving pre-war civilian shelter built in the 1930s. According to a press report dated 28 June 1939, this shelter was intended as a covered playing ground for children in normal times, but in times of emergency, it could readily be converted into an effective air raid shelter. In the twentieth century, continuing into the 1980s, Singapore had an active brick manufacturing industry and bricks by the now defunct Alexandra Brickworks can be found throughout the interior of the shelter amongst other relics. The shelter is generally closed to the public and this is a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Singapore's history.
Things to expect
༚ The venue is on ground level, however please expect the grounds to be uneven.
༚ Due to the nature of the venue, visitors may encounter pests like cockroaches.
༚ Unpleasant smells are expected and facial masks are recommended.
༚ There may also be occasional water puddles on the ground.
༚ Covered footwear is essential.
༚ Kindly note the organiser is not liable for any claims and /or injuries whatsoever.
Access
The Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter is situated inside the BMTE 13 carpark, kindly access via Block 78 Moh Guan Terrace or Block 79 Chay Yan Street. Electronic parking is available onsite.
The Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter is situated inside the BMTE 13 carpark, kindly access via Block 78 Moh Guan Terrace or Block 79 Chay Yan Street. Electronic parking is available onsite.