Former Ford Factory

Great museum to learn about Singapore's history during WW2. It covers life before the Japanese occupation and life during the occupation. The exhibits are very informative and it will easily take an hour to go through everything. As noted on their website the exhibition rooms is very cold so if you're sensitive make sure you bring a jacket. Not sure why they won't turn the AC up if they acknowledge it's too cold.

As someone who is in his sixties, I have memories of this war museum when it was still a working factory assembling Ford motorcars, and as a youngster then, I would marvel at its at-the-time considered iconic architecture as well as its history for being the site of the colonial British surrender to the invading Japanese Army during World War Two. As someone who grew up albeit partially in Singapore and as a history buff, I can attest that there is much to see and learn at this war museum - although much of the learning is that of a very sad past of suffering and massacre of the local Chinese population in Singapore. I highly recommend a visit to this war museum especially for younger Singaporeans.

Very nice singapore history museum around World War 2 days. Beautiful small gem of a place with a lot of historical significance. Nice pictures and audio visuals. Can spend 1-1.5hrs to see the place. Free parking and towards the end of Bukit Timah road. Nice feel good factor 👍

**A Powerful and Educational Historical Site** The Former Ford Factory is a must-visit if you're interested in Singapore’s World War II history. The exhibitions are very well-curated, with detailed information, original artifacts, and multimedia displays that tell the story of the Japanese occupation in a clear and impactful way. The actual boardroom where the British surrendered to the Japanese in 1942 is still preserved — standing in that room gives you goosebumps! It's a great place for students, history lovers, and anyone who wants to better understand Singapore’s past. The staff were helpful and the entrance fee is free for locals and PRs. It’s a quiet and reflective place, surrounded by greenery, with clear signs. Highly recommended for a meaningful afternoon.

Visited the Former Ford Factory along Upper Bukit Timah Road — a place that is more than just an old building. It is a silent witness to one of the most significant and painful moments in Singapore’s history: the surrender of the British to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. When I first arrived, the building’s Art Deco façade immediately stood out. It looked elegant yet somber, carrying the weight of decades of history. It was hard to imagine that this used to be a car assembly plant built by Ford in the early 1940s — and even harder to picture how it became the site of surrender during World War II. Inside, the atmosphere was quiet and reflective. The museum exhibits were thoughtfully arranged — showing photographs, diaries, and personal items from people who lived through the Japanese Occupation. One of the most powerful moments for me was standing in the replica of the surrender room. The simple table and chairs seemed ordinary, yet knowing what had happened there gave me chills. It was here that the fate of Singapore changed overnight. As I read through the displays and listened to recorded stories, I began to understand the human cost of war — the fear, hunger, and loss that ordinary people experienced. It reminded me that history is not just about battles or politics, but about real people whose lives were deeply affected. What struck me most was how the museum presented not only the suffering but also the resilience of the people. Despite the hardships, Singaporeans rebuilt their lives and their nation after the war. The Former Ford Factory stands today as a symbol of both tragedy and endurance. Leaving the museum, I felt a deep sense of respect for those who lived through that time. The visit made me more aware of how important it is to remember our history — not just through textbooks, but by standing in the very places where history happened. It was a sobering but meaningful experience that reminded me how peace and freedom should never be taken for granted.

This was a factory for Ford Vehicles in 1941. It became the Site of British Surrender on 15 February 1942 (when the British Army surrendered to the Japanese in the factory’s boardroom) and was gazetted as a National Monument in 2006. This museum is small but well maintained and informative. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in World War Two History in Singapore. ** Free admission for locals, $7.13 for foreign visitors ( as of 2025 ). ** Free guided tours (in English) on Saturdays and Sundays (11am and 3.30pm). ** Closed on Mondays

A very quiet but important historical relic where the surrender document was signed during WW 2. The exhibitions are excellent and definitely educational and it is unfortunately that it is a place often overlooked. It was almost empty during a Saturday morning visit.

A well designed, informative museum about the short history of the Japanese occupation of Singapore after the feeble British collapse. The exhibits are housed in the original art deco construct of the former frontage of the factory that was preserved. It is thoughtfully designed and of high quality. If you take your time, it could take about an hour+ to slowly digest all the information. Locals and tourists will find it a stimulating & a sobering reminder of the horrors of war, politics, power & the evil that men do. Lest we forget that there are no winners in war, only losers. A sweet and short lesson in history that's been well put together. Highly recommended. Tickets are free for residents & $7 for tourists. Parking is available onsite but limited to less than 30 lots. The bus stop is nearby, a short 5 min walk. About 10 min walk from the Rail Mall.