The Cenotaph

#108 among destinations in Singapore

Memorial

Gallery (7)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dietmar Rabich / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / CEphoto, Uwe Aranas or alternatively CEphoto, Uwe / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Jnzl's Photos / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Jnzl's Photos / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Jnzl's Photos / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Jnzl's Photos / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Jnzl's Photos / URL

Facts and practical information

Standing solemnly in the heart of Singapore's civic district is The Cenotaph, a poignant memorial that honors the men and women who laid down their lives for their country. Erected in 1922, this stark and dignified structure serves as a perpetual reminder of the sacrifices made during the World Wars.

The Cenotaph's stark granite structure, with its clean lines and understated design, is a testament to the timeless nature of remembrance. The memorial is inscribed with the names of the fallen and the dates of the First and Second World Wars, silently communicating the gravity of the loss experienced by the nation.

As a site of national significance, The Cenotaph is not only a focal point for remembrance ceremonies, such as the annual Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, but it is also a place where individuals come to pay their respects in quiet contemplation. Its prominent location by the Esplanade Park, overlooking the Marina Bay, adds to the serene atmosphere that envelops the monument.

The Cenotaph's design and purpose go beyond mere aesthetics; it is a physical representation of a nation's gratitude and a symbol of the enduring spirit of those who fought for peace and freedom. It stands as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that future generations understand the cost of the liberties they enjoy today.

Established: 15 November 1920 (104 years ago)Unveiled: 31 March 1922Coordinates: 1°17'25"N, 103°51'14"E

Location

CentralSingapore

ContactAdd

Social media

Facebook

Day trips

The Cenotaph – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Merlion, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Raffles City, National Gallery Singapore.

~1280 ftS
Monuments and statues
Merlion
7 min walk • The Merlion, an iconic landmark of Singapore, stands as a majestic testament to the city-state's origins and rich cultural tapestry. This emblematic statue, representing a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is situated at Merlion Park...
~390 ftE
Theater, Classes and workshops, Scenic walking areas
Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
2 min walk • Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is Singapore's premier performing arts venue, located in the heart of the city's downtown core. Often referred to simply as the Esplanade, this architectural marvel is easily recognizable by its distinctive twin domes, covered in...
~1370 ftN
Shopping centre, Shopping
Raffles City
7 min walk • Raffles City Singapore stands as an iconic landmark in the heart of the city-state's bustling Civic District. This premier shopping centre, designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, is a marvel of modern architecture and urban planning.
~730 ftW
Museum, Art museum, Children's museum
National Gallery Singapore
4 min walk • The National Gallery Singapore stands as a beacon of culture and history, nestled in the heart of the city's Civic District. Housed in two national monuments – the former Supreme Court and City Hall – the museum is a treasure trove of Southeast Asian art...
~1050 ftNW
Church, Gothic Revival architecture, Sacred and religious sites
St Andrew's Cathedral
6 min walk • St Andrew's Cathedral stands as an architectural and spiritual beacon in the heart of Singapore. This Anglican cathedral, the country's largest, is not only a place of worship but also a national monument, revered for its historical significance and serene beauty.
~320 ftN
Memorial
Tan Kim Seng Fountain, Central Area
2 min walk • The Tan Kim Seng Fountain is a fountain in Singapore that was erected in 1882 in honor of notable philanthropist Tan Kim Seng for his donations for the Singapore’s first reservoir and waterworks.
~1170 ftS
Bridge
Anderson Bridge
6 min walk • Spanning the Singapore River, Anderson Bridge is an integral part of Singapore's urban landscape, connecting the civic district to the commercial area of Raffles Place. Completed in 1910, this elegant bridge is named after Sir John Anderson, the Governor of the Straits...
~1460 ftW
Shopping, Shopping centre
Funan, Central Area
8 min walk • Funan is a mixed used development comprising a retail mall, two office towers and a serviced apartment tower in the Civic District in Singapore. The new development was built on the site of the former building known as Funan DigitaLife Mall.
~1260 ftS
Sailing, Marina, Monuments and statues
Merlion Park
7 min walk • Merlion Park, a renowned waterfront landmark in Singapore, stands as a testament to the city-state's rich heritage and modern vibrancy. Situated at the mouth of the Singapore River, the park is home to the iconic Merlion statue, a mythical creature with the head of a...
~730 ftSW
Memorial
Lim Bo Seng Memorial, Central Area
4 min walk • The Lim Bo Seng Memorial is an octagonal pagoda-like war memorial at Esplanade Park, Singapore. It was erected in 1954 in honour of the late Lim Bo Seng for his heroic acts and selfless sacrifice during the World War II.
~1460 ftSW
Memorial
Raffles's Landing Site
8 min walk • Raffles's Landing Site stands as a historical marker in the heart of Singapore, commemorating the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles on the island in 1819. This memorial is strategically positioned on the northern bank of the Singapore River, a significant location...