The Former Ford Factory at 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5.
30pm, with last gallery admission at 5pm. Singaporeans and permanent residents enter free; foreign visitors pay S$7. 13 including GST.
Start outside the building
Completed in 1941 as Ford’s first Southeast Asian car assembly plant, the building was designed in an Art Deco style. Notice the stepped openings, tall green-glazed windows and flagpole before entering. This industrial beginning prevents the site from becoming only a surrender-room backdrop. (Former Ford Factory visitor information)
The British surrender was signed here on 15 February 1942, after the Japanese army used the factory as headquarters. Spend time on the military situation, but avoid treating one room as the whole occupation story.
| Situation | What changes |
|---|---|
| You have 45 minutes | Prioritise the building, surrender room and one civilian-life theme |
| You have 90 minutes | Use the three-part route in this guide |
| Visiting with younger children | Prepare difficult wartime context and allow breaks |
| Visiting on Monday | Choose another site; the factory is closed |
Move to civilian experience
The permanent exhibition uses archival material and memories to show life during the Japanese Occupation and its legacies. Choose two objects or testimonies and ask what each reveals about food, fear, work, identity or survival. (NHB Roots monument history)
Ford resumed assembly after the war and operated until 1980. The surviving historic front was later preserved and the site became a national monument. This final stage links memory, industrial change and preservation choices.
Example: A 90-minute visit can use 15 minutes on the facade and factory history, 25 minutes on the surrender, 35 minutes on civilian occupation material and 15 minutes on post-war memory and reflection.
Plan the clock
Opening hours are 9am to 5.30pm from Tuesday to Sunday, and last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Monday public holidays remain closed under the published rule. Arrive at least 90 minutes before closing for the full route.
Entry is free for Singaporeans and PRs, children six and below, and specified concession groups. Foreign visitors pay S$7.13; transactions are by accepted cards or NETS. The visitor page warns that galleries can be cold, so bring a light layer.
