Google Shophouse: Happy 50th birthday Singapore!

We're open! #googleshophouse

Shophouses are an enduring symbol of Singapore’s heritage and history. They are spaces that have reinvented themselves over the years, losing none of their history and charm, while keeping pace with the modern world — just like Singapore.

Over the weekend, we opened the doors to our very own Google Shophouse — an interactive pop-up exhibition outfitted with digital tributes for Singapore’s 50th birthday. Thanks to everyone who have already visited, we had a blast meeting all of you!

We’re also open over the National Day weekend (August 7-10), so if haven’t made it down to Spottiswoode Park Road yet — there’s still time. Here’s a quick taste of what you’ll find when you visit:

1. Walk back in time through Singapore’s history

Go back in time with a tap of your finger with the Time Walk app

The Time Walk app brings the past of Singaporean landmarks — like the former City Hall and Old Supreme Court — vividly to life using augmented reality animations that show the sites as they appeared in times gone by and the present day. You can play around with the app at the Shophouse, or download it on Google Play. Try it out, especially if you plan on walking down Jubilee Bridge soon.

2. Go for a virtual spin around Singapore with Street View

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Lawrence Wong, tries on the Google Trekker

The Jubilee celebrations also made their mark on Google Maps, with over 40 new Street View locations from Singapore published on Google Maps for the first time. With these images, Singaporeans and visitors alike can now explore iconic Singaporean landmarks, from walks through world heritage sites like the Botanic Gardens and tropical nature trails, to the historic Fort Siloso and everything in between.

3. Explore Singapore’s art and heritage with the Google Cultural Institute

Shaun Wong, Senior Manager at the National Heritage Board, sharing the history of the Peranakans at the Shophouse's Cultural Institute space

The National Heritage Board, the Singapore Art Museum and the Urban Redevelopment Authority have put around 400 high resolution images of Singaporean art, heritage, artifacts and stories online. Among the NHB’s collections is “Great Peranakans: Fifty Remarkable Lives”, an exhibit that showcases the impact of the Straits Chinese in the growth and development of Singapore.

And if all this wasn’t enough, you can also:

• Check out the finalists’ of this year’s Doodle 4 Google competition in the Doodle 4 Google Gallery
• Find out about our Saturday Kids and 21C Girls coding camps
• Give virtual reality a whirl with one of the Cardboard sets

D4G winner, Moh Journ Haydn of Beacon Primary School with Minister Lawrence Wong and Jo Flint

On your way out, don’t forget to sign our doodle wall, featuring 8-year-old Doodle 4 Google champ, Moh Journ Haydn’s vision for Singapore in the next 50 years.

The Google Shophouse is open on August 1-2 & August 7-10 from 10am - 5pm.

Posted by Jo Flint, Country Director, Google Singapore