Civilian War Memorial

Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay


This 67m-high memorial is dedicated to the civilian victims of the Japanese occupation of Singapore. The four pillars represent the shared suffering of Singapore's main ethnic groups (Chinese, Eurasians, Indians and Malays) and is often referred to as 'the chopsticks'. Directly below lies a burial chamber that contains the exhumed remains of civilian war victims.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay attractions

1. Abundance III

0.15 MILES

This giant bronze ring by architect-turned-artist Sun Yu-Li creates optical illusions and seems to get smaller or larger depending on where you stand.

2. Raffles Hotel

0.16 MILES

Although its resplendent lobby is only accessible to hotel and restaurant guests, Singapore's most iconic slumber palace is worth a quick visit for its…

4. St Andrew's Cathedral

0.19 MILES

Funded by Scottish merchants and built by Indian convicts, this wedding cake of a cathedral stands in stark contrast to the glass and steel surrounding it…

5. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

0.2 MILES

Singapore’s S$600 million Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay offers a nonstop program of international and local performances, and free outdoor performances…

6. Capitol Theatre

0.21 MILES

After years of neglect, the art deco Capitol Theatre was freshly restored in 2015 and is once again taking centre stage. Built in 1929 and locally dubbed …

7. Padang

0.21 MILES

This grassy field is home to the Singapore Cricket Club and Singapore Recreation Club. During WWII, the invading Japanese herded the European community…

8. Chijmes

0.24 MILES

Now the home of trendy restaurants and entertainment hot spots, including famed Whitegrass and exotic Coriander Leaf, neo-classical Chijmes was once a…