Chijmes in Singapore

CHIJMES (pronounced “chimes“, acronym definition: Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Middle Education School) is a historic building complex in Singapore, which began life as a Catholic convent known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ). The complex is located at Victoria Street in the Downtown Core, within the Central Area, Singapore’s central business district.

The complex was used as a Catholic convent since 1852, with an acquired Caldwell House which was constructed in 1840–1841, an acquired Convent Orphanage house in 1855, the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Chapel in 1904 and an acquired hotel complex for the girls’ school in 1933. The Caldwell House, currently a wedding venue, and the Gothic-style chapel, renamed as CHIJMES Hall , currently a function hall and also a wedding venue, have both been gazetted as national monuments. The complex has been restored in 1996 for commercial purposes as a dining, shoppingand entertainment centre with ethnic restaurants, shops and a function hall, providing a backdrop for musicals, recitals, theatrical performances and weddings.

Recognised as a national monument, Chijmes is a magnificently structured historical building complex in Singapore. Chijmes was once a home to a catholic school known as Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) and their convent quarters known as Caldwell House. It was designed by George Coleman who also designed the Parliament House of Singapore. The most remarkable feature of the building complex was the Gothic style chapel with stunning stained glass windows. You must look out for the Gate of Hope where babies born in the year of the Tiger used to be abandoned.Today it is one of the prime lifestyle destinations in Singapore. It houses an array of boutiques, restaurants, bars, entertainment options and much more.