To visit CHIJMES, use City Hall MRT Exit A and head to 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996. CHIJMES lists City Hall as about three minutes away on foot. Look for the courtyard and the pale Gothic former chapel inside the complex.
You can build a short visit around the courtyard and the exterior of CHIJMES Hall. The former chapel is an events venue, so check access separately if your plans depend on seeing the interior. If you are heading to dinner or attending an event, ask for the venue name as well as the CHIJMES address.
- MRT — City Hall, Exit A.
- Street address — 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996.
- See on a short stop — The courtyard and the former chapel exterior.
- Check ahead — Interior access, bookings and individual restaurant hours.
On this page
Walking from City Hall MRT and Raffles City
Use Exit A and follow signs and street directions toward CHIJMES. Raffles City is a useful orientation point at City Hall, especially if part of your group is already in the mall. Once you reach street level, check the street name and your map pin for 30 Victoria Street before crossing.
Bras Basah and Esplanade are also nearby. The complex lists them at about four minutes on foot. If you are coming from the National Museum or from the Esplanade side of the Civic District, an approach from one of these stations may fit your day better than changing trains to get to City Hall.
What to look for from the courtyard
Start by finding an angle that shows the chapel against the rest of the complex. Then move closer to look at the pointed arches, tall windows and other Gothic details. Notice how the building draws your eyes upward, even in a courtyard where the most immediate activity may be dining and people walking through.
If you are taking photos with a phone, step back before trying a wide angle. A frame that includes part of the courtyard gives a sense of how the old building sits within the present-day complex. Keep pathways open and respect any event setup or restricted area.
Why the former chapel is here
CHIJMES was once the site of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. The Gothic chapel dates to the convent period and was gazetted as a National Monument in 1990. CHIJMES Hall now hosts events, while other parts of the complex house food and beverage venues.
Look at the site in layers. The chapel’s architecture tells one part of the story. The arrangement of buildings around the open space tells another. The way the courtyard is used today adds a third. You can see all three layers from outside even when the hall is booked.
How to plan around dinner or an event
If you have a reservation, confirm the restaurant name, unit and opening time. CHIJMES is the name of the complex, so two people can both arrive at the right address and still be waiting in different places. Share the venue’s own directions when possible.
For a wedding, reception or other event, rely on the invitation and organiser’s arrival details. If you are visiting independently, treat the exterior as the main architectural stop and check the venue directly if a particular interior matters to you.
Make it a short Civic District stop
A short visit can be as simple as entering the complex, taking a slow look around the courtyard and continuing towards your next stop. St Andrew’s Cathedral, Raffles City and Raffles Hotel are in the surrounding area. Choose the one that matches your direction and the time you have rather than trying to fit all of them into the same walk.
If you are visiting with children, ask them to find one feature that helps them identify the former chapel and one feature that shows how the courtyard is used now. That gives the walk a purpose while leaving room for a meal or a rest.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see the former chapel without booking an event?
You can see the exterior from the complex. Check directly with CHIJMES Hall if your plans require interior access.
Is CHIJMES inside Raffles City?
CHIJMES is a separate complex at 30 Victoria Street. Raffles City is a nearby landmark.
How much time should I allow?
Allow about 15 to 30 minutes for the courtyard and an exterior look. A meal or event needs a separate time allowance.