The Civilian War Memorial stands in War Memorial Park near City Hall MRT, between Beach Road, Bras Basah Road, Stamford Road and Nicoll Highway. From City Hall, Exit A is a useful starting point. Follow signs or a walking map to War Memorial Park and use the designated crossings.
The four joined pillars commemorate civilians who died during the Japanese Occupation. NParks explains that the four pillars represent the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian communities, and that the joined base signifies unity. The park is a place of remembrance in the Civic District.
- Set the map to War Memorial Park or Civilian War Memorial.
- Use City Hall MRT as a starting point and follow pedestrian crossings.
- Read the memorial’s inscription and look at how the four pillars join.
- For a longer walk, use the NParks Monument Trail map.
Plan your visit
Walk to War Memorial Park from City Hall · Read the Civilian War Memorial · Choose a short stop or a longer heritage walk
Walk to War Memorial Park from City Hall
Start at City Hall MRT and follow Exit A towards the Raffles City side. Then use War Memorial Park as your walking destination. The tall white pillars are an orientation point as you reach the park, but choose the marked crossings on the way.
If your group is already near Esplanade MRT, use the official Monument Trail map for that approach. For a meeting point, choose a park entrance or a fixed landmark on the path. Give the full name of the memorial so people know which site you mean.
Read the Civilian War Memorial
Take a moment to see the four pillars from a distance before walking closer. The tall forms are distinct above and joined below. Read the inscriptions and the site information to understand whom the memorial commemorates.
For a family or class visit, ask what the four forms represent, then look at the base together. Use the park’s interpretation to connect what you see with why the monument was built. Give other visitors room and time for quiet reflection.
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Choose a short stop or a longer heritage walk
You can visit the memorial on its own if you have a short gap near City Hall. If you want a longer walk, NParks’ Monument Trail connects War Memorial Park with Esplanade Park and Empress Place. Use the map to choose just the section that fits your group.
The Civic District has several memorials with different histories. Compare the names and inscriptions if you visit another monument. The Civilian War Memorial commemorates civilian victims, and its location and purpose are distinct from Kranji War Memorial.
On a hot or wet day, decide on a shorter route before leaving the station. If you continue towards the river, agree on the next stop and check the route as you go.
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Common questions
What do the four pillars represent?
NParks identifies the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian communities and explains that the joined base symbolises unity.
Is this Kranji War Memorial?
The Civilian War Memorial is at War Memorial Park near City Hall. Kranji War Memorial is a separate site.
Can I include it in a Civic District walk?
Yes. The NParks Monument Trail links War Memorial Park, Esplanade Park and Empress Place.