Passing of Knowledge is a stainless-steel sculpture by Victor Tan Wee Tar at the eastern end of Bandstand Hill, Singapore Botanic Gardens. NParks describes a father and son with a stream of water between them, representing how knowledge passes from one generation to the next.
Use the NParks sculpture map to find Bandstand Hill. Napier MRT serves the Tanglin entrance. The photo shows Bukit Timah Gate, which is beside Botanic Gardens MRT and offers a longer approach through the grounds.
- Location · Eastern end of Bandstand Hill.
- Artist · Victor Tan Wee Tar.
- Material · Stainless steel.
- Train approach · Napier MRT for the Tanglin entrance.
Find the eastern end of Bandstand Hill
Download the sculpture trail map from the NParks sculpture page and look for the Bandstand area before leaving. The gazebo is a useful landmark. NParks places the artwork at the eastern end of the hill, so follow the map and signs rather than using the gazebo as the final pin.
If meeting someone inside the Gardens, share the artwork name and agree where to meet if paths are redirected. Check the visitor notices if you are also planning to use the Bandstand itself.
Look at the figures and the space between them
Start with the outline of each figure. Then see how the space between them becomes part of the work. NParks describes the stream as a link between father and son. If the water is running, watch how it draws your eye from one figure to the other.
With children, ask what one person in the family has taught them. A short sketch of the two figures can lead into a conversation about how the artwork represents that exchange.
Make it one stop in a short art walk
If you are beginning from Tanglin, use the Gardens map to decide whether to stop at Swan Lake on the same outing. Flight of Swans offers a different example of an artist using water as part of the setting. If you have limited time, visit one work and return to the same entrance.
Contents · Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Passing of Knowledge?
At the eastern end of Bandstand Hill.
Who made it?
NParks credits Victor Tan Wee Tar.
What do the figures represent?
A father and son, linked by water to suggest the passing on of knowledge.
Which MRT station serves the Tanglin entrance?
Napier MRT.