For the first time ever, at Bras Basah MRT station, commuters will come face-to-face with archaeological artefacts unearthed in Singapore. SMRT Trains, together with the National Heritage Board (NHB), launched this landmark collaboration today titled ‘Unearthing Stories of Us: Archaeological Display’ as part of SG60 celebrations.

Borne out of an aspiration to bring archaeological heritage closer to daily life, the six-month initiative will showcase approximately 200 ceramic fragments dating as far back as 700 years ago. Highlights include remnants of celadon greenware and blue-and-white ceramics bearing what is believed to resemble Sanskrit motifs. Discovered near the Singapore River during the Empress Place excavations about a decade ago, these finds offer a window into the island’s bustling historical trade networks and cultural landscape. Among the displays, there is a hands-on section where commuters get to handle authentic archaeological fragments for an interactive experience.

Mr Lam Sheau Kai, President, SMRT Trains, said: “We are glad that our station spaces serve not just as points of connection between people and places, but also with our shared heritage and stories. This initiative underscores our commitment to creating meaningful interactions within our SMRT network. Through collaborations like this, we hope to enrich the commuter experience with opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage with unique aspects of our nation’s history and culture.”

Mr Yeo Kirk Siang, Group Director, Policy and Community, NHB, said: “‘Unearthing Stories of Us: Archaeological Display’ is the first time that NHB is bringing archaeological artefacts directly to the public at an MRT station. It represents a significant step in our efforts to increase public awareness and appreciation of Singapore's archaeological heritage, and we hope it will pique the interest of Singaporeans – especially the young who have learnt about some of our archaeological finds in their textbooks – to visit our national museums, heritage institutions, ArCH Square and Fort Canning, and see some of these historical objects in person.”

Complementing the artefacts, another segment ‘Unearthing Stories of Us: Our Voices, Our Memories’ will feature six vibrant murals co-created by watercolour artist volunteer, Ms Goh Ying Ying (known as “Ying”) and 60 seniors from Goodlife Studio (Active Ageing Centres run by Montfort Care). Each artwork represents a decade of transformation in Singapore’s 60-year history. Alongside the artwork, commuters can tune in to heartfelt audio capsules recorded by these seniors, sharing memorable life stories and lessons they wish to pass on to future generations. For the seniors, it serves as a form of autobiographical therapy.

Mr Derrick Wong, Group Director of Montfort Care, said: “This exhibition showcases the talents of seniors and reflects our commitment to empower them to pursue their passion for the arts. Through this partnership between SMRT and Goodlife Studio, the train station becomes more than a point of transit. It transforms into a vibrant community arts node, connecting the hearts of our community and fostering inter-generational conversations. We are privileged to celebrate SG60 with the creativity and spirit of our seniors."

Adjacent to this section is ‘Unearthing Stories of Us: Short Films’, where commuters can enjoy sixty bite-sized films produced by students and adult filmmakers from Honour Singapore as well as five polytechnics—Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, and Temasek Polytechnic. Inspired by real-life events, these films capture stories that honour everyday unsung heroes, and showcase the grit, heart, and unity that have defined Singapore over six decades.

Together, these three segments —archaeological artefacts, murals with audio capsules, and short films— form ‘Unearthing Stories of Us’, weaving a unified narrative of Singapore’s heritage and the spirit of its people as a fitting tribute to SG60. The launch event was attended by Mr Baey Yam Keng, Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Transport.

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