1.History of CHIJMES
From being a house for the magistrate clerk in 1840, then a convent school, then a heritage site to now a famous lifestyle & entertainment destination, CHIJMES has seen a lot of transformations over a century.
The journey of this National heritage site started with Father Jean Marie Beurel’s wish to build a convent school. By 1852 he was able to invite the Infant Jesus sisters from France to help him build a convent school for girls and managed to buy a compound for the girl’s school.
With the construction of an orphanage and the first chapel by the year 1854, the school began to grow.
By the year 1860 the convent school which was also a charitable institution at the time was flourishing. The school kept growing till 1963, after which a decline was seen in people opting for orthodox ways of schooling due to which the boarding house of the school was forced to be shut.
The school premises were relocated in 1987 and the school building was demolished, and the buildings were handed over to the government. After 5 years of reconstruction and conservation of the leftover structures, the new CHIJMES complex was ready.
The establishment won a Merit award for the conservation of the heritage site in 2002, and the establishment gained fame and recognition over the years.
2.Architecture of CHIJMES
Offering a visual retreat to visitors, CHIJMES is a collection of beautiful buildings, some of which dating back to the 19th century, housed in the center of the cosmopolitan. You will be able to notice a variety of architectural styles including Gothic-revival and Neoclassical styles, through different buildings complementing each other to create a picturesque view.
There are 33,000 Belgian tinted glass pieces used in the making of CHIJMES hall which also houses 648 columns with carvings of flowers and birds spread throughout. The reconstruction of the building complex in 1996 joined the segregated buildings as a whole.
3.Best restaurants in CHIJMES
1.Whitegrass restaurant: The elegant ambiance of the restaurant invites people to indulge in the beautiful fusion of French cuisine with a hint of Japanese culinary expertise. Giving the visitors a fine dining experience, this Michelin one-star restaurant has a thoughtful four-seasonal menu that promises to serve you fresh food which is prepared with sustainable practices.
2.Lei Garden restaurant: Serving delicious Chinese cuisine featuring delicate and refreshing flavors, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience to the visitors. With new innovations continually being added to the menu, this restaurant can offer you a unique fine dining experience every time you visit.
3.Coriander Leaf: Perfect for those who love to try out new flavors, Coriander leaf serves contemporary Asian cuisine to its guests. You get to enjoy distinct flavor profiles of Fresh, Familiar, Sweet, Spicy & Umami, in their dishes. Full of unique combinations and delicious dishes you will be able to try a mix and match of various classics at this place. It also features an all vegetarian menu for the guests.
4.Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant: The best ‘Yakiniku’ (Japanese BBQ) in town, Gyu-Kaku will offer you a chance to enjoy a traditional meal with your loved ones. Opting for a table grill from the menu to have a classic experience.
You will be greeted with a warm ambiance as you enter the restaurant, which is a great fusion of classic Japanese and contemporary style architecture.
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