Former Ford Factory

The Former Ford Factory is a national monument on Upper Bukit Timah Road. It opened in 1941 as a car assembly plant for the Ford Motor Company. Months later, it became the place where the British surrendered Singapore to Japan. Today it houses a museum about the war and the Japanese Occupation.

It is a calm and thoughtful visit. It suits travellers who want to understand a key turning point in Singapore's history.

History of the Former Ford Factory

The Ford Motor Company opened this factory in 1941. It was the company's first car assembly plant in Southeast Asia. The building has clean, simple lines in the Art Deco style of the period.

Soon after it opened, war came to Malaya. Japanese forces moved quickly down the peninsula and reached Singapore in early 1942. After days of heavy fighting, British commanders decided to surrender. On 15 February 1942, Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival met Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita in the factory's boardroom. There, he signed the surrender of Singapore.

The surrender began three and a half years of Japanese rule. During this time, Singapore was renamed Syonan-to. Life was very hard for many people, with food shortages and constant fear. The occupation ended in 1945, after Japan surrendered at the end of the war.

The building was made a national monument in 2006. The National Archives of Singapore now runs it as a museum and gallery.

What to See and Do at the Former Ford Factory

The main exhibition tells the story of the war and the Japanese Occupation. It also looks at how those years shaped Singapore afterwards. The displays use records, objects, photos and personal accounts from people who lived through that time.

• The surrender boardroom: see the room where the surrender was signed in 1942.
• Life under occupation: learn how ordinary people coped with hunger, rationing and fear.
• Personal stories: read memories from survivors and their families.
• The building itself: look at the early 1940s factory design, inside and out.

Some content deals with suffering and loss. Take your time, and pause when you need to. Parents may want to look through the exhibits first to decide what suits younger children.

How to Get to the Former Ford Factory

The museum is at 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, in the Bukit Timah area. Hume MRT station on the Downtown Line opened in 2025 and is the closest station, a short walk away. Many buses also stop along Upper Bukit Timah Road.

Taxis and ride-hailing cars are an easy option, especially from the city centre. Our guide on how to use the MRT in Singapore explains how to travel by train.

Tips for Visiting

• Check the official Former Ford Factory website for opening hours and tickets. The museum is closed on Mondays.
• Allow at least one to two hours to read the displays properly.
• Visit The Battlebox at Fort Canning on another day to see where the decision to surrender was made.
• Bring water and wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk to nearby nature areas.
• Keep your voice low, as many visitors find the subject moving.

Nature, Food and Things to Do Nearby

The museum sits close to some of the best green spaces in Singapore. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve protects a large area of rainforest and the country's highest hill. Dairy Farm Nature Park has more walking trails and a quiet feel. The Rail Corridor is a long green path along an old railway line, good for walking and cycling.

For more trail ideas, see our guide to hiking and nature trails. For meals, browse our list of restaurants in Upper Bukit Timah. The wider Bukit Timah area has many local eateries.

To complete the wartime story, visit the Kranji War Memorial in the north. Our Culture and Heritage section lists more places to learn about Singapore's past. Our guide to museums and galleries has even more ideas.

FAQs about Former Ford Factory

What happened at the Former Ford Factory?

On 15 February 1942, the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese in the factory's boardroom. This began the Japanese Occupation, which lasted until 1945.

Is the Former Ford Factory free to visit?

Entry is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Other visitors pay a small fee, so check the official website for current tickets and opening hours.

How long should I spend there?

Most people spend one to two hours. Add more time if you plan to visit the nature parks nearby.

How is it linked to the Battlebox?

British commanders decided to surrender in the Battlebox bunker at Fort Canning. The surrender was then signed here on the same day.