If you’re a millennial from Singapore, there’s a possibility you – or someone you know – was born at the Former Kandang Kerbau Hospital, more commonly known as KKH. Exactly 101 years since its establishment as a dedicated maternity hospital on 1st October 1924, the Former KKH compound has been gazetted as Singapore’s 76th National Monument. It now joins the likes of the Former Ford Factory, the Former Supreme Court, and the National Museum on the country’s list of heavyweights.
Block 1 of the Former KKH then.
Image credit: Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
First built in 1858 as Singapore’s 5th general hospital, the Former KKH later evolved into a maternity hospital specialising in gynaecology and childbirth in 1924. But during WWII and the Japanese Occupation, it was temporarily converted into an Emergency General Hospital that treated many war casualties and civilians. By 1946, it returned to what it does best: bringing new life into the world and caring for women’s health.
Block 1 of the Former KKH today.
Image credit: Finbarr Fallon
Here’s another fun fact: before moving to a new site in 1997, it was Singapore’s only government hospital specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology at the time. And since 2004, with its unchanged post-war site layout, the Former KKH compound has been pulling a very different kind of duty – serving as the headquarters of the LTA.
Image credit: @davidneo via Instagram
In 1952, the Former KKH opened the first School of Midwifery, which led to the development of midwifery and nursing professions in Singapore.
It was also the birthplace of more than 1.2 million babies between 1924 and 1997. And during the “birth-quake” of 1966, the hospital even made it to the Guinness Book of Records for delivering 39,835 babies in a single maternity facility in a year – definitely a record worth bragging about.
This SG60 marks the preservation of 3 blocks of the Former KKH. Under the Preservation of Monuments Act, Blocks 1, 2, and 3 and their historical significance will be protected for future generations to appreciate.
Block 2 of the Former KKH back then.
Image credit: Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
Even though Blocks 1, 2, and 3 were completed in 1955, 1933, and 1940, respectively, they featured architectural designs that were modern for their time. They were designed to beat Singapore’s tropical climate – Block 1, for example, had “concrete fins” lining the windows that reduced solar heat gain and glare while keeping the wards ventilated.
Block 2 of the Former KKH today.
Image credit: Finbarr Fallon
Built before the war, Blocks 2 and 3 are some of the oldest buildings within the Former KKH. They were constructed using local materials and traditional construction methods that stood the test of time. Take Block 2’s pitched red roof, for example, still looking as good as new.
Governor Sir John Nicoll at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Block 1.
Image credit: Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
A free special exhibition, The Architecture of Care, was launched to commemorate the preservation of the Former KKH. From now till 31st December 2025, 9.30am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, you’ll be able to walk the grounds of the Former KKH and view archival images, artefacts, and a foundation stone from Block 1’s 1953 ceremony. Just remember to register at the LTA security posts before entering the premises.
Block 3 of the Former KKH today.
Image credit: Finbarr Fallon
A free guided tour of the Former KKH, The Birthplace of a Nation, is also available from 11th October to 26th November 2025, where you’ll learn more about the hospital’s past through historical anecdotes and storytelling. The tour – offered in 2 time slots, 10.30am to 11.30am and 5pm to 6pm on different days – includes a visit to The Architecture of Care exhibition before a walk through the grounds to view the exterior of Blocks 1, 2, and 3. You’ll also learn all about the clever architectural designs that helped these buildings stand till today.
Get tickets to The Birthplace of a Nation tour at the Former KKH.
Whether you had a connection to the Former KKH or not, there’s no denying that it played a huge role in Singapore’s early nation-building. As the gates are open, take the chance to step back in time and visit our new 76th National Monument.
For more articles on Singapore’s heritage:
Cover image adapted from: @davidneo via Instagram, Finbarr Fallon
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