Step into the heart of Orchard Road, and you’ll find four beautifully restored heritage shophouses that are more than just a nostalgic reminder of Singapore’s past. Temasek Shophouse has re-emerged as a vibrant lifestyle destination where history, creativity, and social impact meet, and where every visit has the potential to spark meaningful change.

Originally home to icons like the Malayan Motors showroom and the Midfilm House, these early 20th-century buildings have been lovingly conserved and reimagined as a modern hub for changemakers and curious city-dwellers alike. Behind the elegant façade lies an inspired blend of co-working spaces, event venues, art installations, and lifestyle experiences — all designed with one mission: to nurture community and inspire action.

The refreshed Temasek Shophouse is goes beyond just an office for social enterprises. With 60 co-working spaces, a professional media studio, and new event venues like Tembusu Canopy and Banyan Cove, it’s become an “assembly ground for impact.” The buzz of collaboration here is palpable, with creatives, non-profits, and entrepreneurs working side by side, supported by mentorship and networking opportunities.

For the everyday visitor, Temasek Shophouse is a destination in itself. A stroll through the connecting corridor reveals a thoughtful collection of installations: AI-animated archival photographs that breathe life into Singapore’s history, interactive panels on sustainable design, and nostalgic tributes to the nation’s film heritage. Each stop along the way offers a chance to pause, reflect, and discover stories that shaped the city.

At the Shophouse BAR, curated by Our Grandfather Story, passersby are invited to linger over books by local authors, explore dioramas of Singapore’s social landscape, or catch a short film. It’s a mini-gallery disguised as a provision shop, a place where heritage and storytelling come alive.

Temasek Shophouse’s lifestyle offerings blur the line between indulgence and impact. Sip kopi at Foreword Coffee, where inclusive employment is at the heart of every brew. Browse at Martket by ABRY, a socially conscious retail concept that empowers underserved communities. Or savour modern Peranakan comfort food at Bibik Violet, a café that celebrates Singapore’s rich culinary traditions. Here, dining and shopping become acts of participation in a larger story of sustainability and inclusivity.

The venue is also shaping up to be a cultural hotspot. Monthly concerts, weekend markets, and hands-on workshops are already penciled into the calendar. This November, the GREEN-HOUSE festival will spotlight social and environmental initiatives, with proceeds benefiting coral restoration efforts. And come January 2026, the rejuvenated Stamford Canal and Handy Green park will add lush outdoor spaces for people to gather, relax, and connect.

General Manager Yvonne Tay describes it best: “We hope Temasek Shophouse will serve as an assembly ground where people of all ages are inspired to engage with meaningful causes.” With its seamless blend of heritage, lifestyle, and social purpose, it’s poised to become not just a landmark in the city, but a living, breathing movement.

Whether you’re grabbing coffee, attending a gig, or wandering through an art installation, Temasek Shophouse makes everyday experiences part of something bigger. It’s a place where stories are told, communities are built, and impact is made, one visit at a time.

Images courtesy of Temasek Shophouse

For more details, visit temasekshophouse.org.sg.