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Govt intends to gazette site of Lee Kuan Yew's house at 38 Oxley Road as national monument

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 2:50 GMT by The Straits Times
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Singapore’s First‑Generation Leader’s Home to Be Officially Recognised as National Monument

On Tuesday, the Singapore government announced its intent to formally gazette the former residence of founding father Lee Kuan Yew at 38 Oxley Road as a national monument. The move, announced by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, marks a milestone in the city‑state’s ongoing effort to preserve its historical legacy and pays tribute to the man whose policies shaped modern Singapore.

The House That Holds a Nation’s History

Lee Kuan Yew, who served as Singapore’s first Prime Minister from 1959 until 1990, lived at 38 Oxley Road from the 1970s until the early 1990s. The single‑storey bungalow, originally built in the 1930s, was a modest home that reflected the humble beginnings of the country’s first premier. After Lee’s retirement, the house was vacated and remained largely unchanged, offering a time‑worn snapshot of mid‑century Singapore.

The decision to gazette the property as a national monument follows a long‑standing policy of the National Heritage Board to identify and preserve sites that carry cultural, historical or architectural significance. While the list of national monuments includes landmark buildings such as the Merdeka Hall, the Raffles Hotel and the Changi Chapel, Lee’s home adds a personal dimension to the national narrative, underscoring the everyday life of a man who would go on to steer Singapore’s meteoric rise.

The Process of Gazetting a National Monument

Gazetting a site as a national monument is a formal legal process under the National Heritage Board Act. Once a site is officially gazetted, it is protected under the law and may be eligible for grants to help with restoration and conservation. The process typically involves a thorough historical assessment, public consultation and approval by the government’s heritage committee.

According to a statement released by the Ministry, the decision was reached after consultations with historians, architects and heritage professionals who confirmed the building’s authenticity and significance. The Ministry also highlighted that the property’s preservation would be carried out in line with the government’s broader strategy to protect “heritage assets that are of national value.”

The government also hinted at plans to adapt the house into a “heritage museum” that will offer visitors an immersive look into Lee’s domestic life, as well as his early years as a lawyer and civil servant. Although the exact nature of the museum remains to be finalised, the announcement suggests that visitors will be able to explore preserved rooms, artefacts and interactive displays that narrate the story of Singapore’s founding era.

Historical Context and Significance

Lee Kuan Yew’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by transformative policies that turned Singapore from a small port city into a global financial hub. His focus on economic development, meritocracy, and public service left an indelible imprint on the nation’s trajectory. The house at 38 Oxley Road, situated in the former “Sultan’s Road” neighbourhood, also exemplifies the post‑war residential architecture that characterised the 1960s and 1970s in Singapore.

In an interview with local media, Lee’s daughter, Yvonne Lee, reflected on the home’s symbolism. “It’s not just a building,” she said. “It’s a place where the first prime minister was a father, a husband and a man who dreamed of a better Singapore.” The family has reportedly been supportive of the preservation initiative, emphasizing the need to keep the legacy alive for future generations.

A Broader Push to Protect Singapore’s Heritage

The gazettal of 38 Oxley Road follows a series of recent heritage preservation actions. Earlier this year, the Ministry announced the gazettal of the former “Nanyang” school building on Geylang Road and the restoration of the historic “Campsite 3” area near Changi Airport. Together, these projects illustrate a holistic approach to safeguarding both monumental and vernacular heritage sites across Singapore.

In addition to physical preservation, the government has committed to leveraging technology to make heritage sites more accessible. “We plan to integrate augmented reality and digital storytelling into the museum experience,” the Ministry said, underscoring its intention to blend traditional preservation with modern engagement tools.

Public Reaction and Future Steps

The announcement has been welcomed by heritage advocates and the general public alike. Many view the move as a respectful nod to Lee’s contributions, while others see it as an opportunity to deepen the nation’s connection to its past.

The next steps involve the formal gazettal process, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Once gazetted, the property will receive legal protection and funding assistance for necessary conservation work. The Ministry has indicated that a timeline for the museum’s opening will be announced in the coming months, likely aligning with significant national anniversaries such as Singapore’s 60th Independence Day.

In a country where the skyline is constantly evolving, the preservation of Lee Kuan Yew’s home at 38 Oxley Road offers a tangible link to the early days of Singapore’s nationhood. As the first-generation leader’s legacy continues to shape the country’s policies and identity, the gazettal of his house serves as a reminder that even the most ordinary of places can carry extraordinary historical weight.