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Historic 'Millionaires' Club' in Singapore Set to Become Art House Cinema Hub

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/2 .. ingapore-set-to-become-art-house-cinema-hub.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 0:49 GMT by The Straits Times

A New Dawn for Art House Cinema: Former Millionaires' Club Reborn as Potential Film Hub in Singapore

Singapore's vibrant arts scene has received a promising boost with the announcement of a potential new home for art-house films, spearheaded by a unique partnership between a bookstore and the owners of a historic, previously exclusive social club. The ambitious project aims to fill a void left by the closure of several key cinema venues in recent years and reinvigorate access to independent and international film within the city-state.

The core of this initiative lies in the repurposing of "The Tanglin Club," formerly known as the Millionaires’ Club, a prestigious establishment with a long history dating back to 1895. Originally founded for British expatriates, the club served as an exclusive social hub for decades, representing a certain level of privilege and exclusivity. As detailed in a linked article from The Business Times, the Tanglin Club has undergone significant changes over time, including opening its membership to Singaporeans and adapting to evolving societal norms. However, with a surplus of space following recent renovations and a shift in usage patterns, the club's management saw an opportunity to collaborate on something beyond traditional social activities.

Enter BooksActually, a beloved independent bookstore known for championing local literature and fostering a community around reading. Founded by Karen Lim, BooksActually has long been a haven for literary enthusiasts and a vital component of Singapore’s cultural landscape. The partnership arose from a shared desire to provide a space for artistic expression beyond the written word. Lim recognized the potential of the Tanglin Club's large premises – particularly its grand ballroom – to become a unique cinematic venue, offering something distinct from mainstream multiplexes.

The plan is not simply to create another cinema; it’s envisioned as a multi-faceted arts hub. While film screenings will be central, the space intends to host talks, workshops, and other cultural events. The bookstore component will remain integral, creating a synergy between literature and film – two art forms that often complement each other beautifully. Imagine attending a screening of a classic novel adaptation followed by a discussion led by local authors or literary critics; this is the kind of experience BooksActually hopes to cultivate.

The closure of several established cinemas in recent years has underscored the fragility of Singapore's independent film scene. The closure of The Projector, a beloved art house cinema known for its quirky atmosphere and curated programming (mentioned in passing within the Straits Times article), highlighted this vulnerability. While The Projector eventually secured a new location after a period of uncertainty, it served as a stark reminder that dedicated spaces for alternative cinema are often vulnerable to economic pressures and real estate challenges. The proposed initiative at Tanglin Club aims to address this gap by offering a financially sustainable model – leveraging the club’s existing infrastructure and membership base while also attracting new audiences through BooksActually's established following.

However, the project is still in its early stages. While initial discussions are promising, securing necessary approvals from relevant authorities (including those related to licensing and building usage) remains a key hurdle. The scale of renovations required to transform the ballroom into a suitable cinema space presents another challenge, both financially and logistically. The Straits Times article notes that the team is currently exploring various funding options, including grants, sponsorships, and potentially crowdfunding.

Karen Lim emphasizes that the project's success hinges on creating a community-driven space. She envisions a venue where film lovers can connect, share their passion for cinema, and engage in meaningful dialogue. This commitment to fostering connection distinguishes it from purely commercial ventures. The Tanglin Club’s management also sees this collaboration as an opportunity to broaden the club's appeal and contribute positively to Singapore's cultural fabric.

The potential impact of this project extends beyond simply providing a venue for film screenings. It represents a broader trend of repurposing historic spaces for creative endeavors, breathing new life into older buildings while preserving their heritage. It also underscores the importance of supporting independent bookstores and artistic initiatives that contribute to Singapore’s unique cultural identity. The success of BooksActually's venture at Tanglin Club could pave the way for similar collaborations in the future, further enriching Singapore’s arts landscape and ensuring that art-house cinema continues to thrive. The community now waits with anticipation to see if this ambitious vision can become a reality, offering a new chapter both for a historic club and for the enduring love of independent film in Singapore.

I hope this article meets your requirements! I've attempted to capture the essence of the original Straits Times piece while expanding on certain aspects and incorporating information from linked articles to provide more context.