This hall was originally a gymnasium and opened on three sides.  It was ‘modernised’ in the 1950s to become the school hall, then known as the Oei Tiong Han Hall.  All arches were flattened, Doric columns were turned into cylindrical columns and external walls and windows were added to enclose it.  This hall was restored to its original state based on an original drawing found on site.  The colourful Persian glass installation by American artist Dale Chihuly enhances the beauty of this hall.  The Glass Hall is commonly utilised for exhibition openings and company & wedding functions.

Related: Private & Corporate Hire: The Glass Hall

The galleries in the Central Building were formed by knocking down cross walls that made up the classrooms.  The new floors – reinforced concrete with timer-strip finish, were designed and constructed to take the load expected of galleries.  A new wall system, comprising a light weight wall, insulation material and vapour barrier, was added to the existing walls.  Paintings are hung from picture rails fixed on top of the walls.

The auditorium was the former chapel.  All the important elements of the chapel are preserved.  These include the small ‘basins’ for holy water, stations of the cross, original pressed steel ceiling and dado panels, and original concrete floor tiles.  The salmon colour is also the original colour of the walls.  When the school was taken over for the construction of the Museum, several pieces of old floor tiles were found missing.  These were reinstated with the new tiles specially manufactured to match the old.  A plaque outside the chapel commemorates Brother Michael (1856-1936) who, as Director of SJI (1900 – 1914) played a major part in the development of the 3 historic buildings that are preserved.  This auditorium will now be used for talks, symposiums, seminars, film screenings and a favourite venue for wedding solemnisations. 

Related: Private & Corporate Hire: The Chapel