Stepping into Vivocity Mall is home to a small pop up exhibition on the mall grounds held to commemorate the Singapore’s cable car’s 50th Anniversary. Titled “Cable Cars: A Ride Through Time”, this temporary exhibit celebrates the history of Singapore’s iconic cable car system. This is told through photos from past to present. If you grew up riding the cable car as a kid, this exhibition is one of nostalgia, with the displays successfully evoking memories of the past while highlighting the technological advancements of the present.
The mini exhibition is located on the ground floor atrium of Vivocity mall West Boulevard, Level 1 near the Vivocity Toys For Us we previously visited. It comprises of several coloured signboards shaped as cable cars. The signboards tell a story of the cable car we come to love. The exhibition area was well-organized, and informative, guiding you through a chronological journey.
The story began with the origins of the cable car system, dating back to its launch in 1974. The displays included old photographs, detailed descriptions, and models. The visual appeal of the photos catches your attention, with each image was carefully selected to showcase the evolution of the cable cars.
A Cable car ride through time
Furthermore, the first section of the exhibit focused on the early days of the cable car system. It provided context on why the system was introduced in Singapore. Also, the photographs in this section were mostly black and white, reflecting the era they represented. Also, I found the information shown both informative and accessible. The panels were written in simple language, making them easy to understand for visitors of all ages.
Here, a particular photograph stood out- an early panoramic view of Sentosa and Mt Faber before the cable car was built. Sentosa island was much more barren then, which was thought up as an alternate means to get across from mainland to Sentosa island, which was only accessible via ferry back then.
Early engineering choices
Adjacent to the photographs were several informational panels. These panels provided insights into the technical challenges faced during the construction of the cable car system. This is especially how various cable car cable systems or a Back and forth “Jigback” system or a continuous looping cable “Bi-cable system” were considered.
History has it that we went on the continuous cable system where the cars can be unhooked at the boarding stations for ease of boarding and disembarkation. The model allowed me to appreciate the engineering marvel that the cable car system represented at the time. It also offered a glimpse into how transportation infrastructure has evolved in Singapore.
Wrapping up one of the highlights of the exhibit is a Lego-inspired Cable car and a decommissioned cable car cabin you can sit within. Also, this cabin has undergone some additions of comforts like a TV screen and cushions within.
Moving further into the exhibit, you encounter a section dedicated to the cable car’s role in tourism as well as how it hosted VIPs on trips to Singapore. Also, this area showcased how the cable car became an integral part of the Sentosa experience.
Photos from the 1980s and 1990s depicted tourists enjoying the scenic views from the cabins, and with Mount Faber in the background- the hill where it all begun. This image captured the ambition and vision behind the project.
Advancement over the years
The next part of the exhibit explored the modernization of the cable car system. This section highlighted the advancements made over the years. I was particularly drawn to the display of the new generation cable car cabins. You can also run through the various generations of Cable car cabins as well as the years which they were implemented. Also, the layout was logical, guiding you through the different phases of the cable car’s history. These cabins are more spacious, comfortable, and equipped with modern amenities. The exhibit provided a side-by-side comparison of the old and new cabins, even up to the current ball-shaped SkyOrb cabins.
Also, the exhibit also touched on the role of the cable car in Singapore’s urban landscape. It showcases how the cable car system has been integrated into the transportation network. It compliments the Sentosa ferry services before the road bridge and monorail today was completed. This section included maps and diagrams, illustrating the expansion of the cable car route over the years. Pictures of ground breaking and construction of the cable car structures is one less seen by the public eye too, and one worthy documenting in the early days. The information was presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easy to follow the developments.
Moreover, there were also darker periods in cable car history, such as when it was struck by the Eniwetok oil derrick resulting in 7 deaths and a daredevil rescue operation by helicopter.
Wrapping up
Additionally, the exhibit successfully conveyed the significance of the cable car system in Singapore’s history. It celebrated the past while acknowledging the progress made over the years. At the end, you would walk away with a deeper appreciation for this iconic mode of transportation to Sentosa island.
Lastly, the final section of the exhibit focused on the future of the cable car system. The exhibit highlighted the importance of preserving this iconic mode of transportation while adapting to future needs. Throughout my visit, I noticed that the exhibit was well-curated, with attention to detail. The information was presented in a straightforward manner, making it accessible to a wide audience. I tad appreciated the mix of visual, textual, and interactive elements, which kept the experience engaging.
All in all, you be good for the mini exhibition for about 10-15 minutes tops, making it a pit stop in your visit to Vivocity mall. The exhibit tad offered a comprehensive look at the evolution of Singapore’s cable car system. It was both educational and entertaining, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. The combination of historical photographs, detailed models, and interactive experiences provided a well-rounded understanding of the cable car’s impact on Singapore. Cable Cars: A Ride Through Time at VivoCity mall runs 2 weeks from 12- 25 August 2024, tied to the mall’s opening hours from 10am to 10pm.
