The Great World Amusement Park was the most exciting place in all of Singapore from the 1940s to 1960s. It was a melting pot for people from diverse cultural backgrounds, people went there for food, fun, and for some, it was to make a living. The colourful lights, holiday mood, magical rides and exhibitions gave the visitors a break from their daily lives [1].

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In 1941, the park was sold to the Shaw Brothers [5], but that was soon interrupted by the Japanese Occupation in February 1942. The end of the Japanese occupation saw the park moving away from gambling to focus on cultural shows. Cantonese, Teochew and Peking operas attracted the families to the park and drew in large revenues [6]. The park evolved into a hotspot for the everyday person, with more fun activities available at affordable prices. 

 

In the 1950s, following the prosperity from the rubber boom, the Shaw Brothers decided to upgrade the park in a big way, they began to build more structures including fountains, carousel, Ferris wheel and the popular ghost train rides [7]. There were interesting things at every corner, with the iconic Ferris Wheel sitting at the centre of the park, the Great World Amusement park boasted carnival rides, cabarets, restaurants, haunted houses, cinemas, colourful exhibitions and circus troupes among others. 

As popular as the park was in the 40s and 50s, the 60s saw the arrival of television sets, departmental stores, Pasar Malam and other entertainment facilities. The Great World Amusement Park slowly faded into the background and closed down on 31st March 1964. Cinemas and restaurants remained open until 1978, and Trade Fairs continued to be held. The park was sold to Malaysia’s “Sugar King” Robert Kuok in 1979. Plans were laid but it was not until 1988 that construction for the Great World City shopping centre began [8].

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