METT Singapore celebrates the centenary of its iconic heritage-listed building this September with the launch of 100 Years of Stories, a month-long series honouring a century of history and cultural connection in the heart of Fort Canning Park.
Set within one of Singapore’s most historic green landmarks, METT Singapore pays homage to Fort Canning’s rich past, from its origins as royal grounds and Singapore’s first botanical garden to the property’s own role as a cultural landmark dating back to 1926. Today, the park is a vibrant home of nature, culture and history, offering guests instant access to museums, live events, outdoor fitness and family-friendly spaces.
The building holds great significance for the Lion City, first housing the British Far East Command Headquarters built in 1926 to house the administration offices of the British military. Designed in the Neo-Classical style, post-war the building became the staff college for the Singapore Armed Forces in late 1967, who then vacated the site in 1973.
METT Singapore is honoured to be custodian of these storied walls and this month celebrates the past while setting a new rhythm with 100 Years of Stories, which will unfold through a curated calendar of activations across the property, inspired by the building’s past and inviting guests to experience its next chapter as a destination for dining, wellness, culture and connection.
Heritage-Inspired Cocktails at Canning Bar & Lounge
Fort Canning Hill has long been a symbol of transformation — from the royal seat of Malay kings to a British command post, from spice-laden trade routes to the cultural heart of modern Singapore. Nestled upon this storied hill, Canning Bar & Lounge at METT Singapore invites you to explore cocktails that echo centuries of encounters — each glass a tale of discovery, culture and hospitality. Every drink is a tribute to time: crafted with fine spirits, native botanicals and the timeless art of storytelling.
Discover cocktails inspired by the botanical and spice garden legacy of the park, with libations including 1822, a crisp, aromatic cocktail that pays homage to Singapore’s first botanical and experimental garden established at Fort Canning Park by Sir Stamford Raffles and Dr Nathaniel Wallich. Notes of torched ginger blend with nutmeg warmth and orchard pear, echoing the spice routes that built the island’s fortunes.
Tea House is a smooth aromatic combining Earl Grey Tea-infused Monkey Shoulder, Gula Melaka and Cardamon, inspired by when the hill was home to the British governors and their ritual of afternoon tea, a toast of colonial elegance reinterpreted for modern taste. Olive III is named after a wartime signal code used on the hill, a martini for those who appreciate resilience in every sip and inspired by the old military bunkers that once guarded the city.
During September guests are invited to discover a special centenary offering at Canning Bar & Lounge, including 10% off all à la carte food items.
Fitness at the Fort by Madison House
As part of the centenary celebrations, private members’ club Madison House has curated Fitness at the Fort, a month-long wellness challenge designed to bring movement, energy and community to the heart of the park. Guests and members are invited to complete six targeted classes to unlock their fitness archetype and qualify for exclusive prizes, including a hotel stay at METT Singapore, Madison House club access passes, padel sessions and more.
Classes curated by the city’s leading fitness teachers include The Power 100, with barre, mat Pilates and reformer sessions; 100s Burn, a dynamic blend of bootcamp and HIIT; and The Century Challenge, an outdoor circuit inspired by the property’s 100-year milestone.
Fort Canning Park Heritage Festival
The celebrations will also coincide with the Fort Canning Park Heritage Festival, taking place from 5 to 13 September 2026. The nine-day public programme will feature music, art, guided experiences, curated tours, exhibitions, talks and cultural performances celebrating the Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage status and Fort Canning’s living heritage.
Hotel guests will have access to a rich programme of complimentary and family-friendly activities across the park, with a free shuttle bus operating between Singapore Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning Park on weekends from 9am to 10pm.
Highlights include the Crafting Botanical Soap Workshop, a sensory experience suitable for children that begins with a guided tour of the Spice Garden before guests learn to create biodegradable liquid soap using soap berries and “Spiced Through the Ages: Unwrapping Heritage Otah-Otah” at Fort Canning Park, a hands-on workshop celebrating the park’s deep connection with the spice trade and one of the region’s most popular dishes. Guests also enjoy complimentary guided tours including Heritage on the Hill and Trees of Fort Canning Park.
“100 Years of Stories is our way of celebrating the many lives this building has lived, while inviting guests to be part of its next chapter. From cocktails inspired by the rich history of our location to wellness challenges and cultural experiences in the park, we invite guests to stay with us and experience what METT Singapore is all about: history, lifestyle, connection and a sense of place,” shared Tomas Stoila, Managing Director of Sunset Hospitality Group Singapore.
