Robert & MeiLi Hefner’s Berlin Wall Sections Have Returned to the USA from Singapore
By Metra Nichols, September 26, 2013
Robert and MeiLi Hefner’s “Kings of Freedom” Berlin Wall sections have returned to the United States after three years on display at Bedok Reservoir Park in Singapore. The wall was on loan to Singapore by Robert and MeiLi Hefner and was unveiled to the public on January 10, 2010. There were over 200 guests present at the unveiling including George Yeo, Singapore’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lim Hwee Hua – former Minister in the Prime Minister’s office – and government officials from the German Embassy. The wall served as a backdrop for creative activities and community gatherings establishing the Wall as an inspirational and historical icon.
The Wall was on display in the sculpture garden area of the park and housed in a 1,400 sq meter glass enclosure in the eastern part of Bedok Reservoir Park. Painted on one side of the Wall, which once faced West Berlin, the murals depict a bright and joyful king representing freedom and a colorless, blindfolded king who is oblivious to the wishes of his people. The side of the Wall which faced East Berlin remained unpainted.