The Arts House at the Old Parliament

+6563326900
1 Old Parlament Lane (subway station Raffles Place)
www.theartshouse.sg/

Working hours: from 10.00 to 22.00

How to get there by Singapore MRT. Singapore interactive metro guide.

The Old Parliament building, which stands proudly in the city's historical center, is the oldest administrative building in Singapore and has achieved the status of the country's national monument. However, it was originally built for quite different purposes: construction of the building was ordered by a Scottish merchant, John Argyle Maxwell, who had decided to erect his own mansion in Singapore. In order to supervise the building of the residence, the influential tradesman hired a prominent Irish architect, George Coleman, who was the official constructor of the British colony and Lord Stamford Raffles’ personal adviser in the early 19th century.

In the year 1827, Coleman, in whose honor a bridge and a street in the downtown are named, raised an elegant building in classical style. However, the mansion’s owner wasn’t in any particular hurry to move in Singapore, meaning that soon the empty building was being rented by colonial authorities who implemented law courts and other state institutions here. In the early 20th century, large-scale reconstructions were undertaken on the building, enlarging the inhabitable area, but simultaneously laying waste to its original design: the strict classical style was replaced aspects more typical of the later Victorian era.

In 1950s, the Legislative Assembly of Singapore was located on the site and in 1965, after the proclamation of independence, the Parliament set up shop within its walls. At the turn of the 21st century, Singapore's Parliament moved in a new building that had been erected nearby, while an Arts House was opened in the old one. Nowadays it forms a diversified arts center, where various exhibitions, concerts, live music, dance, cinema and theater festivals are carried out.

A bronze elephant stands on the pedestal in front of the Old Parliament. The King of Siam (modern day Thailand), Rama V Chulalongkorn, presented it to Singapore to commemorate his visit to the city in 1871.

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Reviews: 36
Cheen

Used to be called The Old Parliament House (1999-2004). Before that, it served many roles including The Parliament, Legislative Assembly House & Supreme Court. Source: Infopedia

17.01.2024  
0
わに

イギリス統治時代には裁判所、そしてシンガポールの国会議事堂として使われた建物。2004年からはコンサートホール、劇場、映画館、ギャラリー、レストランからなる文化の殿堂として使われています。Old Court and Parliament Office. From 2004, used as Concert Hall, Theater, Cinema, Gallery and Restrant.

22.06.2018  
0
Cheen

Parliament meetings were held in the building until the new Parliament House (nearby) was completed. It is now refurbished as The Arts House. Source: Singapore Book of Records

25.03.2017  
0
Cheen

Did u know? The building was originally designed (by George Coleman) as a house for John Argyll Maxwell, 1 of first 3 magistrates whom Sir Stamford Raffles appointed. Source: Singapore Book of Records

25.03.2017  
0
Cheen

Oldest Colonial Building. Completed in 1827, it was leased to the government and used as a courthouse & government offices. Source: Singapore Book of Records

25.03.2017  
0
Conrad Hotels & Resorts

A heritage house rich with history

14.03.2016  
0
Torzin S

Old colonial building with interesting art display and show. Its exhibition is quite good but the light is really bad.

11.12.2015  
0
Tanya

อย่าลืมแวะชมรูปปั้นช้างหน้าอาคาร มีคำบรรยายสี่ภาษาที่ฐานใต้ช้าง

28.04.2015  
0
Elizabeth

Good for intimate film screenings. Bad phone and internet reception in this venue though.

01.03.2015  
0
Marco

The place for temporary exibitions, I had the Leonardo Davincis earlier Mona Lisa in early January 2015, for 20 SGD and an Ipad included for the tour a bit pricey, expected something else ;-)

03.01.2015  
0
Anna

Yuk masuk sini dolo biar lengkap ekspedisi city tour ke tempat2 bersejarah

18.11.2014  
0
P

There's a nice quiet cafe inside

04.10.2014  
0
Hilmi

Fancy place..

13.07.2014  
0
Wotabout City Discovery App

Now an arts and cultural centre, this building housed the Singapore Parliament in its early years

29.05.2014  
0
JJ Mai Kin

Nice environment to watch the performances

06.04.2014  
2
JJ Mai Kin

Nice venue to watch the performance

06.04.2014  
2
Olivia

Regular (free!) film screenings at The Screening Room, along with art exhibitions and dance and theatre performances.

03.12.2013  
0
Kristin

Love going here for screenings, lovely concerts and community engagements.

02.09.2013  
1
Jeskino

Nostalgic and memory lane

02.09.2013  
0
Pauline

Free movie screenings every month! :3

23.10.2012  
0