The Arts House At The Old Parliament, Singapore

The Arts House At The Old Parliament (28 July 2017)


The Arts House At The Old Parliament (GPS: 1.28874, 103.8511) is an art gallery in downtown Singapore. It is housed in a historic building that was designed by prominent architect George D. Coleman. Built in 1827, originally in the Neo-Palladian style, it is the oldest extant colonial building in Singapore. Originally, it was intended to be the residence of Scottish merchant John Argyle Maxwell. As a result, it was known as Maxwell House. However, upon its completion, Maxwell leased it to the British colonial government for use as a court house.

In 1837, a single storey annex was built next to the main building. The annex took over as the court house until 1865, when it was used as the post office. The main building was then used as the council chambers.

In 1873, the main building extended to the banks of the Singapore River, and was used as the Supreme Court. In a major reconstruction between 1901 to 1912, the Neo-Palladian elements of the main building were reduced for elements the late Victorian style. Its significance was somewhat diminished from 1939 to 1945, when it was used as a storehouse.

In 1964, Singapore attained its independence, and the building was made the Parliament House, a role it played until 1999, when a new Parliament House was built. The Old Parliament House was gazetted a national monument in 1992.

Taking the MRT to The Arts House At The Old Parliament

On foot, The Arts House At The Old Parliament is 650 meters on foot to City Hall MRT Station (EW13/NS25) and 700 meters on foot to Raffles Place MRT Station (EW14/NS26).

The Arts House At The Old Parliament on Google Street View (Jul 2018)

The Arts House At The Old Parliament is on the Map of Connaught Drive, Singapore

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