The Making of the Empress Place building
Short video on the setting up of the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore (acm.org.sg) at the Empress Place building.
A few days in Empress Place Building
SINGAPORE'S AMAZING HISTORIC BUILDINGS
This year it's Singapore's bicentennial. 200 years since Sir Stamford Raffles, landed here and founded modern Singapore. And while this modern city may be more associated cutting edge architecture, the city does have a number of important buildings, dating right back to colonial times.
Choosing just 10 or so historic Singapore buildings is difficult, and of course there are many omissions. But here is my selection of the best heritage architecture from Singapore -
Old Parliament House
Empress Place
Victoria Theatre
National Gallery
Fullerton
St Andrews Cathedral
Thian Hock Keng
Shophouses
Peranakan Architecture
Old Police Station
Armenian Church
Old Parliament House
First on the list of historic buildings is Old Parlimant House. Built in 1827, and located in the Civic area, next to the Singapore River, this is the oldest government building and perhaps the oldest surviving building in Singapore.
Fullerton Hotel
Perhaps Singapore’s most famous building, The Fullerton was named after Robert Fullerton, the first Governor of the Straits Settlements [3]
Designed and used as the General Post Office, the building has also served as a military hospital in the Second World War, but today this impressive building is home to the Fullerton hotel
Empress Place Building
Located on the north bank of the river in the Civic Area. Constructed in four phases from 1864 to 1920, these were originally Government Offices
The original section of the building was designed by colonial engineer John McNair in a neo-Palladian style
Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall
The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, again in the Civic Area, just next to Empress Place.
It first began life as the Town Hall in 1862. Later in the early 1900s a second public hall was built next to it and joined by a clock tower to form one larger building.
It underwent a major four year long re-refurbishment in 2010 wand it now looks immaculate, with a newly modernised theatre and conert hall
National Gallery Singapore
Another structure that began life as two separate buildings is the new National Gallery
The first building, the old Supreme Court was designed by Frank Dorrington Ward, in a style that exemplifies British colonial architecture, and opened in 1939
The City Hall building was completed in 1929 in a neo classical style. It has witnessed important moments in Singapore’s history, including the formal Japanese surrender of Singapore back to the British in 1945
Both buildings are now joined together by a large central atrium
St Andrews Cathedral
Is the country's largest cathedral. Located near City Hall, this Cathedral church of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore was named Saint Andrew after the patron saint of Scotland in honour of the Scottish community who donated to the building fund.[5]
A church existed on the site since 1836, the current church however was built in 1856–1861.
church
Old Hill Street Police Station
The Old Hill Police Station was built in Neo-Classical style and designed F. Dorrington Ward.
As well the usual facilities for a police station, there were living quarters for policemen and their families.
Completed in 1934, it was the largest pre-war government building in Singapore. It has a total of 927 windows with colourful shutters.
It now serves as offices for several government departments
Singaporean Shophouses
The Singapore shop house is a quintessential architectural icon
The origins of the Singapore shop house, trace back to China, where a majority of early immigrants came from.The first shop houses, were constructed during the mid-1840s and there are some well preserved examples here in Everton Road
Baba House
One distinct shop house style is the Peranakan shophouse, and there are some great examples in Joo Chiat.
Peranakan refers to the descendants of the Chinese who originally settled in Malaysia and Singapore
Baba House, built in the 1890s in Neil Road, is a beautifully restored Peranakan house and showcases Peranakan history, architecture and heritage.
For more on the Peranakan culture, visit the Peranakan Museum, itself housed in a historic building in Armenia Street
Thian Hock Keng
Thian Hock Keng (literally Palace of Heavenly Happiness), is a temple built for seafarers to give thanks to the chinese sea goddess Mazu for a safe sea passage on their arrival to Singapore. Completed in 1842
Telok Ayer where the temple is situated, marked the coastline before land reclamation.
Armenian Church
Finally, This church was commissioned by the first twelve Armenian families that settled in Singapore.[3] It was designed by George Coleman, the architect of many of Singapore's early buildings. One of the country=’s earliest surviving churches, It was opened in 1836
Empress Place -- Singapore
A short news clip about a cultural site in Singapore, Empress Place.
Amazing Projections @ Empress Place, Singapore
Impressive projector and light show on the side of a building at IndoChine Waterfront Restaurant, Empress Place in Singapore September 2010.
Roaming around Empress Lawn
Roaming around the Empress Lawn at the Central Business District of Singapore, prior to the Opening Ceremony of the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS).
Around the Lawn can be found the Empress Place Building, the Asian Civilisations Museum, and the Victoria Memorial Hall and Theatre, all located on the north bank of the Singapore River in the Downtown Core.
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Important Buildings in Singapore History (Historical Investigation Group 7)
References and citations
1.Fullerton Building
Fullerton Hotel’s historical significance (2015, December 8) Retrieved from
Zaccheus, M. Fullerton holds special meaning for Singaporeans, says PM Lee (2015, December 8) Retrieved from
Singapore history: the story of the Fullerton Building (2018, September 26) Retrieved from
2.Former Empress Place (Asian Civilisations Museum)
Asian civilisation musuem
Windows into the past (2009, November 23) Retrieved from
Omar, M. Former Empress Place Building (Asian Civilisations Museum) (2006, April 5) Retrieved from
Former Empress Place Building (now Asian Civilisations Museum) (n.d.). Retrieved from
3.Victoria Theatre
Victoria Theatre is built (n.d.) Retrieved from
Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall. (1992, February 14). Retrieved from
Li, R. From humble town hall to a grand dame: Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall (2016, August 22) Retrieved from
Empress Tower - Your Prestigious Workplace
Empress Tower is a Premier Office Building located at 138-142 Hai Ba Trung, District 1 – the golden center of economic area of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Set on the international standard, Empress Tower comprises about 20,000 sq m for office space including 17 levels plus two basements with banking and retail space on the ground floor.
This building has a extremely prime location, approximately 4.8 km from Tan Son Nhat International Airport with many amenities close by such as restaurants, cafes, hotels and the within walking distance to US, French, British, German, India and the new China embassies. Situated between two large streets (Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Hai Ba Trung), Empress Tower also benefits from excellent links to nearby districts making it an ideal location for staff and visitors alike.
Empress Tower management service is complied with the high level standards, from the manpower, facilities to hygienic and security team. Everything is ensured to be run at its best condition here. Our operation team are very selective and competitive to ensure the prompt support and responsibility to tenants’ enquiries.
The Revival of TheRapist Live at The Empress Place Singapore
Live At Empress Place Waterfront Singapore with The TheRapist.
[ACM] Unearthed: Singapore at 25
Free admission, runs until 27 Sep 2015
Exhibition link:
This exhibition displays the contents of a time capsule buried in front of the Empress Place building on 29 December 1990. Objects include first National Service mobilisation, development plans from the 1970s, military medals, stamps, public phone cards, a very young SINGA, the courtesy mascot, and even a poster of Ah Meng, ambassador for the Singapore Zoo. Come experience the sights, sounds, and thoughts of Singaporeans of 25 years ago.
[ACM] Unearthed: Singapore at 25 | Singapore Airlines
Free admission, runs until 27 Sep 2015
Exhibition link:
This exhibition displays the contents of a time capsule buried in front of the Empress Place building on 29 December 1990. Objects include first National Service mobilisation, development plans from the 1970s, military medals, stamps, public phone cards, a very young SINGA, the courtesy mascot, and even a poster of Ah Meng, ambassador for the Singapore Zoo. Come experience the sights, sounds, and thoughts of Singaporeans of 25 years ago.
[ACM] Unearthed: Singapore at 25 | Phones
Free admission, runs until 27 Sep 2015
Exhibition link:
This exhibition displays the contents of a time capsule buried in front of the Empress Place building on 29 December 1990. Objects include first National Service mobilisation, development plans from the 1970s, military medals, stamps, public phone cards, a very young SINGA, the courtesy mascot, and even a poster of Ah Meng, ambassador for the Singapore Zoo. Come experience the sights, sounds, and thoughts of Singaporeans of 25 years ago.
West Grand Boulevard Live at Empress Place, Singapore - Now We Will
West Grand Boulevard Live at Empress Place, Singapore - Now We Will
Historical Investigation- Singapore River, buildings and monuments (Group 6)
By Ray, Jareth, Xavier and Gregory
ML202
References and photo credits:
1.Victoria-Theatre-&-Victoria-Concert-Hall-home-banner4. (n.d.). Retrieved from
2. Our History. (n.d.). Retrieved from
3. VIEW OF THE FULLERTON BUILDING, SINGAPORE [Photograph]. (n.d.). R Browne Collection, National Archives of Singapore, Singapore.
4. Historic Waterfront [PDF]. (2013). Singapore: Urban Redevelopment Authority.
5. Bonny. (1999, April 17). Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall. Retrieved from
6. Cornelius-Takahama, & Vernon. (2001, May 19). Fullerton Building. Retrieved from
7. Fern, O. S. (2018, July 12). 7 things about the Fullerton Building, now a Singapore national monument. Retrieved from
8. Former Fullerton Building. (n.d.). Retrieved from
9. Omar, M. (2006, April 05). Former Empress Place Building (Asian Civilisations Museum). Retrieved from
10. Former Empress Place Building (now Asian Civilisations Museum). (n.d.). Retrieved from
11. YK, R. T. (2017, March 22). Asian Civilisations Museum a living symbol of Singapore's history. Retrieved from
12. Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall. (n.d.). Retrieved from
13. PRESS CONFERENCE AT CHAIRMAN'S OFFICE OF NEW BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF CURRENCY IN FULLERTON BUILDING [Photograph]. (n.d.). Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, National Archives of Singapore, Singapore.
14. Lee, Lin, K., & National Library Board. (n.d.). Empress Place Building, 1973 : General view [1]: PictureSG. Retrieved from
15. View of Fullerton Building, Dalhousie Obelisk and Union Building [Photograph]. (n.d.). Lim Kheng Chye Collection, National Archives of Singapore, Singapore.
16. Lee, Lin, K., & National Library Board. (n.d.). General Post Office : General view [2]: PictureSG. Retrieved from
17. Lee, Lin, K., & National Library Board. (n.d.). Empress Place Building, 1973 : Side view [1]: PictureSG. Retrieved from
18. Lee, Lin, K., & National Library Board. (n.d.). Empress Place Building, 1973 : General view [1]: PictureSG. Retrieved from
19. IMMIGRATION SECTION AT NATIONAL ARCHIVES BUILDING, HILL STREET [Photograph]. (n.d.). Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, National Archives of Singapore, Singapore.
[ACM] Unearthed: Singapore at 25 | Education
Free admission, runs until 27 Sep 2015
Exhibition link:
This exhibition displays the contents of a time capsule buried in front of the Empress Place building on 29 December 1990. Objects include first National Service mobilisation, development plans from the 1970s, military medals, stamps, public phone cards, a very young SINGA, the courtesy mascot, and even a poster of Ah Meng, ambassador for the Singapore Zoo. Come experience the sights, sounds, and thoughts of Singaporeans of 25 years ago.
25 Sep 2011 Visit to Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore
7 minutes out of our three hour mini adventure at the Singapore Asian Civilisations Museum @ Empress Place (near Raffles MRT).
ACM opening hours (acm.org.sg):
-Monday 1pm- 7pm
-Tuesday - Sunday 9am-7pm (to 9pm on Fridays)
Singaporean/PR students may present their matriculation cards at the admission counter to enjoy free entrance.
Asian Museum Singapore
Asian Museum Singapore | Singapore Museums
Official Website For Price and Opening Hours :
The Asian Civilisations Museum also known as Empress Place Building, is located at the north bank of the beautiful Singapore River.
The Museum is devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia.
It focuses on many historical connections among the cultures of Asia & Singapore's history as a port city which brought people together from around the world.
There is an entry Fee of $8 per head for foreign residents and tourists. Free guided tour facility is conducted by volunteers and are available at scheduled times.
Please SUBSCRIBE to Travel With Siri :
#singapore #singaporemuseums #asianmuseumsingapore
Thank you for watching.
DOWNTOWN SINGAPORE CITY VIRTUAL TOUR | VICTORIA THEATRE, THE ARTS HOUSE, NATIONAL GALLERY
1. The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall is a performing arts center in the Central Area of Singapore, situated along Empress Place. It is a complex of two buildings and a clock tower joined together by a common corridor; the oldest part of the building was first built in 1862, and the complex was completed in 1909.
2. The Arts House is a building in Singapore. It is currently a multi-disciplinary arts venue which plays host to art exhibitions and concerts. Built in 1827, the Old Parliament House is the oldest government building and perhaps the oldest surviving building in Singapore.
3. The National Gallery Singapore is an art gallery located in the Downtown Core of Singapore. Opened on 24 November 2015, it oversees the world’s largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, consisting of over 8,000 artworks.
Asian Civilisations Museum set to get bigger, better with extension plan - 08Nov2012
SINGAPORE: The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is set to get bigger and better with a S$5.5-million extension plan.
A new wing will be added to ACM's current building at Empress Place.
The museum's extension plan comes after it received a S$5-million donation from Hong Leong Foundation.
S$500,000 of the donation will be used to acquire artefacts related to Fujian culture.
The Fujian culture is especially meaningful to Mr Kwek Leng Beng, the governor of Hong Leong Foundation, as his father, Kwek Ho Png, founder of Hong Leong Group, was born in Fujian.
Construction for the new wing is expected to be completed in 2015.
ACM director Alan Chong said the new wing is a respectable, yet clearly different, addition to an important heritage structure.
The new galleries will take advantage of natural light and provide a different experience for the visitor.
He added that more of the museum's collection can be revealed in an innovative and hopefully thought-provoking way.
Mr Kwek said by working with the Asian Civilisations Museum, it hopes to be able to inform and educate future generations about the roots of Singapore's forefathers.
Dr Chong said:We are very keen to show how China relates to the rest of the world, through trade, through immigration, through exchange. This is really what we are trying to work on. Fujian especially, was the homeland of so many immigrants to Southeast Asia, not just to Singapore but also in countries which are now Malaysia and Indonesia.
According to Dr Chong, the extension will not follow the colonial architectural style of the existing building.
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong broke ground for the new wing on Thursday, together with the museum's staff and patrons.
The new wing be a modern structure of glass and titanium.
Facing the Victoria Theatre, the three-storey structure will look like a solid box floating between two existing museum wings.
The Asian Civilisations Museum is a wonderful old building and we shouldn't try to create something that would be an imitation of nineteenth-century history, said Dr Chong.
The preservation monuments board also instructed us that they prefer to have something that was new, rather than something that imitated the old and I thought one of the best ways of preserving the old facade was to construct something that was quite light, it has got a lot of glass, daylight so that you can always see the old building behind the new. It floats in front of the original building and that was our intention.
ACM, which first began operations at Armenian Street in 2005, is dedicated to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially in Singapore's ancestral cultures.
channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1235998/1/.html
Major archaeological dig underway at Empress Place
Volunteers at work during the archaeological excavation to find relics in front of the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall on 13 February, 2015.