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Attraction: Colonial Singapore

City Center

City Center, an area that consists of many interesting places such as Stamford House, Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Armenian Church, Asian Civilizations Museum, National Museum, Presbyterian Church, Wesley Methodist Church and etc.

Stamford House

Stamford house remains the colonial architecture until today although it was constructed since 1914 by the company of Swan & MacLaren as to grant Alfred John Bidwell's requirement. The buildings in that area have been renovated; including Stamford house after had been constructed almost a century. It now stands on Stamford Road and Victoria Street.

Stamford House was first opened as a retail office and served as the Oranjie Hotel, but after the World War II ended, Stamford House became slowly unknown as its shopping cachet had unintentionally belonged to Orchard Road due to the destruction that World War had caused. As time elapsed, in 1984, Stamford House was fully reconditioned and so it could recall its original fame as being a great shopping center once again.

Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Chinese Chamber of Commerce was designed strangely yet attractively as its architectural style was a combination of Western and Chinese arts. It is located on Hill Street just right across from Armenian Church and also marks that area of Singapore architecture.

There are two stone lions serve as guardians set on either side of the gate. These two large stones were imported directly from China. Walls inside the Chamber of Commerce were decorated or painted with Chinese sacred animals like the Nine Dragon that symbolizes the strength and power which protect the eight-story headquarters of the chamber.

Armenian Church

A very old ecclesiastical structure in Singapore constructed in 1835 by George Coleman, a very famous architect.

Its construction purpose was to serve 5,000 Armenians who had escaped from warfare between Russia and Turkey. Even though it was built for such an urgent circumstance yet its style was elaborate in the Palladian style. George Coleman deliberately put the circular chamber in a rectangular cruciform building and more stable exterior architectures to make the church extraordinary.

Despite the low Armenian population rate in Singapore, Armenian people had played a vivid role in Singapore such as Sarkies Brother who owned the Raffles Hotel, and the Vandas Miss Joachim built by Agnes Joachim. Under Armenian Church's ground lie the bodies of these well-known Armenians for it is the place they would love to stay.

Central Fire Station

The first fire station for fire brigade built in 1908 to 1909, designed by the Municipal Council of Singapore and located on Hill Street across from Funan Center. Subsequently, in 1926 and 1954 it was extended with the more stable structure, particularly at its rear. The architectural style was but the Late Georgian structure with white rusticated walls and columns. Besides, the brickwork was used to depict Jacobean vision. From the past until the present, the Central Fire Station represents the era of horse-drawn fire carts to motorized vehicles.

Masonic Hall

The museum was widespread in the 1900s such as Singapore Art Museum, and Asian Civilizations Museum that replaced St. Joseph's Institution and the Tao Nan School respectively. Masonic Hall was constructed in 1879, and designed by architect Donald Craik. Masonic Hall was later converted to the Singapore History Museum. The original Masonic Hall features white render and red brick in alternate bands which was often referred as "streaky bacon," or "blood and bandage."

Singapore Philatelic Museum

Near the intersection of Coleman and Armenian Street stands Singapore Philatelic Museum constructed in 1995. Its original building was the Methodist Book Room built in 1895 but later was reopened as the Methodist Publishing House on Armenian Street in 1908. Attaining S$7 million had helped the establishment of Singapore Philatelic Museum that today exhibits ancient historical stamps, antique printing plates, a postman's motorbike, and the precious collections of philatelists from Southeast Asia.

Asian Civilizations Museum

Asian Civilizations Museum (ACM) was constructed in 1997 under the restoration of the old Tao Nun School that was built since 1910. The museum mainly exhibits the ancestral cultures through the Chinese arts, followed by Southeast Asian, and Indian arts.

There are 2 wings of this museum; the first one was at old Tao Nan School which exhibits Chinese history and culture. While the second wing on the Empress Place side will be completely constructed in 2002. When the construction is completely done, the exhibitions of South, West, and Southeast Asian will be displayed.

In addition, Asian Civilizations Museum also arranges various programmes on talks, workshops, and other activities. Visitors will find the museum attractive because of its informative and memorable qualities.

Location of Asian Civilizations Museum:
39 Armenian Street,
Singapore 179941
Opening Hours: 9.00 - 18.00; Fridays open till 21.00 and closed on Mondays

The Substation

The Substation was renovated from the old power station in 1991. It serves as the first alternative arts space for theatre, dance, and arts exhibitions. The 150-seat Guinness Theatre is where you can eye and open your heart to appreciate the maximum exposure of the artist's imaginations and creativities expressed through various ways such as acting, dancing, singing, reading poetry, narrating stories, and etc.

Location of the Substation:
45 Armenian Street
Opening Hours: 12.00 - 20.00 daily
Tel: 337-7535, 337-2729

MPH Building

MPH Building is on Stamford Road at Hill Street, built as the Methodist Publishing House in 1908 under the design of Swan and MacLaren. Its design is into Edwardian commercial architecture, fitting the atmosphere of bookstore that looks tranquil and comfortable with café that serves coffee and luncheons daily.

Location of MPH Building:
71 - 77 Stamford Road,
Singapore 178895
Tel: 336-3633 & Fax: 334-0592
Opening Hours: Sun - Thu 11.00 - 20.30; Fri & Sat 11.00 - 21.00

National Museum

National Museum, designed by Major McNair, has been maintained its colonial architecture and is considered as the best example of real British architectural style that traces its origin since 1887 when it was the Raffles Library and Museum opened by Sir Frederick Weld, a governor of the Straits Settlements. The Raffles Library and Museum was renamed National Museum in 1969 as to signify that the museum's role has become essential in national development.

Today, the National Museum exhibits various forms of arts but stresses on Singapore's History Gallery. The Straits Chinese Gallery includes Peranakan fabrics, costumes, and furniture is considered a superb collection and much more interesting galleries.

Location of the National Museum:
83 Stamford Road,
Singapore
Tel: 338-0000
Opening Hours: 09.00 - 17.30 daily except Monday

Presbyterian Church

At the top of Stamford Road stands the Presbyterian Church reconstructed for the second time in 1986 which its size is small but grand. Its architectural style is of classical Greek architecture with the Palladian entrance, Ionic columns, cupola, the baroque scrollwork, and etc.

Wesley Methodist Church

Another remarkable work of David Craik from the Swan & MacLaren built in 1909. Wesley Methodist Church was constructed under the Gothic English-style holding statuary and many wooden decorations. It is located on the lower Fort Canning Hill.

All Attractions in Colonial Singapore

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Royal Exclusive Travel