Architecture in Singapore

For architecture fans, there are plenty of impressive buildings to admire in Singapore. The juxtaposition of old and new epitomises this city that celebrates its colonial past, whilst embracing its fast-paced and energetic present.

The arrival of the Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino complex in 2010 changed the Singapore skyline immeasurably and ensured that the city is firmly on the world map as its rooftop pool got the world's media buzzing. Its three staggering towers now preside over the city and love it or hate it you have to admire its sheer scale and innovation, and its Sands Skypark offers some of the best views of the city. Other modern buildings creating a buzz include Norman Foster's Supreme Court building, I.M Pei's The Gateway and shopping mall Wheelock Place on Orchard Road.

Despite the media buzz these new buildings create, much of Singapore's best loved buildings date back from its colonial era, as seen through much of the Colonial District. The most famous Colonial landmark is Raffles Hotel - renowned throughout the world as a symbol of luxury. Other buildings representing Singapore's colonial era include the impressive neo-palladian Empress Building, formerly government offices and now home to the Asian Civilisations Museum; the elegant National Museum of Singapore, originally built as the Raffles Library and Museum in 1887 and the Singapore Art Museum, formerly a Catholic all-boys mission school.

Among the most spectacular buildings are the variety of places of worship that represent Singapore's multi-cultural make-up. The Thian Hock Keng temple, the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore erected in 1821 by Chinese immigrants, is arguably the most beautiful in the city. Also in Chinatown you will find the Sri Mariamman temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple dating back to 1827, while across town the Masjid Sultan, Singapore's largest Mosque presides over the Arab Quarter. It was built in 1824 with a $3,000 grant form the East India Company as part of the handover treaty.

Sands SkyPark

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Bayfront Ave

Sensational Views over the City...
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Raffles Hotel

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1 Beach Road
#01-01/02/03 Raffles Hotel

The Grand Dame of Singapore...
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National Museum of Singapore

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93 Stamford Rd
#01-03 National Museum

Six Centuries Of Singapore History...
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Asian Civilisations Museum

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1 Empress Place

Where the Story of Asia Unfolds...
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Singapore Art Museum

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71 Bras Basah Rd

South-East Asian Contemporary Art...
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Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum

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288 South Bridge Rd

Learn the fascinating history of Buddhism...
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Thian Hock Keng Temple

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158 Telok Ayer St
1/2 block beyond Nagore Durgha Shrine

Singapore's Oldest Chinese Temple...
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Masjid Sultan

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3 Muscat St
Kampong Glam District

Largest Mosque in Singapore...
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Sri Mariamman Temple

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244 South Bridge Rd
At the corner of South Bridge Rd and Pagoda St

Singapore's Oldest Hindu Temple...
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Supreme Court

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1 Supreme Court Lane
Across from the Padang

Head of Singapore's justice system...
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