Name: Singapore
Rating: 3.2

Old Parliament House, Singapore Overview

The Arts House is a venue for literary, performing, and visual arts located at Old Parliament Lane, Singapore. Known to the locals as the Old Parliament House, the Arts House occupies the 200-year-old building that housed Singapore’s first parliament. Now a gazetted national monument, this space presents a brilliant juxtaposition of colonial architecture, historically significant venues, and the performing arts.

Originally built in 1827 as a residence, the Arts House building has undergone numerous changes in design from Tuscan/Palladian styles to Victorian. The architectural integrity and brilliance of design are only rivalled by the art shows and exhibitions regularly conducted at the venue – ranging from film festivals, painting exhibits, theatre performances, and recitals. The Arts House Singapore is a must-visit for history buffs looking to learn about the country’s colonial past, and nifty tourists on a budget – entry to the venue is free.

Architecture and Layout of The Arts House

Chamber: The 200-seater Chamber was once used as the debate room for Singapore’s Parliament. With original mid-twentieth century upholstery and Victorian furniture from London, and a castle motif from the erstwhile colony’s coat of arms, the Chamber is now a regal venue for recitals and performances; it is affectionately known as the Crown Jewel of The Arts House.

Blue Room: Although this room is not blue anymore, it retains its name to remind visitors of its historical significance as the resting room for Members of Parliament between debates at the Chamber. Featuring Corinthian columns, bright Palladian windows, and plush carpets, this was where the first Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew held meetings with his cabinet. Today it is a versatile venue for recitals, conferences, and theatre previews.

Living Room: From serving as the general office of the Old Parliament House from 1955-59 to becoming the designated meeting room of the People’s Action Party from 1959, the Living Room is an important remnant of the Lion City’s freedom movement. This 80-seater room is now used for seminars, workshops, and receptions.

Gallery I: This whopping 250-seater room stuns visitors with its nineteenth-century brick entrance – so hard that nails cannot pass through it – and neo-Palladian columns that frame the space into various sections. Ideal for hosting cocktail receptions and exhibitions, Gallery I is one of the most impressive venues at Arts House.

Gallery II: The site of important signings like the Copyright Bill, Parents Bill, and Maintenance of Religious Harmony Bill, Gallery II was once the Legislative Assembly Library. This open room has Tuscan high ceilings, multiple spotlights, and minimalistic columns that give the space a regal air. This 130-seater room hosts talks, product launches, and exhibitions.

Play Den: Named so because of the sheer number of theatre performances held here, the Play Den was once the general office for David Marshall, Singapore’s first Chief Minister. The neoclassical Ionic pillars combined with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems make the Play Den an ideal venue for experimental and collaborative performances.

Screening Room: Once an office for the country’s Legislative Assembly, this 75-seater film room now hosts intimate screenings, media briefings, and other corporate events.

Council Room: One of the smallest rooms of The Arts House, the Council Room was once the office of Prime Ministers right from Lee Kuan Yew to Goh Chok Tong till 1999. This 30-seater room boasts of Palladian windows and modern projecting equipment, making it a perfect space for board meetings, conferences, and seminars.

How to Reach The Arts House Singapore

MRT: The nearest MRT Stations are at City Hall and Raffles Place, a 10–minute walk away. Visitors can also alight at Clarke Quay, Esplanade, or Fort Canning MRT Stations and walk 15 minutes to Arts House.

Bus: The closest bus stations are at Supreme Court (station 02181), opposite the Treasury (station 04249), High Street Centre (station 04229), Fullerton Square (station 03011), and opposite Singapore Cricket Club (station 02029).
Supreme Court: 195, 961, 961C
Opposite the Treasury: 61, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 197, 851, 961
High Street Centre: 2, 12, 33, 147, 190
Singapore Cricket Club: 75, 100, 107, 130, 131, 167
Fullerton Square: 10, 10E, 57, 70, 75, 100, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 167, 196E, 531, 533, 534, 535, 536, 538, 539, 544, 545, 549, 554, 560, 564, 585, 589, 700, 761, 850E, 868, 951E, 971E

Car: Cross Anderson Bridge and enter Fullerton Road. Slide into Connaught Drive and turn to Old Parliament Lane. Arts House is on the left.

Car Parking: There is no parking facility at Arts House. Paid parking is available nearby at The Adelphi, Parliament House, National Gallery Singapore, and The Fullerton Hotel. Rates begin at SGD 5 per entry.

Tribe at The Arts House

Tribe is a social enterprise restaurant located in The Arts House offering an experimental dining experience, combining both eastern and western cuisine at a modern space. With vertical gardens lining the walls and innovative plating strategies, Tribe presents an urban approach to international cuisines. We recommend the purple rice, pumpkin, and coconut ice cream, and the spread of steak burgers. International and draught beers are also offered, as are house pours.
Timings:
Monday – Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday, Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Closed on Sunday and public holidays