As with many other facets of the city, East meets West in Singapore’s unique architecture that blends the Western style from the colonial era with the traditional designs of the region.

This can be seen in such buildings as the Istana , or “palace” in Malay, which is the official residence of the President of Singapore. Built on an old nutmeg plantation, it served as the former official residence of the representative of the British Crown. The Colonial government bought the land in 1867, and later that Lady Ord, wife of the Governor, Sir Harry St George Ord, laid year the first stone. The building is classical in style but still features multiple influences in its design, including the ornate Victorian Renaissance, Roman Classical and even Gothic, while still displaying Chinese and Malay touches. The sprawling grounds and manicured gardens contain rare plants that are cared for by superintendents from the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It is open to the public five times a year.

Another reminder of the city’s colonial past can be seen at Empress Place, a stately monument that was built to commemorate the visit of Marquis Dalhouise, Governor-General of India, in 1850.

Formerly a cloistered convent Chijmes is today a popular dining, shopping and entertainment site. The Chijmes hall, with its fine gothic architecture that evokes its past as chapel, makes a stunning backdrop for musicals and other theatrical performances.
The differences between the old Singapore and the new can be seen in the government buildings, including the Old Parliament House , which was designed and built by George Coleman as a colonial mansion in 1827. It is Singapore’s oldest government building and today, as The Arts House, is home to contemporary visual art, music, dance and comedy performances. This can be contrasted the current Parliament House, which features a more contemporary design that can only be described as uniquely Singaporean. All sittings are open to the public, complete with interpretations of the debates in English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.