Old Supreme Court Building, Singapore, National monument in Downtown Core, Singapore.
The Old Supreme Court Building is a courthouse in central Singapore featuring gray stone walls, Corinthian columns, and Baroque Revival design elements topped by a distinctive dome. The interior contains courtrooms, judicial offices, and supporting chambers that now serve as galleries and exhibition spaces.
The building opened in 1939 during British colonial rule and served as Singapore's highest court until its relocation in 2005. The court's move marked a turning point that led to the structure's transformation into an art museum.
The building houses Southeast Asian art collections displayed in former courtrooms and judicial chambers. Visitors can observe how these historic spaces have been repurposed for exhibition while retaining their original architectural character.
Visiting the building's interior requires purchasing tickets to the National Gallery Singapore through standard ticketing channels. The exterior can be viewed and photographed freely, making it accessible even for those with limited time or budget.
A time capsule containing newspapers and coins from the Straits Settlements sits beneath the building's foundation stone, scheduled to be opened in the year 3000. This vault links the site's judicial past to a distant future nearly a thousand years away.
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