Masjid Jamae, Indo-Islamic mosque in Chinatown, Singapore
Masjid Jamae is an Indo-Islamic mosque in Chinatown with two white octagonal minarets crowned with onion domes flanking an ornate central gateway. The facade mixes classical columns, Chinese green tiles, and Indian decorative elements, while the interior features patterned floor tiles and a spacious prayer hall.
Built in 1835 by architect George Drumgoole Coleman, the mosque served Tamil Muslim traders from South India who had settled in Singapore. It became the principal prayer center for this community and remained a hub of their collective life for generations.
The building blends Chinese green tiles with Indian ornamental details and Tuscan columns, reflecting the multicultural fabric of this district. Visitors can observe these diverse influences directly in the facade patterns and interior decorative choices.
The mosque sits on South Bridge Road and observes set prayer times throughout the day. Visitors can enter through a separate entrance outside of prayer hours and explore the interior spaces.
Despite its Islamic function, the building incorporates unexpected neoclassical elements such as Doric columns supporting the prayer hall that visitors often overlook. This fusion reflects Coleman's distinctive architectural language crafted for Singapore's cosmopolitan character.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
