The Arts House

This two-story grandeur was once intended to be a private mansion. It was designed and erected by Irishman George Coleman in 1827 on a site previously occupied by the Temenggong of Singapore and his followers. The Palladian-style building then served as the Singapore Court House until 1939 after which it became the seat of legislature. Complementing its elegant display of pillars and porticoes, a little bronze elephant presented to the State by King Chulalongkorn of Siam in 1871 stands guard outside. The building now is a venue for contemporary visual arts, music, dance, film, comedy, and theater. Guided tours are available.