Old Hill Street Police Station: Architecture & History | Singapore Purple Travel Guide
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Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideCommonly referred to as the ‘Rainbow Building’, the Old Hill Street Police Station is one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks. Its vibrant facade, featuring hundreds of colorful windows, makes it a centerpiece of the Civic District. While it no longer functions as a police station, it remains a bustling hub of culture and heritage, housing
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
free GuruWalk tours
paid Viator tours
Why You Should Visit
This building is a premier destination for photography enthusiasts and fans of colonial architecture. It represents a successful example of ‘adaptive reuse’, where a historic government building has been transformed into a modern administrative and artistic space. Its location near the Singapore River makes it a natural and easy stop as you transition from the museums toward Clarke Quay.
What is Special About It?
- The 927 Rainbow Windows: The building is famous for its wooden louvered shutters, which are painted in a graduated rainbow of colors. The colors are most vibrant on the lower floors and become more subtle as they reach the top.
- Neo-Classical Grandeur: Despite the playful colors, the building maintains a sense of authority through its massive Corinthean pillars and heavy masonry, typical of the ‘Beaux-Arts’ style popular in the early 20th century.
- The ARTrium: The central courtyard has been enclosed with a high glass roof, creating a massive, air-conditioned public gallery space that often hosts art exhibitions and performances.
History and Facts
- Completed in 1934: At the time of its opening, it was the largest government building in Singapore and was considered a ‘skyscraper’ of the era.
- A ‘Fortress’ of Law: It originally housed police barracks and served as Singapore's first jail. The thick walls and reinforced structure were designed to be incredibly secure.
- The Japanese Occupation: During World War II, the building was used by the Japanese military as a detention center and was known as a place of interrogation.
- Modern Transformation: After the police moved out in 1980, the building underwent a massive restoration in the late 1990s to become the headquarters for various government ministries.
Self-Guided Information
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Opening Hours |
Exterior: 24 hours |
Admission Fee |
Free for all visitors |
Best Time to Go |
Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) for the best natural light on the facade. |
Getting There |
5-minute walk from Clarke Quay MRT (Exit E) or City Hall MRT (Exit B). |
Accessibility |
Fully accessible via ramps and lifts; the ARTrium is flat and easy to navigate. |
Traveler Tip
While the exterior is the main attraction, do not be afraid to walk through the main entrance into the ARTrium. It is a public space and offers a fantastic perspective of the building's internal architecture from beneath the glass roof. It is also an excellent spot to enjoy a few minutes of air-conditioning if the Singapore humidity becomes too intense during your walk.
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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