Architecture & Artistry
Singapore is well known for its eclectic mix of cultures, a fusion leaving a lasting imprint on its architecture and creative arts scene.
Colonial-era architects such as Irishman George Coleman, who designed much of the infrastructure of Singapore as well as the Armenian Church, and the British R. A. J. Bidwell, known as the father of the black & white house, left behind a rich legacy.
Dotted all around our little island, we also have examples of beautifully restored shophouses that mix Asian influences, including Peranakan, Chinese, Malay and Indian, with European styling.
Plus, Singapore is loaded with modern architecture, with world class examples from Norman Foster’s new South Beach complex to IM Pei’s The Gateway and Raffles City.
Beyond buildings, in recent years Singapore burgeoned into a hub for the creative arts with flourishing theatre companies, film festivals, international art exhibitions, design fairs, and even educational establishments promoting the arts as a career.
We’ve seen a proliferation of visual arts with everything from vibrant street art to our prestigious National Gallery curating world-class exhibitions. Singaporean designers are also making their mark on the international stage.
In short, Singapore offers an appealing mélange of architecture and artistry, and we look forward to showing you around.
For information and to book a tour, please click on the walking tour you are interested in below.
Tiong Bahru Art Deco Treasures Walking Tour
The tour has 2 options to choose from:
- 3 hour morning stroll, ending in time for lunch
- 2 hour evening walk, ending at a venue suitable for pre-dinner drinks
Included is your knowledgable personal guide and small audio listening sets for social distancing.
Jane’s ever popular Tiong Bahru walking tour. Touted as one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods by Vogue, called “Singapore’s hippest hood” by CNN, and known by locals as one of the most happening areas on the island, everyone loves Tiong Bahru’s old-world charm.
Visiting this quaint neighbourhood, you immediately notice an intriguing mix of old and new. The transformation from swamp to swank began in the 1930s, and some of the landmarks from that era still stand today, including the residential blocks and the first Monkey God Temple dedicated to the main character from the Chinese literary classic Journey to the West.
Our Tiong Bahru walking tour takes us around one of Singapore’s oldest public residential estates to explore pre-war and post-war architecture and learn about the history and stories associated with this charming and picturesque neighbourhood with its rows of quaint art deco buildings.
Discover Tiong Bahru’s rich stories of prominent pioneer community leaders and residents who were born in the air raid shelter during World War II. And, learn about the religion, customs, culture and food unique to the area and to Singapore.
Highlights
- The tour takes you round the Market, Art Deco and historical buildings
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Architecture Walking Tour: Classic to Ultra-modern
The tour has 2 options to choose from:
- 3 hour morning stroll, ending in time for lunch
- 2 hour evening walk, ending at a venue suitable for pre-dinner drinks
Included is your knowledgeable personal guide and small audio listening sets for social distancing.
Singapore is a feast of architectural styles and heritage, from classic European influences to ultra-modern designs inspired by great minds in Asia and the Middle East. Join this popular architecture walking tour to stroll along the downtown area and learn about one of the most eclectic skylines in the world.
Starting at the civic district, we explore the legacy of our first architect, Irishman George Coleman, who designed much of the infrastructure of Singapore in the early 19th century. We then move on into the early 20th century to meet R. A. J. Bidwell, the star of the firm Swan & Maclaren.
Next we’ll explore a conservation area of shophouses along the Singapore River contrasting with the glass-and-concrete towers of the central business district. You’ll spot a few remaining Art Deco buildings on the way and we’ll discuss the style and impact on our modern architecture.
Before ending our architecture walking tour at the famous Lau Pa Sat hawker centre, you will also learn about the latest modern developments and art pieces by international artists cleverly placed on the streets for the appreciation of the general public.
Highlights
- Join your guide 15 mins before the tour starts
- Meet at The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane
- Victoria Concert Hall & Theatre
- Cricket Club & R.A.J. Bidwell legacy
- National Gallery
- ACM – former Empress building
- Singapore River
- Cavenagh Bridge, Fullerton Hotel & Bank of China Building
- Raffles Place, Ascott Building & The Quadrant
- CapitaGreen & public art
- End at Lau Pa Sat Market
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Art & Architecture Walk in Kampong Glam
Join Jane’s popular tour Art & Architecture Kampong Glam walking tour to discover how Kampong Glam teems with artistic and design treasures — from artists to street murals that draw on local stories and culture for inspiration.
Jane’s Art & Architecture Kampong Glam walking tour takes you deeper into this colourful neighbourhood’s rich heritage. Explore the outdoor art gallery—the neighbourhoods striking street murals. Dig a little deeper into the country’s young graffiti movement and have a go at creating street art yourself! Visit the studio of a multi-talented potter who draws and explores music, in addition to his talents firing clay.
Highlights
- Meet at % Arabica café, 56 Arab Street
- Shophouses at Arab Street & Beach Road
- Masjid Sultan
- Gelam Gallery murals
- Aliwal Art Centre
- Gedung Kuning
- End at 71 Sultan Gate