A Cathedral for Leisure Hours
In Singapore, there used to be a railway line running from North to South, which no longer exists today, as it is no longer needed due to the many metro lines. I have already...
We take our seats in Parliament
Published: 20.10.2026
In the Tanjong Pagar Metro Station, we encounter the impressive mural titled “Singapore on Canvas” by the artist Ng Peng Sing. It is considered to be the longest hand-drawn historical mural in Singapore, measuring 67 m in length and 1.7 m in height. The mural depicts central events, places, symbols, and personalities from over 200 years of the city-state's history. Historical elements are shown that include the founding myth of the island, the colonial period under British rule, World War II and its significant impacts, the path to the country's independence, and the rapid economic and social development under the leadership of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
The artist took 22 months to complete this monumental work by hand, during which he also referenced the beginnings of automotive life with a depiction.
The Civilian War Memorial for the civilian victims of World War II, especially the Sook Ching massacre, is particularly prominent and highlighted in the mural. This section of the image also depicts the two philanthropists and businessmen Tan Kah Kee and Lee Kong Chian, who I believe were the most significant figures in the first half of the 20th century in Singapore.
There is also plenty of historical reference from this time in the former Supreme Court building with its distinctive black-and-white foyer, which now belongs to the National Gallery.
The building was constructed between 1937 and 1939, and I have already climbed up to the dome, as can be seen in my photo video from 2020: Old Buildings (related blog post: Historical Buildings of Politics in Singapore). Through the corridor on the upper floor, I have walked to the exhibition rooms several times but have never taken the time for a closer look.
On April 1, 1937, Sir Shenton Whitelegge Thomas, Governor of the Straits Settlements, laid the foundation stone for the Supreme Court Building. Beneath the stone lies a time capsule containing six newspapers from Singapore dated March 31, 1937, along with some coins from the Straits Settlements. The capsule is not to be opened until the year 3000.
We walk past the National Gallery at the Formula 1 area (see also my blog post Formula 1 Race in Singapore) and come by The Arts House, the old Parliament. I ask my wife if she has ever been in the old chamber and she looks at me in surprise. Hardly anyone knows that the old Parliament has the historic seating of the old chamber and that it can be visited.
So we enter the building, walking up the stairs, and at the door to the famous hall, there is a sign stating that entry is not permitted. But I still remember the other entrance, and we go down the back corridor, where the former office of Lee Kuan Yew, the long-time Prime Minister of Singapore, was located. This door is not locked and we can enter the chamber.
In this chamber, the brilliant politics of the country were shaped and discussed. The Speaker’s Chair and the podium in the center were reused in the new building of Parliament, which is why these two elements are missing from this location here. But the remaining seating has been preserved in its original condition.
The viewer and media gallery is also intact.
Among the chairs is also the chair of Lee Kuan Yew.
Of course, I had to take my seat on the chair of perhaps the greatest politician of modern times.
And my wife also seizes the moment of a close encounter with the impressive history of Singapore.
Unfortunately, the former parliamentary office of Lee Kuan Yew is locked, but the room does not contain many pieces of furniture and I was able to visit the room six years ago, as can be seen in the video linked above.
In the next blog post, I will report on my core theme of the entire visit to Singapore, community development and public housing. Both topics are intertwined, and I will visit an exhibition and two residential areas.
Xiefuzi Reise BlogLike a newsletter: every new post arrives via email.
Answer
Travel reports Singapore