The Old Supreme Court Building

The Old Supreme Court Building located at St Andrew's Road (photo taken during the Formula 1 Singapore period)

Setting off from The Arts House, walk a distance of 300m towards The Old Supreme Court Building, which was the seat of Singapore’s highest court for 66 years since 1939! This massive building was officially opened by Governor of the Straits Settlements, Sir Shenton Thomas, on 3 August 1939. The Old Supreme Court Building was designed by Frank Dorrington Ward, modelled after the Old Bailey in London. It was the last classical building constructed in Singapore. On 14 February 1992, the building was gazetted as a national monument in recognition of its architectural significance.

The central section of the building served as the main entrance

Corinthian columns and the large dome distinctively stood out from afar. Above the entrance of the building is the Allegory of Justice, the central figure, wielding her scales. The pediment was crafted by an Italian sculptor, Rodolpho Nolli. The photo below shows a frieze of the signing of the 1819 treaty between Raffles and Sultan Hussein, a significant historic event, which established Singapore as a British trading post. 

A frieze of the signing of 1819 Treaty

Did you know?

1. On the site of the Old Supreme Court Building once stood the former Hotel de L'Europe, which was comparable to the Raffles Hotel in the early 20th century.


2. Within this building, war crime trials of members of the Japanese military were carried out in 1946.


3. Buried beneath the foundation stone of this building lies... a time capsule! It contains Straits Settlements coins and copies of Singapore newspapers dating back to 1937! And expected year for the time capsule to be opened? In the Year 3000!