The new Parliament House, with its distinctive “colonnade” design features, was opened in October 1999 to meet the changing needs of the legislature. Besides incorporating state-of-the-art technology such as an electronic voting system, the new Parliament House also has an active parliamentary education programme and facilities like a public gallery and library to bring democracy closer to the people. Consisting of three new blocks and a restored colonial building, its dignified and stately appearance was designed by the former Public Works Department to blend in with the surrounding buildings of the Civic District.
You can observe the proceedings of the parliament if it is in session. The dates of Parliament sittings are announced through the local media and the Parliament’s website (www.parliament.gov.sg). Guided tours of the Parliament are also available, but only by appointment. The old Parliament House, which is located behind the ACM, was converted into an arts and heritage venue named The Arts House in 2004. Built over the home of the former Temenggong (local chief) in 1827, the old Parliament House is the oldest surviving government building in Singapore. The ‘Corridors of Time’, a photo gallery tracing the building’s conversion from a courthouse to the Parliament House, is located along the corridors on level 2 in The Arts House. Featuring 33 personalities who worked in the Parliament House, the gallery pays tribute to the individuals who were instrumental in the birth and growth of Singapore’s independent legislative system and Constitution.