Civic District Heritage Trail - Journey to Nationhood

Former City Hall and Supreme Court
Places
Former City Hall and Supreme Court

This complex comprises two adjoining buildings, the former City Hall was completed in 1929 and the former Supreme Court in 1939.

Padang
Places
Padang

One of the oldest open spaces in Singapore for public recreation, the Padang has its beginnings as a natural plain near the mouth of Singapore River.

Former Parliament House
Places
Former Parliament House

Likely the oldest surviving building in Singapore, this house was Singapore’s first official courthouse and later, the first Parliament House.

Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall
Places
Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall

The oldest performing arts venue in Singapore, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall comprises two buildings joined by a clock tower.

Esplanade Park
Places
Esplanade Park

Opened in 1953, Esplanade Park was built on reclaimed land as an extension of the Padang for recreational use.

Former Empress Place Building
Places
Former Empress Place Building

Once a centre of governance, the former Empress Place Building was originally built in 1867 to house the court of the colonial government.

This is a self-guided trail.

Select Trails
  • Select Trails
  • Civic District Heritage Trail
  • Civic District Heritage Trail - Functions of the Civic District
  • Civic District Heritage Trail - Seeking Fortunes, Forging New Lives
  1. Former City Hall and Supreme Court
  2. Padang
  3. Former Parliament House
  4. Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall
  5. Esplanade Park
  6. Former Empress Place Building
Former City Hall and Supreme Court
The Padang
Former Parliament House
Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall
Esplanade Park
Former Empress Place Building

Trace the key milestones of Singapore’s journey to nationhood that occurred at the Civic District. From post-World War II to independence, Singapore underwent civil service reforms, achieved full internal self-governance in 1959, merger with Malaysia in 1963, and finally independence in 1965. Discover key events in Singapore's path to independence through this route.

MyMaps Route

Explore the Suggested Short Trail Routes:

- Journey to Nationhood, 0.5 hour on foot (550m)
- Functions of the Civic District, 1.5 hours on foot (2.2km)
- Seeking Fortunes, Forging New Lives, 1 hour on foot (1km)

Downloads

Civic District Heritage Trail Booklet
Civic District Heritage Trail Map - English