The Architectural Story of Clarke Quay, Older than Its Colorful Windows
Collection Singapore Travel 2026.08.27

The Architectural Story of Clarke Quay, Older than Its Colorful Windows

A Stroll Comparing the Reuse of Traditional Houses, Warehouses, and Government Buildings

The architecture of Clarke Quay cannot be explained solely by its colorful windows. By connecting the traditional Chinese River House, CQ and Warehouse Hotel that transformed logistics warehouses into commercial facilities and art spaces, the old police station now serving as a government office, and the museum by the river, we can see how these riverside buildings have found new roles over the ages.

Even if the exterior is beautiful, hotels, government offices, and businesses are not open for free viewing. Compare the roofs, windows, and orientation towards the river from the public walkway and only access the interiors during official exhibitions or with a reservation. Incorporating STPI or ACM as indoor rest points during the day enhances the density of the architectural walk.

The River House

A rare example of a traditional Chinese house remaining in Singapore, showcasing the old riverside lifestyle and commercial history of Clarke Quay. Compared to the surrounding warehouse buildings, the roofline, decorations, and orientation towards the river stand out distinctly.

Since it is currently used for commercial purposes, do not assume the interior is freely open for viewing like a cultural heritage exhibition. Observe the exterior from the public walkway and follow entry and photography guidelines during events and business hours.

This location has been selected in accordance with the purpose of ‘The Architectural Story of Clarke Quay, Older than Its Colorful Windows’. The address and coordinates can be used for navigation, and the latest operational and safety information should be re-verified through the connected official guide just before your visit.
주소 3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020 공식 안내 https://www.roots.gov.sg/stories-landing/stories/the-singapore-river-story/story 방문 팁 현재 상업적으로 이용되는 공간이므로 내부를 문화재 전시관처럼 자유롭게 관람할 수 있다고 가정하지 않는다. 공공 보행로에서 외관을 보고 행사·영업 중에는 출입과 촬영 안내를 따른다.
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CQ @ Clarke Quay

The main area in Clarke Quay that reconfigures the old warehouse district along the Singapore River into a dining and entertainment venue. The colorful facades, large canopies, and riverside promenade come together to create a vastly different atmosphere between day and night.

On-site, prioritize the official guidance and pedestrian signage. Access may vary based on crowds, rain, and events, so allow for extra time in your schedule and respect the passage and privacy of other visitors.

This location has been selected in accordance with the purpose of ‘The Architectural Story of Clarke Quay, Older than Its Colorful Windows’. The address and coordinates can be used for navigation, and the latest operational and safety information should be re-verified through the connected official guide just before your visit.
주소 3 River Valley Road, Singapore 179024 공식 안내 https://www.capitaland.com/sg/malls/clarkequay/en.html 방문 팁 강변 전체가 실내는 아니므로 폭우 때는 매장과 차양 구간을 활용한다. 행사·점포 운영시간은 공식 디렉터리에서 확인하고, 야간에는 택시 승강장과 MRT 귀가 동선을 먼저 정해 두자.
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Old Hill Street Police Station

The former police station building known for its rainbow-colored windows, now used as a government office. It is located at the point where Clarke Quay transitions into Fort Canning and the Civic District, making it an ideal spot to add architectural photographs to a brief walking itinerary.

On-site, prioritize the official guidance and pedestrian signage. Access may vary based on crowds, rain, and events, so allow for extra time in your schedule and respect the passage and privacy of other visitors.

This location has been selected in accordance with the purpose of ‘The Architectural Story of Clarke Quay, Older than Its Colorful Windows’. The address and coordinates can be used for navigation, and the latest operational and safety information should be re-verified through the connected official guide just before your visit.
주소 140 Hill Street, Singapore 179369 공식 안내 https://www.roots.gov.sg/-/media/Roots/Files/singapore-river-walk/nhb_singpaore-river-walk_2018.pdf 방문 팁 상시 개방 박물관이 아니라 업무 건물이므로 외관 중심으로 본다. 맞은편 인도에서 전체 파사드를 담되 신호를 지키고, 출퇴근 시간에는 보행 흐름과 관용 차량 진입을 막지 않는다.
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Tan Si Chong Su Temple

A historical temple linked with the Chinese community upstream of the Singapore River, established at a location that once overlooked Pulau Saigon. It complements the traces of settlements, religion, and education not visible solely through Clarke Quay’s commercial architecture.

This is primarily a place for worship and community activities. Check the opening status, dress code, and photography regulations on-site, and if the doors are closed or during ceremonies, quietly observe the exterior and surrounding historical markers.

This location has been selected in accordance with the purpose of ‘The Architectural Story of Clarke Quay, Older than Its Colorful Windows’. The address and coordinates can be used for navigation, and the latest operational and safety information should be re-verified through the connected official guide just before your visit.
주소 15 Magazine Road, Singapore 059568 공식 안내 https://www.roots.gov.sg/-/media/Roots/Files/singapore-river-walk/nhb_singpaore-river-walk_2018.pdf 방문 팁 예배와 공동체 활동이 우선인 장소다. 개방 여부와 복장·촬영 규정을 현장에서 확인하고, 문이 닫혀 있거나 의식 중이면 외관과 주변 역사 표지만 조용히 살펴본다.
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The Warehouse Hotel

An architectural transformation of a riverside warehouse from the late 19th century into a hotel, showcasing how the logistics space of Robertson Quay has changed into modern lodging facilities. The low roof and white exterior sharply contrast with the surrounding high-rise residential buildings and hotels.

Do not enter the guest-only rooms and facilities; the exterior can be viewed from the public riverside or roads. If you wish to use the lobby or dining spaces, check the official operating hours and reservation conditions, and do not photograph visitors' privacy.

This location has been selected in accordance with the purpose of ‘The Architectural Story of Clarke Quay, Older than Its Colorful Windows’. The address and coordinates can be used for navigation, and the latest operational and safety information should be re-verified through the connected official guide just before your visit.
주소 320 Havelock Road, Singapore 169628 공식 안내 https://www.thewarehousehotel.com/ 방문 팁 투숙객 전용 객실과 시설에는 들어가지 않고 외관은 공공 강변이나 도로에서 본다. 로비·식음공간 이용을 원하면 공식 운영시간과 예약 조건을 확인하고 방문객의 사생활을 촬영하지 않는다.
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STPI Creative Workshop & Gallery

An art institution continuing exhibitions and production centered on printmaking and paper artworks within the context of the old warehouse at Robertson Quay. This case illustrates the reuse of riverside architecture from a cultural perspective as a logistics warehouse has transformed into a creative space.

Check the exhibition, tour, and workshop schedules on the official page. Access to the production area may be restricted depending on programs, and photography regulations vary by exhibition, so follow on-site guidance.

This location has been selected in accordance with the purpose of ‘The Architectural Story of Clarke Quay, Older than Its Colorful Windows’. The address and coordinates can be used for navigation, and the latest operational and safety information should be re-verified through the connected official guide just before your visit.
주소 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236 공식 안내 https://www.stpi.com.sg/ 방문 팁 전시와 투어, 워크숍 일정은 공식 페이지에서 확인한다. 제작 공간은 프로그램에 따라 출입이 제한될 수 있고 작품 촬영 규정이 전시별로 다르므로 현장 안내를 따른다.
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Asian Civilisations Museum

Located at the old Empress Place Building beside the Singapore River, this museum explains the trade and cultural exchanges of Asia through art. After viewing the riverside warehouses and wharves, entering here allows for a dimensional understanding of the regions connected by Singapore.

On-site, prioritize the official guidance and pedestrian signage. Access may vary based on crowds, rain, and events, so allow for extra time in your schedule and respect the passage and privacy of other visitors.

This location has been selected in accordance with the purpose of ‘The Architectural Story of Clarke Quay, Older than Its Colorful Windows’. The address and coordinates can be used for navigation, and the latest operational and safety information should be re-verified through the connected official guide just before your visit.
주소 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 공식 안내 https://www.nhb.gov.sg/acm/visit/plan-your-visit 방문 팁 공식 안내상 일반일은 10시부터 19시, 금요일은 21시까지지만 전시별 입장 마감과 휴관 변동을 확인한다. 큰 우산은 보관하고, 촬영은 플래시 금지와 특별전 제한을 따른다.
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The traditional roof of River House, the group of CQ warehouses, and the large facade of Old Hill Street Police Station illustrate the diversity of architectural types remaining by the riverside. Tan Si Chong Su Temple represents a religious space for the community, while Warehouse Hotel and STPI explain the lodging and art version of warehouse regeneration, and ACM illustrates the transformation of administrative architecture into a museum.

Respecting the current usage of these spaces is more important than taking great photos. Do not trespass into work or lodging spaces, and stop taking photos during religious ceremonies. After confirming the old functions through the official River Walk materials, comparing the current signage and access methods on-site will help you understand that 'preservation' does not mean stopping the building.
At a glance 7 items
The River House
3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/stories-landing/stories/the-singapore-river-story/story · 현재 상업적으로 이용되는 공간이므로 내부를 문화재 전시관처럼 자유롭게 관람할 수 있다고 가정하지 않는다. 공공 보행로에서 외관을 보고 행사·영업 중에는 출입과 촬영 안내를 따른다.
CQ @ Clarke Quay
3 River Valley Road, Singapore 179024 · https://www.capitaland.com/sg/malls/clarkequay/en.html · 강변 전체가 실내는 아니므로 폭우 때는 매장과 차양 구간을 활용한다. 행사·점포 운영시간은 공식 디렉터리에서 확인하고, 야간에는 택시 승강장과 MRT 귀가 동선을 먼저 정해 두자.
Old Hill Street Police Station
140 Hill Street, Singapore 179369 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/-/media/Roots/Files/singapore-river-walk/nhb_singpaore-river-walk_2018.pdf · 상시 개방 박물관이 아니라 업무 건물이므로 외관 중심으로 본다. 맞은편 인도에서 전체 파사드를 담되 신호를 지키고, 출퇴근 시간에는 보행 흐름과 관용 차량 진입을 막지 않는다.
Tan Si Chong Su Temple
15 Magazine Road, Singapore 059568 · https://www.roots.gov.sg/-/media/Roots/Files/singapore-river-walk/nhb_singpaore-river-walk_2018.pdf · 예배와 공동체 활동이 우선인 장소다. 개방 여부와 복장·촬영 규정을 현장에서 확인하고, 문이 닫혀 있거나 의식 중이면 외관과 주변 역사 표지만 조용히 살펴본다.
The Warehouse Hotel
320 Havelock Road, Singapore 169628 · https://www.thewarehousehotel.com/ · 투숙객 전용 객실과 시설에는 들어가지 않고 외관은 공공 강변이나 도로에서 본다. 로비·식음공간 이용을 원하면 공식 운영시간과 예약 조건을 확인하고 방문객의 사생활을 촬영하지 않는다.
STPI Creative Workshop & Gallery
41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236 · https://www.stpi.com.sg/ · 전시와 투어, 워크숍 일정은 공식 페이지에서 확인한다. 제작 공간은 프로그램에 따라 출입이 제한될 수 있고 작품 촬영 규정이 전시별로 다르므로 현장 안내를 따른다.
Asian Civilisations Museum
1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 · https://www.nhb.gov.sg/acm/visit/plan-your-visit · 공식 안내상 일반일은 10시부터 19시, 금요일은 21시까지지만 전시별 입장 마감과 휴관 변동을 확인한다. 큰 우산은 보관하고, 촬영은 플래시 금지와 특별전 제한을 따른다.
Locations at a glance 7 places

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