"DC" is the acronym for Dead Cockroach - my online moniker. I love to dream and live in my own world with my imagination! I also love to stare into space and tends to get melancholy during rainy weather. I'm a small fry blogger who began blogging in Nov 2003. This blog is where I turned to for my moments of solitude...
I was elated to accept an invitation to attend the open house of the Former Supreme Court and City Hall Building yesterday. I have always been mesmerized by the grandeur of their architecture and what rare opportunity is it for me to see how it is like from the inside!
In fact, this open house was held in conjunction with the launch of the National Art Gallery. Ironically, after the open house, the buildings will be closed for renovations and transformed into the National Art Gallery which is due to be completed in 2013.
The front of the former Supreme Court
The columns of City Hall
Programme line up
Gracing this event, other than the Media and bloggers, were local artistes hailing from all the different art societies in Singapore
Awaiting the arrival of Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minister for Information, Communications & the Arts
After Mr Lui's arrival, Mr Michael Koh, CEO of the National Art Gallery gave a short welcome speech followed by a prize-giving ceremony for a photography competition. This was followed by the launch of the National Art Gallery, which will, after it's completion, carry one of the largest and most comprehensive showcases of the history of Singapore art and artistes.
The launch ceremony
The aftermath
After the launch, special arrangements were made for the Singapore artistes to have a group photo taken with Mr Lui and Mr Koh at the steps of City Hall. These were the very same steps where PM Lee Kwan Yew delivered his National Day Rally Speech in 1961. The City Hall Chamber behind these steps is also where the Japanese Army surrendered to the Allied forces in 1945. This is also the very same room when the first Cabinet, led by PM Lee was sworn in.
Mr Koh Seow Chuan, Chairman of the National Art Gallery (left) Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minister for Information, Communications & the Arts (middle) Mr Michael Koh, CEO of the National Art Gallery (right)
With the local artistes
The media and bloggers joined in
After the photo-taking session, it was time for the much anticipated guided tour!
The stairs leading to the second floor
Court of Appeal
Courtroom 1
Emblems found on the antique bookshelves inside the Chief Justice's Chamber
This is where the Chief Justice enter Courtroom 1 from his Chamber
Did you know that the Chief Justice's Chamber has a personal lift that leads straight to his car?
Interesting level to open the window
According to the guide, some of these tiles were made with rubber due to a lack of funds
Other than cutting costs, these rubber tiles also help to supress any noise along the corridor.
Judges' lift
Rotunda Library
This was the inside of the dome roof which we saw outside
So this is how it looks like inside!
I believe these used to be surveillance tv monitors
Entrance to the balcony
Did you know these columns are made of gypsum plaster?
The view across the balcony - the clock tower from Victoria Concert Hall
I am fascinated by such dome windows!
Is there a proper name for them? This window was located outside Courtroom 1.
This flight of stairs reminds me of the moving stairs from Hogwarts!
Thanks to omy.sg and the National Art Gallery for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime to visit two of Singapore's most significant monuments which, otherwise would have been pretty much out of bounds to the public. Flickr here.
Now, here's your chance to visit the Former Supreme Court and City Hall Building. The open house will be held over the next two weekends. Details about the open house here.
The National Art Gallery Open House Former Supreme Court and City Hall Building 1 St Andrews Road Singapore 178957
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"DC" is the acronym for Dead Cockroach - my online moniker.
