Top 12 Iconic Architectural Structures in Singapore

Singapore National Stadium currently holds the record for the world's largest dome structure. This incredible sports complex is part of a $1.3 billion Singapore Sports Hub. The stadium's roof can open and close in just 25 minutes, and it is the only stadium globally designed to accommodate football, athletics, and cricket. This unique feature makes the stadium a popular attraction, even for non-sports enthusiasts.

The Singapore National Stadium is a multi-purpose arena with a retractable roof, primarily used for football matches. It is the only stadium in the world tailored for football, rugby, cricket, and athletics. With the lower seating tiers being mechanized and automated, the stadium can also host concerts, family entertainment events, national celebrations, and community activities at any time. It has a seating capacity of up to 55,000 for football and rugby, 52,000 for cricket, and 50,000 for athletic events.

The National Stadium is the centerpiece of the Singapore Sports Hub, which also includes the OCBC Aquatic Centre, OCBC Arena, Singapore Sports Museum, Singapore Sports Hub Library, Kallang Wave Mall, and the current Singapore Indoor Stadium, along with the nearby Kallang Basin Water Sports Centre. Singapore National Stadium holds the world record for the largest dome, spanning 310 meters. The roof is made from ETFE, a lightweight, weather-resistant material that shields spectators from the sun's heat, providing shade and protection from rain and humidity. At night, the retractable roof can display large images, such as the national flag during Singapore's National Day celebrations.

The Singapore Flyer has become a must-see landmark of the Lion City. Situated in Marina Bay, the Singapore Flyer is known as the world's largest observation wheel, towering to a height equivalent to a 42-story building. It features 28 spacious cabins, each as large as a bus and can hold up to 28 passengers per ride. Each rotation lasts 30 minutes, allowing the Flyer to transport around 1,000 people to a height of 165 meters every hour. With a panoramic view stretching as far as 45 kilometers, the Singapore Flyer offers a breathtaking sight of the island and glimpses of neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia.

The Singapore Flyer is recorded as the largest observation wheel in the world, located at the heart of Marina Bay. From the comfort of the cabins, visitors can experience a wealth of fascinating views. Apart from enjoying the scenic beauty of Singapore’s skyline and islands, guests can also indulge in a dining experience 165 meters in the air or savor champagne and cocktails in the VIP cabin for a truly romantic atmosphere.

Standing at 165 meters, equivalent to 42 floors, with a wheel diameter of 150 meters, the Singapore Flyer ranks as one of the largest observation wheels globally. Each cabin is air-conditioned and holds 28 passengers, surrounded by transparent glass windows. At its highest point, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Singapore, and on clear days, even spot a few islands of Malaysia and Indonesia in the distance.

The Esplanade Theatre, often affectionately referred to as the 'Durian Theatre,' is a remarkable performing arts complex in Singapore. True to its nickname, the design of the building resembles a durian fruit, with its distinctive spiky facade made from aluminum panels. Located on a 6-hectare site along Marina Bay, with views of the iconic Singapore Flyer, The Esplanade Theatre is not only a premier destination for the arts but also a defining feature of modern Singapore.

The Esplanade Theatre boasts a seating capacity of 2,000 and follows the classic European horseshoe-shaped opera house design. It is the largest performance venue in Singapore, offering versatility for various types of performances. The venue's world-class sound system, designed by renowned acoustician Russel Johnson, is a key attraction, making The Esplanade Theatre one of just five concert halls globally to feature such a system.

The theatre spans three levels, with a shopping area, outdoor spaces, and dining facilities. As the largest performing arts venue in Singapore, it features a 39×23 meter stage, 4,470 technical pipes, and a recording studio for those looking to host presentations or performances. Visitors can explore the unique national arts programs regularly held at The Esplanade Theatre. Tickets for a tour of the 'Durian Theatre' are priced at 8 SGD for adults and 5 SGD for children. The theatre offers stunning views of the Singapore Central Business District, providing a perfect setting to experience the sounds, colors, and flavors of Singapore.

The Learning Hub, part of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), is a remarkable structure within a 541 million USD infrastructure redevelopment project. Inspired by the shape of a parsnip, the building consists of 12 interconnected concrete towers. This innovative design aims to encourage greater interaction between students and faculty members. The Learning Hub includes 8 floors with a total floor area of 14,000 square meters. Its unique layout fosters collaborative learning, encouraging students at NTU to engage in group work more effectively.

Built with massive concrete blocks, the Learning Hub is considered an eco-friendly structure as it does not require air conditioning. Rather than the traditional corridor-filled layout with square classrooms, NTU opted for this one-of-a-kind, open-concept architecture that aligns with the university's progressive approach to education.

“With the digital revolution allowing learning to take place anywhere, the primary function of this new building is to provide a space where students and faculty can meet and interact with ease,” said a representative from Heatherwick Studio, the architectural firm behind the design.

Marina Bay Sands is a luxurious resort complex featuring upscale accommodations, high-end shopping, and an infinity pool offering stunning views of the city. Consisting of three 55-story towers, the resort is home to lavish hotel rooms with butler service. Built on a 15.5-hectare site with an investment of 5.5 billion USD, this iconic destination is a must-see for those seeking an extravagant experience.

Located in front of Marina Bay, Marina Bay Sands is owned by Las Vegas Sands Corporation. Upon its opening in 2010, it was recognized as the most expensive standalone casino property in the world, with a total cost of 8 billion SGD, including land acquisition. The resort houses a 2,561-room hotel, a 120,000-square-meter convention and exhibition center, and 74,000 square meters of retail space.

In addition to its luxurious hotel, Marina Bay Sands offers a museum, two large theaters, celebrity chef restaurants, floating Crystal Pavilions, an art-science exhibition, and the world's largest casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines. Atop the complex is the SkyPark, a 340-meter-long platform with capacity for 3,900 people, and a 150-meter infinity pool, the largest of its kind, hanging 67 meters above the northern tower. Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, the 20-hectare resort is an architectural marvel.

If you ever find yourself visiting Singapore, make sure to include Universal Studios Singapore in your itinerary. Located on Sentosa Island, this theme park spans over 20 hectares and is designed to replicate the incredible sets of Hollywood films. With a global investment of 4.3 billion USD, this international-scale attraction promises to be one of Singapore’s must-visit destinations.

Universal Studios Singapore is the star of the Singapore-Malaysia tour, featuring 24 thrilling roller coasters, live shows, and seven uniquely themed zones. Located within Resorts World Sentosa, the park is the first-ever Hollywood movie-themed amusement park in Southeast Asia. At Universal Studios Singapore, you can enjoy exhilarating roller coasters, exciting activities, and must-see attractions within the park.

Themed roller coasters, each designed around famous movies, are exclusive to Universal Studios Singapore. Out of the 24 coasters, 18 are movie-inspired. Prepare to be amazed by the wide variety of experiences on offer. The park is divided into seven themed zones, each one inspired by a blockbuster movie or a popular TV show. The main highlights are the unique attractions, beloved characters, dining spots, and shopping areas.

Setting itself apart from the competition, Tanjong Pagar Centre is a visionary mixed-use development designed as a modern 'Vertical City' with top-tier amenities. Developed by the renowned Asian real estate developer GuocoLand Limited, Tanjong Pagar Centre spans 1.4 hectares and includes 82,000 square meters of Class A office space in the Guoco Tower, 9,290 square meters of retail space, 222 five-star Sofitel Singapore City Centre hotel rooms, and the ultra-luxurious 181 units of the Wallich Residence, occupying the highest floors of the tower. With a total investment of 3 billion USD, it’s a flagship project of luxury and sophistication.

Situated in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District (CBD), Tanjong Pagar is poised to become a key gateway to the Southern Waterfront district—a 1,000-hectare area set to be three times the size of Marina Bay, slated for completion in 2030. Currently, Wallich Residence is surrounded by iconic office buildings owned by top Singaporean corporations, including Capital Tower by CapitaLand and the GIC's 8 Shenton Way, which was previously the headquarters of the Singaporean government investment firm, Temasek. GuocoLand is not only home to the tallest building in Singapore but also boasts a portfolio of high-end developments in prime locations across Singapore and other countries like Malaysia, China, and Vietnam, earning numerous prestigious awards. One such development is Leedon Residence, situated in Singapore's Green Belt, next to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Opened in 2011, the ArtScience Museum is inspired by the lotus flower, designed by Moshe Safdie with a symbolic meaning: the ten ‘fingers’ extending from the center create sustainable lighting for the exhibition spaces, while the curved petals collect rainwater in a pool at the base of the building. The ArtScience Museum is shaped like a hand, symbolizing a warm welcome to visitors from around the world. This unique design, drawn from the lotus flower, has made the museum one of the top destinations for world-renowned exhibitions.

This architectural marvel was created by Safdie Architects. The museum consists of two main parts: the base structure on the ground and the central peak, resembling a flower. The petals (or fingers, depending on your interpretation) reach upward at various heights. Notably, each peak has reinforced glass windows that allow natural light to illuminate the exhibition halls inside.

The museum’s main hall is a large, open glass space with no supporting pillars. Visitors ascend by elevator or escalator to the exhibition rooms, which span a total area of 6,000 square meters. Inside the ArtScience Museum, you will find the latest global collections. Depending on the time of your visit, you may enjoy art installations, performances, or seasonal exhibitions, making it a complete journey exploring technology, science, art, and creativity in Singapore.

Thian Hock Keng is considered the largest and oldest temple in Singapore's Chinatown. Built by sailors in 1821 to offer thanks for safe sea voyages, this temple, completed in 1941, stands as a cultural symbol of Singapore. The main structure is primarily made of stone, tiles, and wood. A remarkable feature of the Thian Hock Keng Temple is its construction, as all the details were assembled by hand, without the use of any iron nails. The temple, also known as Tianfu Temple, is dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess, and is the oldest and most important Fujianese temple in the country.

Surprisingly, the oldest and most significant Hokkaidoien neighborhood is often a peaceful sanctuary. Built between 1839 and 1842, it was a popular landing spot for Chinese sailors before land reclamation extended the roads into the sea. The temple’s design features many symbolic elements: stone lions at the entrance ward off evil spirits, while the central hall depicts a phoenix and peony flowers, symbols of peace and good fortune. Outside the temple, two large stone qilin statues represent prosperity and wealth.

Inside, visitors can pay respects to the sea goddess Mazu, depicted in red robes, flanked by two guardian deities. Guests are also invited to explore the surroundings and listen to the temple guardians tell the story of Mazu, while learning about the ancient artifacts and religious offerings inside the temple.

The distinctive architecture of Parkroyal Hotel truly captivates visitors. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery, the hotel has become a tropical rainforest right in the heart of Singapore. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Woha, this unique hotel stands as an iconic symbol of the island nation. Located in the vibrant Chinatown district, directly opposite Hong Lim Park, Parkroyal on Pickering boasts an expansive green space covering 15,000 square meters, with the building's greenery extending far beyond its grounds. Despite Singapore's tropical climate, the quantity of plant life here is astonishing. The hotel's green design also contributes to the city's biodiversity.

This sustainable architecture blends perfectly with its surroundings while optimizing energy efficiency. Water is collected from the building's roof and used to irrigate the plants. Solar panels on the rooftop provide substantial energy for the lighting system. The external glass façades are striking, surrounded by a diverse array of plants. From towering shade trees and palms to small shrubs, flowers, and climbing vines, the architects have created a seamless green space that stretches throughout the entire building. Wood and stone elements are intricately carved, adding to the eco-friendly design, with wooden panels in the lobby and rooms showcasing exquisite craftsmanship that blends traditional Asian aesthetics with modern design.

Standing tall at 254 meters, Capital Tower is the fourth tallest skyscraper in Singapore. This 52-story building, completed in 2000 and designed by architect RSP, features 20 high-speed elevators. Originally serving as the headquarters for POSBank, the building was later acquired by the real estate company CapitaLand.

Located in Singapore's financial district, Capital Tower is a prime example of smart building technology. It was the first intelligent building in Singapore, incorporating an integrated management system that includes real-time parking availability maps, sensor-controlled exhaust fans, and recycled water systems.