'Istana Kampong Glam' or literally 'Kampong Glam Palace' was built in 1962 and was the official residence of Sultan Hussain Muaazzam Shah Ibni Sultan Mahmud, who together with the Temenggong Abdul Rahman, ceded Singapore to the East India Company. In that agreement, the Malay Royal family relinquished all sovereign rights over Singapore to the British. The British on their part, recognised that Kampong Glam should remain in the Sultan's family and that annual stipend be given to him and his descendants.

Image (C) Jeremy Hui

The present palace was rebuilt, with funds from the British. It is believed that this Istana was designed by George Coleman - Singapore's first European architect.

It has three arches on the front and windows are very similar to other buildings designed by him, such as the Parliament House and the Armenian Church. The extensive compound has a beautiful lawn and the Istana ground was protected by a walled perimeter. Small kampung-style houses were built around this perimeter wall for the Sultan's kin, servants and artisan. One of the Sultan's descendants, a sports enthusiasts, founded a sports club (the first Malay sports club), the 'Kota Raja Club' which still exist within the Istana’s compound.

Today, the estate is home to the Malay Heritage Museum. Its nine galleries showcase the history, aspirations and role of Singapore Malays towards nation-building. Be enthralled and enchanted by the seafaring might of the Bugis people, regalia of Malay royalty and golden years of the Malay entertainment industry.

General Information

Add: 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
Tel: (+65) 6391 0450
Opening Hours: 1pm - 6pm (Mon), 10am - 6pm (Tue – Sun)
Cost: Adult, S$3.00. Child, S$2.00 (Free for below 7 yrs), Senior Citizen, S$2.00
Cultural Show: Adult, S$10.00. Child (below 7 yrs), S$5.00
Batik/Pottery Hands on: S$10.00
For Guided Tours please call in advance to arrange for guided tours: S$2.00