The Cathay

#65 among destinations in Singapore

Nightlife, Cinema

Gallery (9)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Terence Ong / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Nlannuzel / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / Copyrighted free use / Sengkang / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Nlannuzel / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / Copyrighted free use / Sengkang / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sgconlaw / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5 / I64s / URL

Facts and practical information

The Cathay, a historic icon nestled in the heart of Singapore, stands as a testament to the city-state's rich cultural tapestry and its evolution in the world of entertainment. Originally established in 1939, this art deco-style building was the first air-conditioned cinema in Singapore and the tallest building at the time, heralding a new era of modernity and luxury.

Over the decades, The Cathay has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the dynamic changes in Singapore's urban landscape. Despite these changes, it has retained its prominence as a cornerstone of Singapore's cinema industry. Today, The Cathay is not just a cinema but a multifaceted entertainment complex, housing a range of facilities including a shopping mall, various dining establishments, and lifestyle shops.

The cinema itself offers state-of-the-art audiovisual experiences, drawing movie enthusiasts to its screens. With its plush seating and cutting-edge technology, The Cathay provides an immersive viewing experience that honors its legacy as a pioneer in Singapore's cinematic history.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 1°17'58"N, 103°50'53"E

Location

CentralSingapore

Contact

+65 6337 8181

Website

Social media

Facebook

Day trips

The Cathay – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: National Museum of Singapore, Plaza Singapura, Fort Canning, Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

~1050 ftS
Museum, History museum, Specialty museum
National Museum of Singapore
6 min walk • The National Museum of Singapore stands as a cultural and architectural landmark in the heart of the city-state. Established in 1887, it is the nation's oldest museum, with a progressive approach to presenting the history and culture of Singapore through a diverse...
~1140 ftW
Shopping centre, Shopping
Plaza Singapura
6 min walk • Plaza Singapura is a prominent shopping center located in the heart of Singapore's Orchard Road, one of Asia's most famous shopping streets. This bustling mall, which first opened its doors in 1974, has since become an integral part of Singapore's retail landscape...
~1810 ftSW
Park
Fort Canning
9 min walk • Nestled in the heart of modern Singapore, Fort Canning Park is a verdant oasis steeped in history and culture. This iconic hilltop park, once known as Bukit Larangan or 'Forbidden Hill', has witnessed many of Singapore's historical milestones, from the days of Malay...
~1650 ftSE
Church
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
8 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Singapore's civic district, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd stands as a beacon of faith and history. This revered church, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country, is a testament to Singapore's rich colonial past and its vibrant...
~1900 ftS
Museum, Specialty museum
Peranakan Museum
10 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Singapore's bustling cityscape, the Peranakan Museum is a cultural treasure dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Peranakan heritage. Peranakans, also known as Straits Chinese, are the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the...
~1330 ftSE
Museum, Art museum, Modern art museum
Singapore Art Museum
7 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Singapore's cultural district, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is a leading institution showcasing contemporary art practices from Singapore and Southeast Asia. Housed in a restored 19th-century mission school, SAM provides a refreshing...
~1860 ftE
Church, Sacred and religious sites
Saint Joseph's Church
9 min walk • Saint Joseph's Church stands as a beacon of faith and heritage in the heart of Singapore. This Roman Catholic church, with its distinctive Portuguese Mission style, has been serving the local community since its consecration in 1912.
~1410 ftSW
Museum, Military museum
Battlebox
7 min walk • Tucked away beneath the lush greenery of Fort Canning Park in Singapore, the Battlebox is a historical treasure that offers a glimpse into the country's wartime past. This former underground command center was part of the Malaya Command Headquarters during World War II...
~1470 ftE
Museum, Art museum
Objectifs, Central Area
8 min walk • Objectifs is an independent non-profit visual arts space in Singapore that aims to cultivate original voices in visual storytelling, and to inspire and broaden perspectives through the power of images.
~1910 ftE
Temple, Buddhist architecture, Sacred and religious sites
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
10 min walk • Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple is a traditional Chinese temple situated at 178 Waterloo Street in Singapore. The temple is of significance to the Buddhist community among Chinese Singaporeans, and is believed to bring worshippers good luck after praying to the Kuan Yin, or Avalokiteśvara, the Goddess of Mercy.
~170 ftS
Nightlife, Cinema
Cathay Building
1 min walk • The Cathay Building was opened in 1939 by Dato Loke Wan Tho as the headquarters for the British Malaya Broadcasting Corporation.