History is an intrinsic part of our heritage and culture. Since 1972, the Preservation of Monuments Board has been actively preserving Singapore's architectural heritage, as vital links between the past and the present.

Four of these National Monuments – City Hall, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Supreme Court and The Istana - are featured in this stamp issue on our nation's built heritage. This issue is released to celebrate Singapore's National Day on 9 August 2004.

City Hall
City Hall has been the stage for many of Singapore's most historic moments, such as the unconditional Japanese surrender to Lord Louis Mountbatten in 1945 and declaration of Singapore's independence by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 9 August 1965. Designed by Municipal Architect A. Gordon and Assistant Architect F.D. Meadows, it was completed in 1929 as the Municipal Hall.

Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall are two buildings connected by a 54-metre clock tower. It was completed and opened in 1905. Nestled in the middle of Singapore's civic district, it figured prominently in Singapore's arts and cultural life. It was renamed 'Victoria Concert Hall' after extensive renovation in 1979.

Supreme Court
The Supreme Court, a gazetted national monument in the Civic District, was officially opened on 3 August 1939. One of the most striking features of the building's facade, is an intricate sculpture of Justice by Italian sculptor Cavalieri Rodolfo Nolli.

The Istana
Formerly known as 'Government House', it was constructed in 1869 and was designed to impress with its spacious grounds and gracious architecture. It was renamed as 'The Istana' after Singapore's independence. Today, the Istana is the official residence of the President. The grounds are open to visitors on special occasions.