Rainbow Police Station Singapore: Photoshoot Guide

You’ve probably seen it on Instagram: a big white colonial building with hundreds of windows painted in every colour of the rainbow. That’s the Old Hill Street Police Station, often simply called the “rainbow police station” or “rainbow windows building”. It’s one of the most colourful photo spots in Singapore, and it’s right by the river at Clarke Quay.

This guide covers the best angles for the rainbow windows, when to go, what to wear, and how to shoot safely at a busy junction.

Rainbow police station photoshoot: quick guide

• Address: 140 Hill Street, at the corner of Hill Street and River Valley Road
• Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (North East line) or Fort Canning (Downtown line), about a 5-minute walk
• Best time: morning, or after 4pm
• Cost: free (photos are taken from outside)
• Time needed: 20–30 minutes; it’s a short stop, best combined with other spots
• Best for: couples, friends, solo portraits and quick colourful city photos
• What to wear: solid colours: white, black, yellow, red or light blue

Why the rainbow police station is great for photos

Built in 1934 as a police station and barracks, the building has 927 windows, and their shutters are painted in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. The rows of colour repeat across the whole facade, which makes a bold, graphic pattern behind any portrait. It’s a national monument and now houses government offices, so you enjoy it from the outside.

It’s a quick stop, but a very rewarding one: in 20 minutes you can get some of the brightest, most fun photos of your trip.

Best photo spots at the rainbow police station

1. The street corner at Hill Street and River Valley Road

This is the classic view. From the corner you can see two sides of the building, with the road sign and traffic lights adding a real-city feel. Crossing the road on the green light with the facade behind you makes a natural, lively photo.

2. The wide view from across the road

Step back across the road to fit the whole long facade into the frame. With a wide lens and a low angle, the rows of coloured windows stretch across the photo behind you.

3. Close to the windows and shutters

Up close along the building, the painted shutters and the thick white walls make simple, graphic backgrounds, one or two colours at a time. It’s a softer, more stylish look than the full rainbow.

4. With a telephoto lens

From further away, a longer lens compresses the windows into a solid wall of colour behind you, with the traffic and passers-by blurred away.

Best time for a rainbow police station photoshoot

Morning. Softer light and less traffic, especially on weekends.

After 4pm. Warmer light gives the colours more depth, and the building shades part of the pavement.

Midday. The facade is in bright sun and the colours are very saturated, but the light is harsh on faces. Sunglasses and a hat help, as in the photos above.

What to wear

• Solid colours work best: white, black, yellow, red or light blue
• White or black lets the rainbow be the star
• One bold colour that matches one of the window colours looks playful and deliberate
• Avoid busy patterns that compete with the windows
• Sunglasses and hats suit the bright, sunny feel

Safety and etiquette

This is a busy road junction, so safety comes first:

• Only cross on the green light, and never stop in the middle of the road for a photo
• Shoot from the pavement and keep the walkway clear for pedestrians
• Don’t block building entrances; people work here
• Keep the stop short and move on; there’s plenty more to see nearby

Tips for better photos

• Use the repetition. The rows of windows are a ready-made pattern; keep poses simple and let the geometry work.
• Walk and cross naturally. Movement at the crossing looks more real than standing still.
• Try different distances: a wide shot for the whole building, a close one for a pop of colour.

For photographers: a 35mm is the easiest all-rounder here, a 24mm for the whole facade, and a 50mm or 85mm to compress the windows into a wall of colour.

A simple photo route

Clarke Quay MRT → the rainbow police station → Clarke Quay and the Singapore River → Fort Canning Park

The rainbow police station works best as a quick stop between bigger locations. Combine it with Fort Canning Park just up the hill, or with the Civic District: CHIJMES, St Andrew’s Cathedral and the National Gallery.

FAQ

Where is the rainbow police station in Singapore? It’s the Old Hill Street Police Station at 140 Hill Street, at the corner with River Valley Road, near Clarke Quay.

How many windows does the Old Hill Street Police Station have? 927 windows, painted in the colours of the rainbow.

Can you go inside the Old Hill Street Police Station? The building is used as government offices, so it’s best enjoyed and photographed from outside.

Book a Singapore photoshoot

• S$200 for 2 hours, with as many spots as we can fit in
• The rainbow police station combines easily with Clarke Quay, Fort Canning and the Civic District
• 50% deposit to book, balance paid after the shoot, and photos sent to you on the spot

See how a Singapore photoshoot works, browse more travel portraits, or send me a message with your dates.