Standing at the intersection of Orchard Road and Handy Road, The Cathay Building holds a distinguished position in Singapore's architectural and cultural history. When it first opened on 3 October 1939 under the vision of Dato Loke Wan Tho, the building shattered expectations by becoming not only Singapore's first skyscraper but also the tallest building in Southeast Asia at that time, forever changing the island's skyline.
The building's original centrepiece, the 1,300-seat Cathay Cinema, achieved another pioneering milestone as Singapore's first air-conditioned cinema and public building, where patrons could enjoy films from the comfort of armchairs—a revolutionary experience in the tropical heat. This air-conditioned theatre became the social and entertainment hub for generations of Singaporeans.
Following World War II, the building reinvented itself as Cathay Hotel in 1954, offering 170 rooms alongside a restaurant, nightclub, swimming pool, and shopping arcade. Though the hotel closed in 1970, the building's cultural significance was formally recognised when it received national monument status on 10 February 2003.
After demolition and reconstruction, a new building opened in March 2006, continuing to serve as a retail and entertainment destination. However, the closure of Cathay Cineplexes in 2022 marked the end of an 83-year cinema legacy on the site. Following extensive renovation from 2023 to 2025, The Cathay reopened in late March 2025, reimagined for a new generation whilst honouring its storied past as one of Orchard Road's most iconic landmarks.
Orchard Road
Operating Hours
Open 24/7
Monday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours
Friday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
(Today)
Open 24 hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours
Menu information is not available at this time.
Photo Gallery
The Cathay Building, a modern architectural structure with glass facades, stands tall under a cloudy sky.
A historical marker detailing the Japanese Propaganda Department Headquarters at Cathay Building.
Large red balloon dog sculpture displayed outside a building with a 'Now Open Level 5' sign.
A large, shiny pink balloon dog sculpture is displayed in a modern building lobby.
A large, bright yellow balloon dog sculpture is displayed in a modern building atrium.
A large digital display shows a lush garden scene with plants and blue flowers.
A large digital screen displays a lush garden scene with blue flowers and palm trees.
Interior view of a modern shopping mall with a large digital screen displaying nature.
Interior view of a modern shopping mall with a large digital display showing a nature scene.
A brightly lit gift shop with shelves full of various items and a shopping cart.
Interior of a modern coffee shop with seating areas and a counter.
A colorful mural depicting a cityscape with palm trees, people, and the Cathay building.
A food court with various stalls and seating areas, featuring a prominent 'Food Avenue' sign.
The exterior of Elixir Esports, featuring a modern facade with illuminated signage and a glimpse inside.
A large digital display shows a serene landscape with lush greenery and a pastel sky.
The COCOART shop features colorful displays of collectible toys and art pieces.
A large digital display in a shopping mall atrium shows a serene garden scene.
The Cathay Building entrance features a large red balloon dog sculpture and a 'Welcome' sign.
Exterior view of the Cathay Building with various shops and trees.
The Cathay Building entrance features a large red balloon dog sculpture and a 'Now Open' sign.
The Cathay Building entrance with a large red balloon dog sculpture and people walking.
A colorful mural depicting vintage scenes with buildings, people, and transportation.
Wing Stop restaurant interior with customers and menu boards visible.
They have a dog park and pet grooming on 4th floor, and dedicated lane for pets, have to use cargo lift. Today I was told the dog legs cannot touch the floor of the mall. So if I need to get to dog park, I need a pram or have to carry the dogs. Unfortunately my dog is medium size. A bit hard to carry. So I cannot visit the pet shop on the 4th floor nor the park. This is what happen when mall try to tick the boxes without thinking about it. So pawrents don’t be cheated into thinking that park is for you. It’s for nobody to be frank.
Julie Sin
We heard Projector X: Picture House at Cathay building is going to close for renovation and we decided to watch a movie on 18 June 2023. It's the worst cinema experience we ever had. The seats were dirty, there bits of snacks left behind by previous patrons. There was a cheesy smell in the air throughout the show time. To my horror, I realised there was a pack of popcorn left behind by previous patron. The surrounding was dusty and the service button was broken too. The ticket price is equivalent to Golden Village Gold Class but the experience is totally far from it. Even the popcorn I used to enjoy is no more, it was dry and there were many seeds in our pack. It's really horrible on the whole.
Positive Reviews
Jonathan Tan
Newly renovated, with affordable carpark, and new stores. Unfortunately the iconic cinema is no more, space taken over by NTU alumni and a private education institute. A good variety of food & beverage and entertainment shops there. In the centre is a huge LED screen that brings a virtual immersive atmosphere, with amphitheatre layout seats to hang out. Ideal for indoor music performances if management allows. (Contact me at jonathan_tan1976 on IG if management would like to consider some 80's and 90's live music there!)
Florence Leow
🟦 The Cathay Building, a historic landmark in Dhoby Ghaut, has reopened in April 2025 after a nearly two-year renovation. 🟩 Here's what you can expect:
🟡🌿 Interior and Design
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● The mall features a blend of retro and modern aesthetics, preserving its Art Deco facade and iconic "Cathay" signage.
🟧 A stunning 360-degree multi-media tower showcases immersive digital graphics, transforming the atrium into an interactive hub.
🟪 The mall has seven (7) levels, offering a range of F&B, retail, wellness, entertainment, and education options.
🟠 There are tenants like Ya Kun, Yakiniku Like!, Tsui Wah, Fore Coffee, Kebuke, Starbucks, Saizeriya. 🔵 There is also IUIGA, debuting its largest flagship store in Singapore, offering premium home essentials.
🟦 Other Features
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- The mall's operating hours are from 7am to 11pm daily.
- It's located at 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233, with easy access to Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.
- The Cathay is expected to be fully operational by Q3 2025, with more stores opening until June 2025.
Tania Koh
Nice after renovation. Has a big screen with an animation of a whale? Big sitting area for ppl to chill and grass patches that seem to be for pets in the future. Quite futuristic design.
Edmund KW
A beautiful well designed building with many spaces to hang out (especially its huge central amphitheater/atrium) - looks suited for its new anchor tenants (providing higher education and creative services) - also many food and beverage options.
patti0311
The building now houses many cafes n eateries and there is even a big Sheng Siong supermarket at B1. I've not been to L2 n 3 so I can't say much about them but if u r looking for food n coffee level 1 n the basement 1 are the places to go
