1887

Raffles Hotel opens on Beach Road under the management of Tigran Sarkies, offering 10 rooms in an old bungalow-style building

1890

A pair of two-storey wings are built, flanking the bungalow and adding 22 suites facing the sea.

1894

An L-shaped extension forming the Palm Court is added, with another 30 suites

1899

The three-storey Main Building, in late Victorian Italianate Revival style and with electricity throughout, replaces the original bungalow and immediately becomes a Singapore landmark.

1904

The Bras Basah wing opens, with ground-floor shops

1907

The Bar and Billiard Room is enlarged and virtually rebuilt.

1912

Tigran Sarkies dies

1913

A cast-iron addition to the front verandah of the Main Building is erected.

1915

The Singapore Sling is introduced by the Raffles Hotel barman.

1920

Large open-sided ballroom is added to the front of Raffles Hotel and becomes a popular place for social events.

1922

Edward, Prince of Wales, dances at Raffles Hotel during a visit.

1933

Facing bankruptcy during the Great Depression, Raffles Hotel is recognised as a new company.

1942

Raffles Hotel passes into Japanese hands with the fall of Singapore and renamed Syonan Ryokan.

1945

Raffles Hotel reopens for business.

1955

Ava Gardner arrives for premiere of The Barefoot Contessa.

1960

Somerset Maugham pays last visit to Raffles Hotel.

1967

Filming of Pretty Polly with Hayley Mills, Trevor Howard and Shashi Kapoor.

1987

Raffles Hotel is officially declared a National Monument.

1989

The hotel closes for complete restoration programme.

1991

Raffles Hotel reopens on September 16.