The building's construction was completed in 1905 to consolidate various government departments under one roof.
The floor plan is shaped like a giant rectangle with four interconnected wings surrounding a central courtyard.
The assassination of General Aung San and six cabinet members took place in a meeting room on the second floor in 1947.
The structure occupies a full city block bordered by Maha Bandula Road and Thein Phyu Road.
It was abandoned by the military government in 2005 when the capital shifted to Naypyidaw.
The restoration process involved identifying original paint colors and replicating colonial-era craftsmanship.
The site was officially designated as a protected national heritage landmark.
It is frequently referred to locally as the Ministers' Building.
The Secretariat Yangon is a massive red-brick Victorian-era colonial complex formerly known as the Ministers' Building. It served as the administrative heart of British Burma and the site where General Aung San was assassinated in 1947. The building features grand staircases, high-arched windows, and central courtyards across a 16-acre site. Following decades of abandonment after the government relocated to Naypyidaw, the site underwent extensive restoration to preserve its architectural integrity. It now serves as a cultural venue hosting art galleries, exhibitions, and creative spaces. The facility maintains much of its original teak flooring and heavy masonry despite its long vacancy. It remains one of the largest colonial-era buildings in Southeast Asia.
The central grand staircase and the expansive, symmetrical inner courtyard.
Check the official Facebook page for temporary closures due to private events or film shoots.
Join a guided tour if available, as much of the building's historical significance is detailed in specific rooms that are otherwise inaccessible.
Bring a high-capacity camera, as the interplay of light in the long corridors and courtyards provides excellent architectural photography opportunities.
Do not attempt to enter restricted or under-renovation areas without an authorized guide, as structural conditions can vary.
Occasionally closed for private events, film production, or specialized restoration work; verify status via the Facebook page before arrival.
Modest dress is required; ensure shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect for the historic and political significance of the site.
