Museum NameNational Gallery Singapore Location1 St Andrew's Rd, Singapore 178957 Type of MuseumArt museum

Museums of the World

National Gallery Singapore

Overview

Key Highlights & Collections

Visitor Experience

References

National Gallery Singapore is an art museum located in the Downtown Core of Singapore. The Gallery is housed in the former Supreme Court building and City Hall. It oversees the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian art.

Overview

Reflecting Singapore's unique heritage and geographical location, the Gallery features Singaporean and Southeast Asian art in its long-term and special exhibitions. The Gallery also works with international museums such as Tate Britain, Musee d'Orsay, and National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo to jointly curate exhibitions around the world, making it a global platform for Southeast Asian art and a vital part of the Singapore arts scene.

At the National Gallery Singapore, art and culture go hand in hand. The Gallery hosts a variety of cultural events, including festivals, film screenings, workshops, and performances, in addition to its ongoing exhibitions. These events provide a multidimensional experience to its visitors, allowing them to not only view but also engage in the art and culture of the region.

The Gallerys vision is to foster and inspire a thoughtful, creative, and inclusive society. This is encapsulated in its mission to provide an understanding and appreciation of art and culture through a variety of media, and to use its collection as a means to educate, stimulate discussion and reflection, and to cultivate a sense of belonging and identity.

The Gallery's collection is displayed across two main galleries. The DBS Singapore Gallery presents the development of Singaporean art, while the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery features art from across the region. The Gallery also has a growing collection of digital art, which explores new possibilities in art through technology.

The National Gallery Singapore is a must-visit destination for art lovers. It offers a wide range of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to installations and digital art. It is a place where the past meets the present, where the power of art is harnessed to shape the future, and where visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Furthermore, the Gallery also offers a variety of educational programs and resources for students, teachers, and the general public. These include guided tours, lectures, workshops, and a comprehensive range of print and digital resources.

The National Gallery Singapore is also home to a selection of dining and retail options. Visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the Gallery's many restaurants and cafes, or shop for unique souvenirs at the Gallery Shop. The Gallery is also committed to accessibility, and has facilities for visitors with disabilities.

At the heart of the Gallery's mission is its commitment to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art. Through its collections, exhibitions, and programs, the Gallery aims to educate the public about the history of art in Singapore and Southeast Asia, to promote dialogue and understanding between cultures, and to inspire creativity and artistic expression.

The Gallery also plays a critical role in supporting the local arts community. It provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work, and organizes a variety of programs and events to help promote and develop the Singapore art scene.

Since its opening in 2015, the National Gallery Singapore has become a vital part of the city's vibrant cultural scene. It has established itself as a premier venue for contemporary art, and has become a hub for creativity and innovation.

In conclusion, the National Gallery Singapore is more than just a museum. It is a space for people to explore and appreciate art, to learn about different cultures and histories, and to engage in meaningful dialogue. It is a place where art comes alive, and where everyone is invited to experience the transformative power of art.

Key Highlights & Collections

National Gallery Singapore is one of the leading visual arts institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. Located in the Civic District of Singapore, the gallery is housed in two national monuments, the former Supreme Court and City Hall. The gallery oversees the world's largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, which consists of over 8,000 artworks.

One of the key highlights of the National Gallery Singapore is the DBS Singapore Gallery. This gallery showcases the development of Singapore's art scene from the 19th century to the present day. It provides a historical overview of Singapore art, reflecting the nation's rich heritage and diverse cultural influences. The artworks on display include paintings, sculptures, installations, and videos from established and emerging Singaporean artists.

Another significant collection is found in the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery. This gallery offers a comprehensive overview of Southeast Asian art history from the 19th century to the present. The artworks presented here span across different mediums and genres, showcasing the diverse artistic practices and shared historical experiences within the region. The collection includes seminal works from artists such as Raden Saleh of Indonesia, Juan Luna of the Philippines, and Latiff Mohidin of Malaysia.

Besides these permanent galleries, the National Gallery Singapore also hosts rotating special exhibitions. These exhibitions often feature collaborations with international museums and galleries, presenting a global perspective on art and culture. Past exhibitions have included Yayoi Kusama's Life is the Heart of a Rainbow, Wu Guanzhong: Expressions of Pen & Palette, and Century of Light, which featured masterpieces from the 19th century.

The Keppel Centre for Art Education, another key highlight of the gallery, provides interactive installations and creative spaces for children and families. It aims to spark curiosity and encourage creativity through various art-related activities. The centre also hosts regular workshops, art camps, and guided tours for children.

National Gallery Singapore also offers a unique interactive digital experience through its Gallery Explorer App. This mobile application allows visitors to explore the gallery's vast collection on their own, providing information about the artworks and artists. It also offers navigation assistance around the gallery, ensuring a seamless visitor experience.

The gallery is not just about art, it's also about architecture. The National Gallery Singapore itself is a masterpiece, combining the historic City Hall and the former Supreme Court buildings. The restoration and transformation of these two national monuments into a modern art gallery is a feat of architectural ingenuity. The gallery features a spectacular roof structure and a network of corridors, courtyards, and galleries that preserve the heritage while creating a unique spatial experience for visitors.

The National Gallery Singapore also houses several dining establishments that offer a range of cuisines. These include the Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut, and the French fine dining restaurant, Odette. The gallery also has its own museum shop where visitors can purchase a variety of art books, merchandise, and souvenirs.

Over the years, the National Gallery Singapore has received numerous accolades for its exhibitions and programs. These include the Children in Museums Award from the European Museum Academy and the Best Attraction Experience Award from the Singapore Tourism Board. The gallery's commitment to promoting Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, its innovative educational programs, and its architectural grandeur make it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Visitor Experience

National Gallery Singapore is a leading visual arts institution which oversees the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The Gallery is housed in two national monuments—former Supreme Court and City Hall—that have been beautifully restored and transformed into this exciting venue in the heart of the Civic District. Reflecting Singapore’s unique heritage and geographical location, the Gallery features Singapore and Southeast Asian art in its long-term and special exhibitions. It also works with international museums to jointly present Southeast Asian art in the global context, positioning Singapore as a key node in the global arts scene.

As a visitor to the National Gallery Singapore, your experience begins the moment you step into its grand, historical premises. The stunning architecture, a blend of restored historical structures and modern design elements, becomes an immediate point of interest. The building itself is a piece of art, telling stories of Singapore’s colonial past. The Gallery has also won multiple awards for its design, including the prestigious World Architecture Festival Award.

The Gallery’s collections consist of more than 8,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, printworks, photographs, and installations from the 19th and 20th centuries. These are showcased through various long-term and changing exhibitions. The long-term exhibitions, the DBS Singapore Gallery and the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery, present the development of Singapore and Southeast Asian art within the global context, highlighting the shared influences and distinctive developments of the region’s diverse cultures.

The visitor experience at the National Gallery Singapore is greatly enriched by the wide range of facilities and services available. These include guided tours, educational programs, interactive installations, a children’s museum, art library, resource center, rooftop garden, as well as a range of dining and retail options. The Gallery is also fully accessible with facilities for persons with disabilities. It also offers free entry for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, and children under six years old from any nationality, encouraging art appreciation among all segments of society.

One of the key highlights of the visitor experience at the National Gallery Singapore is the guided tours. These are conducted by knowledgeable docents who share fascinating insights about the art, artists, and the stories behind the artworks. The tours are available in different languages and cover various themes, catering to different interests and preferences of visitors. Some tours also include interactive elements, engaging visitors in a more immersive art experience. For those who prefer exploring at their own pace, there are self-guided tour options available as well.

The National Gallery Singapore also offers a range of educational programs for children, youths, and adults. These include art workshops, talks, film screenings, and performances that provide deeper understanding and appreciation of the art and culture. The Gallery’s Keppel Centre for Art Education, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, is a dedicated facility that offers innovative art education programs for children. Here, children can explore and learn about art through interactive installations and hands-on activities.

For art researchers and enthusiasts, the Gallery’s Koh Seow Chuan Concourse Gallery and Wu Guanzhong Gallery are treasure troves of resources. The Concourse Gallery showcases thematic exhibitions that delve into specific topics in Southeast Asian art, while the Wu Guanzhong Gallery presents the works of Wu Guanzhong, one of the most significant artists in 20th century Chinese painting. The Gallery’s E-Museum and Resource Centre also provide online access to a wealth of art resources and digital archives, allowing visitors to continue their art exploration beyond the Gallery’s walls.

To complete the visitor experience, the National Gallery Singapore offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Each dining venue boasts unique culinary concepts that cater to different tastes and preferences. The Gallery’s retail shop also offers a wide range of art-inspired products, including books, stationery, fashion, and home décor items, making it a perfect place for art lovers to shop for unique souvenirs and gifts.

In conclusion, a visit to the National Gallery Singapore is not merely about viewing art; it is a comprehensive cultural experience that engages the senses, stimulates the mind, and nourishes the soul. Whether you are an art connoisseur, a history buff, a family looking for an enriching outing, or simply a curious visitor, the National Gallery Singapore promises a memorable and inspiring experience.