The National Gallery in Singapore is a place of immense interest and curiosity for all connoisseurs of art, students, researchers, expressionists, and artists alike. The Gallery has the largest collection of modern art not only in Singapore but the whole of Southeast Asia. It was inaugurated in 2015 and constitutes two national monuments – the City Hall and the former Supreme Court, both of which have been aesthetically reinstated to exhibit masterpieces that are a visual treat for visitors.
The National Gallery is built on a massive scale as it spreads across an area of 64,000 sq. meters. Two historic buildings (the City Hall and the Supreme Court) were combined to form the exhibition space and “to create a dialogue between the art of Singapore, Southeast Asia, and the world”, and to inspire a prolific and inclusive society.
There is a paradoxical display of history and modernity through interesting art forms at the Gallery. Curators organize guided tours for visitors and give them a peek into the history, art, and architecture of the place.
Live and still photography/videography are strictly prohibited inside the premises. You are not supposed to touch and feel the artwork on display. Big bags and luggage will have to be kept in their lockers for the safety of these valuable paintings. You may try out the menus on their rooftop restaurants as outside food and beverages are not allowed. Maintain silence and decorum for as long as you are inside the premises.
Know the Highlights and Features
- Singapore Gallery — Captures 19th-century art when Singapore, like the rest of Southeast Asia, was under colonial rule. The exhibition is a reflection of the coexistence of contemporary values with traditional ones, and the rise of modern art in Singapore, as in the rest of Southeast Asia. Here, there is a display of about 300 artworks – an effort to make people understand the evolution of Singapore art. Each piece is a study of the artist against his surroundings and circumstances. Taken together, all pieces of art and painting weave an interesting story.
- UOB Southeast Asia Gallery — The Gallery presents around 400 artworks. It encapsulates the historical, social, and political contexts of Singapore. The paintings reflect unity and commonality amidst diversity, exploring a range of issues — the artist’s personal and ideological perspectives. It showcases several iconic artworks on canvas and explores the impact of colonial rule and its influence on art.
- Wu Guanzhong Gallery — The Gallery invites the audience to take a peek into the artist’s work and explore his masterpieces through several lenses ‘conceptual, physical, imaginative, and emotional’. The Gallery was conceptualized in recent times during the pandemic. It highlights the aspects of ‘traveling’. Also, check out The Ngee Ann Kongsi Concourse Gallery and the Koh Seow Chuan Concourse Gallery.
- City Hall Chamber — Offers immersive multimedia experience that tells the story of the rich past of this iconic building. The story sketches the country’s progress and highlights key moments like the swearing-in ceremony of the nation’s first President; it then focuses on the present and how the City Hall was remodeled into the National Gallery. Former civil servants who once worked in City Hall also recount their stories and share interesting anecdotes with the audience in the Memories section.
- Chief Justice’s Chamber and Office — This is in level three in the Supreme Court wing. The section is divided into Chief Justice’s Office, Chief Justice’s Chamber, and Courtroom One. Life-size portraits of important judiciary personalities of the past and their contributions decorate the walls of this space. There are archives of important documents related to law and justice in this section.
- Dining and Shopping Options — The National Gallery is just not about displays and exhibitions of the nation’s history and culture but also offers curated dining and retail options to visitors. Dig into tantalizing menus at the Gallery’s vast range of restaurants, and indulge in an unlimited shopping experience at the retail outlets to carry home a memorable day at the art museum.
Info on Timings and Tickets
The National Gallery is open daily to visitors and is operational between 10 am and 7 pm. For general admission and free guided tours, the standard ticket costs SGD 20; it is free for the locals. When the Gallery hosts special exhibitions at the venue, the standard prices are SGD 25, and SGD 15 for locals. Children aged between 7-12, seniors aged over 60 years, overseas students and teachers are eligible for concessions and rebates.
Admission is free for children below 6 years, the disabled and their caregivers, Singaporeans, locally-based students and teachers, and Gallery employees. Ticket prices for members – individuals and groups — are separate for locals and standard admission. Please check out their official website for the latest ticket updates. You may click on the link here for more information.
Address, Phone & How to Reach
The Gallery has its address located at 1 St Andrew’s Road #01–01
Singapore 178957. For queries or complaint, you can call 6271 7000 or write to [email protected]. It is best to take public transport or avail of the taxi service to reach the Gallery if you are a tourist in the city.
The Gallery is a 7-minute walk from City Hall MRT Station via the Art Connector. It is a 10-minute walk from the Singapore River to the Gallery. Take Exit B from Raffles Place to the Gallery.
Bus lines 61, 124, 145, 166, 174, and 197 stop opposite the Treasury Building. The Padang Atrium is a 7-minute walk away. The Gallery is a 5-minute walk away from Victoria Concert Hall where bus numbers 75, 100, 107, 130, 131, and 167 stop.
