As an art enthusiast visiting Singapore, I was eager to spend a day immersed in the world-class National Gallery Singapore.
As one of Southeast Asia’s largest visual arts institutions, the National Gallery occupies two national monuments—City Hall and Supreme Court—connected by a striking modern annex. Wandering its galleries filled with 19th to 21st century art provided eye-opening insights into Singapore and the region.
Thoughtfully Curated Galleries
I started in the DBS Singapore Gallery, which expertly traced Singapore’s artistic history from colonial rule through independence using paintings, photos, and multimedia exhibits. Modern artists like Georgette Chen and Liu Kang beautifully captured Singapore’s changing urban landscape.
The regional galleries profiled major movements across Southeast Asia using both traditional and contemporary works. I marveled at vibrant batik tapestries, vivid Balinese paintings, and imaginative modern sculptures linking artistic heritage with the present.
Immersive Medium Exhibitions
In between the permanent collections, I explored fascinating medium-focused exhibitions. The minimalist “Awakenings: Art in Society in Asia 1960s-1990s” made provocative sociopolitical statements through photography, pop art, and installation pieces.
The “Minimalism: Space. Light. Object.” showcase traced minimalism’s evolution through a series of hypnotic, geometrically-inspired artworks. The National Gallery’s thoughtfully curated shows provided new perspectives.
Architectural Grandeur
Beyond the artwork, the National Gallery’s restored architecture impressed. The neoclassical Supreme Court and municipal City Hall buildings connected by an elegant modern annex provided a historically apt home for Singapore’s largest public art collection.
Sweeping spiral staircases, airy atriums, and intimate galleries let me fully immerse in the expansive museum. I could have spent days appreciating the diverse blend of art, culture, and architecture contained within.
Must-Visit Cultural Stop
With over 8,000 artworks thoughtfully presented, the National Gallery Singapore offers an unrivaled overview of regional creativity. Art aficionados can marvel at this world-class collection spanning generations and mediums, while casual visitors will appreciate the stunning architecture.
FAQ
Can you book tickets for the National Gallery online?
Yes, you can book tickets for the National Gallery online here.
Where is the National Gallery Singapore located?
The National Gallery is located in Singapore’s Civic District at 1 St Andrew’s Road, near City Hall MRT.
What are the National Gallery’s opening hours?
The museum is open daily from 10am to 7pm, with extended Friday hours until 10pm.
How much does it cost to visit the gallery?
Standard admission is $20 for adults. Discounted rates available online, for kids, and after 5pm on Fridays.
What art is exhibited at the gallery?
The gallery showcases Singaporean and Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to today across various mediums.
Are group tours available?
Yes, docent and multimedia guided tours in various languages can be booked on the website.
Is the gallery fully wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the National Gallery has lifts, ramps and wheelchairs ensuring full accessibility.
Is photography allowed in the museum?
Photography is permitted in most galleries but some restrictions apply to flash and tripods.
Does the museum have dining options?
Yes, there are several art-inspired cafes and fine dining restaurants within the gallery.
Is there a gift shop at the museum?
Yes, the shop sells art books, prints, souvenirs, and crafts related to the museum’s exhibits and collection.
How can you get to the gallery via public transit?
The gallery is connected directly to City Hall MRT station through underground walkways.
Zhuang Jia Wen serves as the chief reviewer for Singaporeairport.com, leveraging her passion for travel and aviation.
A native Singaporean, Zhuang draws upon her extensive experience exploring her home country to provide authoritative reviews and travel tips. She holds a bachelor’s degree in tourism management from the National University of Singapore.
Prior to becoming Singaporeairport.com’s review expert, Zhuang worked for five years as a travel agent helping organize personalized itineraries. When not visiting Singapore’s latest attractions, she enjoys cuisine from across the Lion City’s dynamic culinary landscape.
Zhuang hopes her insider perspective helps travelers make the most of their visits to her country.
