The National Gallery Singapore is an art museum in the Civic District, housed in the former City Hall and former Supreme Court. Its collection holds more than 8,000 works of modern art from Singapore and Southeast Asia, from the 19th century to today. Pioneering Singaporean painters such as Georgette Chen, Cheong Soo Pieng and Liu Kang are well represented. The two neoclassical buildings, joined by a glass and metal canopy, are part of the visit. Give it two to three hours, and leave time for a meal on the terrace or at the rooftop bar.
Two colonial-era buildings, one museum
The gallery occupies the former City Hall and the former Supreme Court on St Andrew's Road in the Civic District. Both are neoclassical buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, and both are linked to key moments in Singapore's path to independence. One of the historic events connected with the buildings is the Japanese surrender to British forces that ended the Second World War.
A plan to turn the former courtroom into a gallery was announced in August 2005. The museum opened to the public in 2015 after almost a decade of planning and construction. The interior was redesigned by studioMilou of Paris together with CPG Consultants, who added walkways and light-filled atriums. The combined space covers about 64,000 square metres.
A glass and metal canopy, inspired by woven cane and rattan, connects the two buildings at roof level. The Corinthian columns of the City Hall are one of the most striking parts of the exterior.
The collection and the galleries
The museum holds more than 8,000 works of modern art from Singapore and Southeast Asia, dating from the 19th century to today. The pieces range from paintings and sculptures to sound installations. The collection gives strong attention to Singaporean pioneers such as Georgette Chen, Cheong Soo Pieng and Liu Kang. They are linked to the Nanyang style, which draws on traditional Chinese materials and Western oil painting techniques. Raden Saleh, an Indonesian painter, is also represented.
The permanent exhibitions include Siapa Nama Kamu?, Art in Singapore since the 19th Century, Between Declarations and Dreams, which covers Southeast Asian art since the 19th century, and Law of the Land. The last one is built around Singapore's constitutional documents and offers an insight into the country's social and political history. Works by Choo Keng Kwang, including oil paintings and woodcuts, and a series of family portraits by Georgette Chen are also on view.
Temporary shows have included a large French Impressionist exhibition, with works by Monet, Renoir, Manet, Cézanne and Degas. Exhibitions change, so check the current schedule before you travel.
Galleries for children
The Keppel Centre for Art Education has eight interactive learning zones. Children can try 3D doodling, digital artwork and building sculptures from wooden blocks.
Gallery Kids is a separate interactive space where children learn about art through play. Family activities such as storytime, workshops and tours take place every other Saturday.
Visiting, eating and getting around
Free guided tours are offered. You sign up after buying your ticket or redeeming your voucher. The building has a wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator, restroom and seating. Assisted listening devices and a hearing loop are available, along with changing tables and a nursing room. On-site parking is available.
The gift shop sells souvenirs inspired by artists in the collection and by contemporary designers. Gallery & Co, a shop with a café and bar that serves Southeast Asian food, is also on site.
For a meal, National Kitchen by Violet Oon has a terrace with a view of the Padang. Its dark wood and Straits Chinese tiles give the dining room the feel of a colonial French salon. Yàn serves Cantonese food, with Peking roast duck and braised abalone among its dishes. The rooftop bar Smoke & Mirrors has indoor seating and a terrace that looks across the Padang to the bay. Its gin-based Peel and See cocktail combines banana, miso and olive oil.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Some permanent galleries can be entered free, while certain special exhibitions charge admission. Booking tickets in advance is recommended. Check the official website for current prices.
How long do you need?
Plan two to three hours for the main galleries. Guided tours and the children's areas can fill a full afternoon.
Are the guided tours free?
Yes, the guided tours are free. Sign up after you have bought your ticket or redeemed your voucher.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The Keppel Centre for Art Education has eight interactive learning zones, with activities such as 3D doodling, digital artwork and building sculptures from wooden blocks.
Can I do a photoshoot inside?
Photoshoots are not allowed without a booking, so make one online before you arrive.
