It’s one of the most iconic buildings in Singapore both architecturally and artistically, and the hype surrounding its revamp late last year is still trickling across social media – particularly, Instagram feeds. Without a doubt, the National Gallery Singapore is a monument that attracts art-obsessed culture vultures, nostalgia-seeking history buffs, and curious folks looking for a winning photo op. And lately, it’s been luring yet another breed of Singaporeans: those who love fine dining, and those who crave a rave.
Happening at the end of the month, Gallery After Hours turns the National Gallery Singapore into a buzzing nest of activity; expect a triple threat of decadent tastings, live music, and dance parties. Start off your evening at retail-art-F&B space, Gallery & Co., which will be holding a French wine and cheese tasting session at both 6.30pm and 8.30pm – ritzy combos include NV François Pinon Vouvray Brut & Abondance, 2012 Domaine Dupasquier Vin de Savoie Pinot Noir & Morbier, and more. And unless that’s substantial enough for you, you can top up your tums with Gallery & Co.’s Food Co.llab featuring COCOTTE, a French restaurant that also happens to serve one of our best brunches in Singapore.
A slider with the ID of 609 doesn't exist.So what happens next? Don’t give in to the food coma; shake it off – as you should every Friday – with a trio of local live music acts. Starting at 7pm, Evanturetime (one of our new Singaporean musicians to watch) yanks out the synths-soaked electronica, followed by the experimental piano ballads of Linying (read our interview here), and .gif tops it off with dark, mellow soundscapes and bendy, bewitching vocals.
And don’t worry about your after-party plans (your tipsiness from the wine isn’t wasted!), for there’s also gonna be a block party at the Outdoor Bar of Gallery & Co., organised by underground promoters, The Council. Respected for its uncompromising house and techno sets, The Council will be represented by its resident Frenchman, Julien Brochard. This one lasts ’til late, so don’t expect an early night-out! It is called Gallery After Hours for a reason.
Gallery After Hours, 29 April, 6.30pm & 8.30pm (wine and cheese tasting), 7pm-9pm (live music), 9pm-late (block party), Gallery & Co. at National Gallery Singapore, #01-05, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957, p. 6271 7000. $50 nett per person for the wine and cheese tasting, free entry for the rest of the activities.