Heading to Gillman Barracks? Immerse yourself in art, dining and drinking experiences, plus fun events for the family.
Gillman Barracks stands as the premier contemporary art enclave in Singapore. The former colonial military barracks, now trendy galleries, have become the go-to spot for those seeking a dose of contemporary art (with a side of good food). Oh, and creative art enthusiasts should keep a lookout for exciting events. We explored this ex-deserted colonial barracks turned hip hotspot to tell you everything you need to know before you visit.
How to get to Gillman Barracks
By bus: The closest bus stops include Alexandra Point (15051), Opposite Alexandra Point (15059), After HortPark (18011), Before Telok Blangah Hill Park (18019), and Opposite Alexandra Retail Centre (15049).
By train: The closest train station is Labrador Park (CC27). After you exit, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk to Gillman Barracks.
By car: This is the most convenient way of getting to Gillman Barracks. It can be accessed by Malan Road or Lock Road. There are plenty of parking spots available in various areas. Parking is free on weekends and after 6pm on weekdays.
By private hire/taxi: There are several drop-off points in Gillman Barracks. The most popular one is 8 Lock Road. Pick-ups are easy, and you won’t have to wait long to get a cab.
Gillman Barracks guide: Food & drinks
1. Ida’s Bar and Restaurant
Nothing whispers serenity more than the gorgeous Ida’s Bar and Restaurant, with its alfresco courtyard and sleek bar setup. You’ll find us relaxing here with Mediterranean plates by chef Aiman Hanafi (formerly from Pollen and Binomio) and cocktails from a menu created in partnership with Cat Bite Club. We recommend the pitcher of white sangria ($125) to go with mushroom croquettes ($12) and juicy Iberico pork chop ($26). We’re also big fans of Cafe Nanas ($24), a sweet cocktail featuring rum and coffee liqueur with heavy cream. It’s perfect as a liquid dessert.
Best for: Group gatherings, floral workshops, pet-friendly brunches
Must-try dishes: Lamb croquette; Tequila Sunset; Cafe Nanas
Price: Dishes from $10; drinks from $18
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 12am
Address: Ida’s Bar and Restaurant, #02-21, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
2. Little Island Brewing Co.
Home to a plethora of local craft beers, Little Island Brewing Co. has opened another outlet within Gillman Barracks. To match the vibey art neighbourhood, this spot is a vinyl bar decked out with the hottest sound system. We swayed to the sweet sound of vinyl as we sipped bold stouts, refreshing pale ales, IPAs, and more. Each pint pairs excellently with a fusion menu of smokehouse classics. The grilled chicken wings ($12) are an elevated zi char favourite, and we always go for a classic margherita pie ($18) to share.
Best for: Craft beer lovers and music enthusiasts
Must-try dishes: Wood-fired sourdough pizzas; craft beers
Price: From $4 for starters
Opening hours: Varies by day
Address: Little Island Brewing Co., 43 Malan Road, Singapore 109443
3. Kyukei Coffee
Kyuukei Coffee may take its bean juice seriously, but the team is far from snobby and uptight. We noticed cyclists parking their bicycles outside and popping by to take shelter from the sun. Besides coffee, we got pastries to snack on as we continued our trek around Gillman Barracks. This cafe even has an adorable “Strava for Snack” deal where you can get a free pastry with any $10 purchase before 11am. All you have to do is show off a 20km bike ride, 2km walk or run, or a 30-minute class activity to score this deal.
Best for: Cyclists, runners in the area looking for their next go-to haunt
Must-try dishes: Banana bread, isotonic slushy, matcha slushy
Price: From $4.50
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4pm
Address: Kyuukei Coffee, #01-22, 47 Malan Road, Singapore 109444
4. Wheeler’s Tropikana
Get ready for a tropical adventure at Wheeler’s Tropikana. We’re talking lush greenery, clay-themed hues, bamboo accents, and even an outdoor pool! We were pleasantly surprised to find this oasis hidden in a corner of Gillman Barracks. The menu combines Australian flavours and the zest of the Pacific Islands, featuring dishes such as calamari fritti ($17), lobster risotto ($36), summer caprese ($24), and more. After sipping on the indulgent cocktails, we almost forgot we were in Singapore.
Best for: Tropical dining experience and poolside relaxation
Must-try dishes: Lobster risotto; Summer Caprese
Price: Communal menu from $68 per pax; dishes from $8
Opening hours: Vary by day
Address: Wheeler’s Tropikana, 9A Lock Road, Singapore 108926
5. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is a grilled food paradise in Gillman Barracks serving locally crafted cocktails. With a simple concept of providing diners with good grub and great vibes, this eatery is the perfect spot for a chill evening. We’re always treated to a delightful flight of flavours with the cocktail menu, which is a fantastical whirlwind of colour and flavour. The fuss-free plates may not be anything to shout about, but to us, they’re reliable and great for sharing.
Best for: Laid-back evenings with grilled eats
Must-try dishes: Black garlic ribeye steak; Barramundi fish and chips; Lion City Tiki
Price: Food from $6; drinks from $3.50
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 2.30pm & 5pm to 10.30pm; Friday & Saturday, 12pm to 2.30pm & 5pm to 12am
Address: Hopscotch, 45 Malan Road, Singapore 109455
6. The Naked Finn
No-frills seafood grill, alfresco style – that’s what you can expect at The Naked Finn. The little nook it calls home in Gillman Barracks is the perfect respite from the city. It’s in a quiet location further along Malan Road, so you’ll have to take a short walk to get there. We love how the menu rotates often, so we can try new dishes and fresh seafood at every visit. Tip: the chawanmushi with wild Dungeness crab ($15) is the stuff of dreams.
Best for: Fresh seafood
Must-try dishes: Lobster roll; ‘hokkigai’ Sakhalin surf clam
Price: From $8
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 3pm & 6pm to 10.30pm
Address: The Naked Finn, 39 Malan Road, Singapore 109442
7. Handlebar
A biker den-inspired bar and grill, Handlebar is an unconventional joint with grilled burgers and meat. Everyone’s welcome here – you don’t have to be a biker to enjoy this unique dining experience! We stopped by on a Saturday afternoon, and the bar was quiet, save for one or two other patrons sipping stouts. You’ll see more activity during swap meets and special weekend events. We hear the activations by Harley-Davidson create quite the buzz!
Best for: Bike enthusiasts, pet-friendly spaces
Must-try dishes: Cocaine wings; Blossom onion
Price: Lunch specials from $16; a la carte dishes from $8
Opening hours: Varies by day
Address: Handlebar, 10 Lock Road, Singapore 108938
8. The Blackbird
We’ll never say no to a spot with live music, which is why we love The Blackbird. One glance at its social media will show you just how seriously it takes its music program, with the schedule of live acts updated weekly. Tip: keep an eye out for drinks promotions! For those looking to catch up with friends, we recommend getting seats outside so the music doesn’t overpower your conversation.
Best for: Live music lovers and social gatherings
Must-try dishes: Grilled barramundi with mash; Sakoshi bay oysters
Price: Mains from $16.90; drinks from $13
Opening hours: Vary by day
Address: The Blackbird, 8 Lock Road, Singapore 108936
Gillman Barracks guide: Art galleries & things to do
9. Public guided tours by Friends of the Museums
Partnered with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), Friends of the Museums aims to bring the art and heritage of Gillman Barracks to Singaporeans and visitors. This volunteer organisation conducts tours in Singapore’s world-class museums too! We spotted this poster during our stroll, and it may seem like it’s an old bulletin board, but you’d be surprised by how up-to-date the info is. Pick between a heritage and art tour or a heritage and history tour – both are completely free.
Price: Free admission
Opening hours: Saturdays (excluding public holidays), 4pm & 5pm
Address: Public guided tours by Friends of the Museums, Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
10. WeTuft
If you’re looking for something to do with the kids, we recommend the peaceful art of rug tufting. Get in touch with your creative side with hands-on sessions guided by in-house tufters who will teach you the ropes. Make sure your arms are well rested, because using a tufting gun to create a work of art over a few hours requires a lot of strength. But once your design is complete, you can take home your unique rug to display it.
Price: Sessions start from $128
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 9pm
Address: WeTuft, #01-33, Gillman Barracks, 22 Lock Road, Singapore 108939
11. Mizuma Gallery
To develop and expand the contemporary art market in Asia, executive director Mizuma Sueo opened Mizuma Gallery in Singapore after setting up his gallery in Beijing. The gallery is located at the end of the road, a short uphill walk from the drop-off point. This space is dedicated to showcasing artworks from Japanese artists, as well as talents from around East Asia, and emerging artists from the region.
Price: Free admission
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 7pm; Sunday, 11am to 6pm
Address: Mizuma Gallery, #01-34, 22 Lock Road, Singapore 108939
12. Richard Koh Fine Art
Some of the work featured in Richard Koh Fine Art may seem understated. But present them on a regional and international platform and they’ll flourish – that’s the goal of this gallery. Through regular exhibition cycles, publications, and collaborations, Richard Koh Fine Art hopes to engage the art community while honing regional and intercultural dialogue.
Price: Free admission
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 7pm
Address: Richard Koh Fine Art, #01-26, 47 Malan Road, Singapore 109444
13. Sundaram Tagore Gallery
Founder Sundaram Tagore is known for going against the grain when it came to curation in the early 2000s. Looking to challenge the notion that Western men made the most collectable art, he brought together a roster of cross-cultural artists, often women or people from underrepresented cultures, which is something dear to our hearts. The gallery has a photography program that includes some of the world’s most renowned photographers, too. More than a space for art showcases, it also offers art consultations, collection development, corporate collecting, and curatorial services.
Price: Free admission
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11am to 6pm; Saturday, 11am to 7pm
Address: Sundaram Tagore Gallery, 5 Lock Road, Singapore 108933
14. Yeo Workshop
From traditional techniques to modern mediums using CGI and AI, Yeo Workshop showcases a range of talented artists from Southeast Asia. The diverse roster deeply engages with the socio-cultural landscape, stimulating dialogue and discourse. We recommend keeping an eye on Yeo Workshop’s calendar of events. It hosts regular artist talks, hands-on workshops, and public events for those who want to learn about art.
Price: Free admission for certain exhibitions and workshops; enquire for price
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 7pm; Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Address: Yeo Workshop, #01-25, 47 Malan Road, Singapore 109444
Other notable galleries
- Fost Gallery: Progressive works from international artists, with a focus on Singaporean talents
- Ota Fine Arts: Famed for exhibitions of Japanese artists like Yayoi Kusama
- Mucciaccia Gallery: Spotlights artists and sculptors to bring their work to international audiences
There you have it: our definitive guide to the art galleries, events and restaurants at Gillman Barracks.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gillman Barracks?
Gillman Barracks was previously used as military barracks before being transformed into a contemporary arts enclave. The conserved buildings now play home to international galleries, bars, restaurants, and event spaces.
Is entry free for the galleries at Gillman Barracks?
Most galleries offer free admission, but some may charge ticket prices if there are special events, workshops, or art markets.
Can I park at Gillman Barracks?
Yes, many parking spots are available. However, during major events, these can fill up quickly.
