Discover must-see art, top food spots, and other fun activities at the world’s first Southeast Asian modern art museum.
There are plenty of museums for art enthusiasts in this little red dot. But a standout is the National Gallery Singapore in the heart of the Civic District. Side note: this is my favourite museum! What makes this gallery so fascinating is a combination of factors: impressive artwork on display, amazing restaurants, and of course, the architecture. Take a look inside the sprawling museum with our comprehensive guide, then pop in for a visit to experience all its wonder first-hand.
A brief history of the National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore – also known as National Gallery and the Gallery – occupies the former Supreme Court and City Hall. These historical monuments bear witness to many pivotal events in our nation’s history, including the surrender of the Japanese forces in 1945 and the swearing-in of Singapore’s first prime minister in 1959. Fun fact: a time capsule containing newspaper clippings and currency was buried in 1937 underneath the museum and is set to be opened in 3000.
The job of restoring and transforming the venue was awarded to French architectural firm Studio Milou Singapore and local conservation specialists CPG Consultants. Extensive works include crisscross walkways at the atrium connecting the galleries, a basement concourse and a linear draped canopy linking the two buildings from below and at the roof level respectively. The much-heralded $532 million visual arts venue is currently Singapore’s largest museum, with a combined floor area of 64,000 square metres.
National Gallery Singapore guide: Explore exhibition spaces
The museum is home to more than 8,000 artworks across eight floors, focusing on local and Southeast Asian art from the 19th century till now. Ten exhibition spaces are located in the City Hall Wing, while 20 can be found in the former Supreme Court. National Gallery Singapore also houses two long-term exhibitions.
1. DBS Singapore Gallery
Located at Level 2 in the City Hall Wing, the first permanent gallery showcases art pieces from the National Collection alongside loans from private and institutional collections. Here, visitors can understand the history of local art. This gallery is currently undergoing staggered revamping works and will fully reopen in July 2025.
That said, you can still drop by to check out Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art, the new long-term exhibition that dives into Singapore’s art history. The first part features over 200 artworks and artefacts split into four sections, addressing themes like colonialism, urban change, and globalisation.
2. UOB Southeast Asia Gallery
The second permanent gallery is all about Southeast Asia’s art history through the ages. Situated at Levels 3 to 5 in the Supreme Court Wing, it houses the second long-term exhibition. Between Declarations and Dreams presents over 300 artworks across 10 spaces, exploring four main themes chronologically, punctuated by key turning points in artistic sensibilities. P.S. Some art pieces may contain potentially sensitive imagery, so viewer discretion is advised.
3. Dalam Southeast Asia
Pop into this gallery after you’re done with Level 3 of UOB Southeast Asia Gallery and gain new perspectives on exhibitions at Figuring a Scene. Visitors will learn the process of creating art and staging an exhibition. Keep your eyes peeled for six works where elements from nature help you understand social forms. This exhibition runs until 23 March 2025.
4. Chief Justice’s Chamber and Office
How did the Citizenship Ordinance, the Women’s Charter, and the Employment Act come into play? Laws of Our Land: Foundations of a New Nation shines a light on these pivotal legislations, which shaped modern Singapore’s identity and its people. Through artefacts and interactive features, visitors can learn about the circumstances that led to the passing of these laws. Organised by the National Library Board, this exhibition is displayed at Level 3 of the Supreme Court Wing and runs until 2029.
5. Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery
This 20,000-square-foot space at Level 3 in the City Hall Wing hosts special exhibitions and modern art co-curated with renowned global art institutions. Currently, there are two presentations taking place till 2 February 2025.
Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy?, held at Gallery 1 (and The Spine Hall at Basement 1 in the same wing), showcases the prolific artist’s dynamic body of work. Marvel at his experimentation with various art mediums, including “paperdyesculp”, where dyed papier mache is mixed with ingredients like fibreglass and fabric.
Galleries 2 and 3 are dedicated to Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective, the most comprehensive display of the Singaporean-born British artist’s works. Learn more about her artistry and unique approach to minimalism, and check out her key sculptures and prints that span over four decades.
5. Level 4 Gallery
The fourth level of the City Hall Wing boasts a couple of exhibitions worth checking out. First up: Becoming Lim Tze Peng, the centenarian artist’s first solo bilingual show at the Gallery. Trace the Singaporean’s artistic evolution and dedication to his craft by casting your eyes on his works, which date as far back as 1946. The exhibit runs till 23 March 2025.
When you’re done with Lim Tze Peng’s solo show, head to the ArchiGallery on the same floor. Listening to Architecture invites you to walk down memory lane and delve deeper into the building’s architecture, culture, and history.
6. Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery
Besides being an iconic spot for photo ops, the rooftop garden is where you’ll chance upon an annual series of specially commissioned installations by leading international artists. The current edition – the seventh, if you’re keeping count – showcases Glisten, a kinetic three-sided sculpture by Aotearoa New Zealander contemporary artist Lisa Reihana.
The joyful artwork, which features Taniko and Songket weaving patterns prominently, reacts and responds to its surroundings. Besides interacting with the installation, visitors can also learn more about the connections between New Zealand and Southeast Asia.
7. Virtual exhibitions
Don’t have time to visit the Gallery? That’s okay, you can still immerse yourself in the museum’s virtual exhibitions. City Hall: If Walls Could Talk traces the municipal building’s rich and colourful history since its completion in 1929. Join Encik Awang, the historic landmark’s caretaker, as he revisits key moments within the walls of this grand dame.
Stories in Light: Four Modern Photographers in Singapore spotlights the seminal works of Lee Sow Lim, Lee Lim, Lim Kwong Ling, and Tan Lip Seng, four influential figures who developed our country’s modern photography scene. This ongoing virtual exhibition documents Singapore’s landscape and identity after World War II.
National Gallery Singapore guide: Feast at restaurants, cafes, and bars
8. Odette
Culinary connoisseurs are more than familiar with this Michelin-starred restaurant, a fine dining institution within the visual arts venue. A loving tribute to celebrated chef Julian Royer’s grandmother, Odette offers extravagant French menus with luxurious-sounding dishes made using the finest artisanal and seasonal produce. Meals are complemented by exceptional wines, a backdrop of pastel hues, and art installations by local artist Dawn Ng.
Odette, #01-04, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
9. Hachi Restaurant
Hachi prides itself on being the pioneer of the omakase concept in Singapore. Diners won’t know what to expect when they’re here, as the menu changes depending on produce flown in from Japan. Regardless, guests can be assured that their culinary experience will be authentic as if they’re being served a meal lovingly prepared by a close friend. Pro tip: set aside some time (read: up to two hours) if you plan to dine here.
The space is also home to The Public Eight, where visitors can enjoy pre- or post-dinner cocktails. And yes, it’s a good spot for a date night with your boo. An intimate speakeasy with fancy cocktails that’ll impress the pants of your other half? Please hold, we’re making our reservations now.
Hachi Restaurant, #01-02/03, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
10. Yan
This is the kind of restaurant you’ll want to bring your loved ones to for faultless Cantonese fare. Occupying the same space as Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden, Yan offers pretty plates of authentic classics alongside amazing views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Must-order dishes include the crispy roast suckling pig, Peking duck served with homemade crepes, and braised rice vermicelli with shrimp and salted fish.
Yan, #05-02, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
11. Smoke & Mirrors
A coveted spot to catch fireworks and the Formula 1 night race, this swanky rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the Civic District and beyond. Its boozy offerings are no slouch, either. Check out The Real Art of Drinking menu, which draws inspiration from the museum’s artworks. Or play it safe and order classic cocktails, wine, champagne, or beer. Pair your tipples with sharing plates and bar bites, and have a good time soaking in the vibes and views.
Smoke & Mirrors, #06-01, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
12. National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore
There’s no one better to helm Singapore’s national kitchen (if there was an official one) than Violet Oon, aka the grand dame of Peranakan food. Its restaurant at the Gallery is posh, complete with black marbled surfaces, gold accents, framed Peranakan tiles, and edible herb foliage. The menu is a loving tribute to our little red dot, with Indian, Hainanese, Eurasian, and of course, Peranakan flavours proudly on display.
National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore, #02-01, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
13. Courtyard Cafe & Lounge
Amidst all the fancy restaurants in National Gallery Singapore is this casual food spot serving Straits Asian fare. Enjoy your fill of familiar local dishes like mee rebus, Hainanese curry chicken with rice, and prawn hor fun soup in the gorgeous main dining room or the ‘alfresco’ area. Oh, don’t forget to grab some traditional kuehs as a palate cleanser.
Stop by Courtyard Lounge on Friday evenings, where you can kickstart the weekend by feasting on Asian-fusion tapas, downing beers and tipples, and relaxing to jazz music in the background.
Courtyard Cafe & Lounge, #01-02A, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
14. The Great Mischief
If you’re a fan of filmmaker Wes Anderson, you’ll love this space. The colours and furnishings will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into the set of The Grand Budapest Hotel. Park your bum on the fancy chairs and sink your teeth into delicacies inspired by Catalan cuisine. The afternoon tea set features savoury treats, cakes, scones, and desserts; you can top up for a single portion of the paella. Can’t decide and want some recommendations? Check out the ‘gallery favourites’ list.
The Great Mischief, #01-17, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
National Gallery Singapore guide: Fun things to get up to at the museum
15. The Gallery Store by Abry
Unlike your typical souvenir shop in a museum, this painfully hip retail space is the brilliant work of Abry, an award-winning distributor of premium lifestyle merch. Spanning the entire frontage of the ground floor at the City Hall Wing, The Gallery Store offers some drool-worthy, well-designed products you can’t resist dropping your cash on. These include prints, design collectibles, and exclusive items related to the artists featured in the museum.
The Gallery Store by Abry, Level 1 (Coleman Street entrance), National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
16. The Keppel Centre for Art Education
Got little humans in tow? This popular kid-friendly space will keep them occupied. There are seven child-centric learning zones and activities here, all revolving around the theme of Art & Wonder: Nurturing Wonder through Play and Creativity. Kiddos will be immersed in the world of art, which can help develop their imagination, critical thinking, and visual literacy skills.
The Keppel Centre for Art Education, Level 1 (City Hall Wing), National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
17. Take part in guided tours (or go on your own)
Pick up insider knowledge of the art and artefacts by going on a docent-led jaunt around the museum. Free guided tours are available daily at various times and last for 60 minutes. Reserve your slot at the Tours & Programmes counter (City Hall Wing, Level 1) or Visitor Services counter (Padang Atrium, Level 1) 30 minutes before the tour commences.
How about a special back-of-house tour? Sign up for Former Supreme Court: Unseen, Unheard, which takes place on Saturdays at 2.30pm and Sundays at 4.30pm. You’ll get a glimpse into restricted areas of the former Supreme Court and learn more about courtroom proceedings and persons on trial. Tickets cost $25 (separate from general admission).
If you’d rather not play catch-up, explore the museum on your own with the Gallery Explorer app. You can use it to plan your visit, learn more about the artworks with the audio commentary, unravel the building’s rich history, navigate your way around the museum with the live map, and share your favourite artwork on Facebook.
18. Light to Night Festival
The first of three annual night festivals in Singapore, Light to Night takes place in January alongside Singapore Art Week. Here’s when the Civic District is dressed up with cool installations, facade projections, and a festive market where visitors can feast and shop. During this period, the National Gallery Singapore runs its Gallery After Hours programme, where visitors can drop by and explore the museum after sunset.
Getting to National Gallery Singapore + insider tips
Take the East-West or North-South Lines to City Hall and follow the directions to the museum, which should be an easy, breezy, five-minute walk. If you’re taking private hire, drop off at the Coleman Street entrance. Those driving can park their vehicles at Basements 2 and 3 in the City Hall Wing.
Take note of these useful tips
- There’s free admission for persons with disabilities and one accompanying caregiver. Manual wheelchairs can be loaned free from the information counters at the Coleman Street entrance, Padang Atrium, and Basement 1.
- Every floor of the City Hall Wing (except Level 6) has an accessible restroom with automated doors operated by pressing a button beside the entrance.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum! Tourists, you don’t have to worry about using up all your data while you’re here. Connect to “Gallery Visitors” and you’re good to go.
- Are you feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed by the environment? Nip into the Calm Room (Basement 1, City Hall Wing) to take a break and clear your mind.
- There’s free entry to the museum on International Museum Day! Keep a lookout for the announcement on its social media accounts.
Opening hours: 10am to 7pm daily.
Ticket prices: Free general admission to National Gallery Singapore for citizens and permanent residents, $20 for tourists; access to special exhibitions is $15 for locals and $20 for international visitors.
National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Have fun exploring the Gallery!
