
Expect more than 20 free (!) events and activities for everyone when the National Gallery Singapore opens its doors this month with an epic fortnight-long celebration
National Gallery Singapore has been a long time coming, but it’s finally, finally opening its grand doors to all on the 24 November 2015. Given that it’s the first museum in the world dedicated to Southeast Asian modern art, and the fact that it’s housed within two massive national monuments (the former Supreme Court and City Hall), you’d expect the celebration to be epic – and boy oh boy it really is.
Hold on to your hats, people: the National Gallery Singapore’s opening festival is running for two whole weeks – from 24 November to 6 December 2015 – and there are plenty to see and do even if you’re not into art. Here are our editor’s picks:
Share the Hope Façade Show
Generously sponsored by Cartier, this spectacular audio-visual production on the façade of National Gallery Singapore is guaranteed to blow your mind with its amazing moving displays of famed artworks.
27-29 Nov, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm
Padang Art Carnival
The opening festival is so massive; the party is spilling to the Padang across the road. There will be five big carnival tents erected on the green, each with a theme. Interact with huge art installations at the “Family & Community” tent (yes, touching is allowed); eat and drink in the “Food & Beverage” tent; forage for food in a simulated war scenario at the “Adversity & Conflict” tent; draw on the walls of the “Passion” tent; and try your hand at urban farming at the “Rebirth & Peace” tent.
27-29 Nov, 5pm-midnight
Storybooths
Articulate your secrets, dreams, and thoughts in a confessional-like booth to an artist from the Organisation of Illustrators Council, who will interpret them into a unique piece of artwork for you to take home.
28-29 Nov, 1-4pm at the Supreme Court Wing, Level 4M, Supreme Court Terrace
Memora(film)ia: Random Acts of Remembering
Three short films – namely Study of A Singaporean Face by Kan Lumé and Megan Wonowidjoyo; Bila Larut Malam (In the Still of the Night) by Sanif Olek; and Silent Light by Liao Jiekai – have been specially commissioned to realise the opening festival’s theme of memory and hope. This debut collection is part of an annual film commission series titled readings, which features the world premieres of Southeast Asian short films on the art in the Gallery.
27-29 Nov, 4-6 Dec, top of each hour from 10am-10pm; 30 Nov-3 Dec, top of each hour from 10am-6pm at Supreme Court Wing, Level 5, Theatrette
Art Forum 1: The Exceptional and the Exemplary. Stories from National Gallery Singapore’s Permanent Exhibitions of Southeast Asian and Singapore Art
A panel consisting of curators, an artist and a researcher will share the stories behind five key artworks on display in the Gallery’s permanent exhibitions, and how their themes evolve from the 19th century to the present. Clueless but keen to know more about local art? Start with this great crash course.
24 Nov, 2-4.30pm at City Hall Wing, B1, Auditorium
Essential Information
- National Gallery Singapore’s Opening Celebrations is from 24 November to 6 December 2015.
- Exhibition opening hours are from 10am to 7pm from Monday to Thursday; 10am-11pm from Friday to Sunday.
- Admission is free, but tickets are required to enter the Gallery (for crowd control), and registration is required for some activities. Tickets can be booked online from now till 6 December, 5pm here. A maximum of five tickets can be made per booking.
- From 7 December 2015, Singapore Citizens/PRs and children 6 years old and under enter free (except selected Special Exhibitions). Tickets are priced at $20 for non-Singaporeans, $15 for concession holders and children between 7-12 years old. Tickets are required for entry into all exhibition galleries and Keppel Centre for Art Education and can be obtained online and at Gallery Ticketing Counters at level B1.
- Download the Gallery Explorer Mobile App to enhance your experience at the museum!
For a full run-down of events and activities, as well as more information on National Gallery Singapore, visit its website.