Here’s a guide to the National Gallery Singapore that will make your visit less overwhelming
If you can only visit one museum or art gallery in Singapore, then let it be the National Gallery Singapore. This is arguably the largest public museum in Singapore—with a combined floor area of 64,000 square meters and holding more than 9,000 items!
I think a few hours aren’t enough to explore this place fully. There are just too many areas to check out—even just to gawk at it for its architectural marvel—and interesting exhibitions to attend. There’s even a Michelin-starred restaurant here!
If you want to visit, block out a day or two on your calendar. And feel free to use this guide so you won’t get lost!
Things to Know
Address: 1 St. Andrew’s Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6562717000
Website
How to Get Here
By MRT: If you prefer riding the MRT, you have three options.
- You can take the train to the City Hall MRT station, take Exit B, and it’s a 7-minute walk to the Gallery.
- You can also alight at the Clarke Quay station, take Exit B, and enjoy a 10-minute stroll along the Singapore River before reaching your destination.
- The last option is to alight at the Raffles Place station, take Exit B, and walk through the business district for 10 minutes to reach the Gallery.
By bus: Ride any of the following buses: 63, 51, 80, 32, and 851. These buses will stop opposite Peninsula Plaza, which is just five minutes away from the Gallery on foot. Enter the Gallery through the Coleman Street entrance.
By car: Parking is available at the Gallery. It’s at Basements 1 and 2.
Admission Fee
All local citizens and permanent residents in Singapore receive free entry to the gallery (it’s one of the many free local museums). They only have to pay S$15 if they want access to a special exhibition.
As for foreign residents and tourists, here are the admission fee prices:
- General Admission: S$20
- Special Exhibition: S$25
- All Access (access to all galleries and exhibitions): $30
- Concession Rates (for children aged 7–12, seniors aged 60 and above, full-time National Servicemen [excluding foreign personnel], and overseas students and teachers from qualifying institutions): S$5 off the standard price
Facilities and Amenities
To make your experience as comfortable, here are some of the facilities and amenities available inside the Gallery.
- Free Wi-Fi is available within the Gallery’s premises.
- There are lockers available for rent at B1, City Hall Wing.
- If you’re thirsty, there are drinking fountains next to the restrooms on nearly every floor.
- If you’re bringing a baby, changing rooms are located in the City Hall Wing, on every floor except Level 6.
- There’s parking for strollers available at the entrance of Keppel Center for Art Education (Level 1).
- You can borrow wheelchairs for free at any of the Visitor Services Counters, which are located at the Coleman Street entrance, Padang Atrium entrance, and B1 Concourse.
Etiquette
Last but not least, you need to familiarize yourself with the gallery rules so that you won’t cause any trouble. Here are the most important ones to keep in mind:
- Don’t touch any of the pieces of artwork. Some of these pieces are old, and even clean hands can damage them.
- Try to be as quiet as possible. If you must talk, speak in soft tones. Also, please turn your phone on silent mode and don’t answer calls inside the Gallery.
- Food and drinks (including bottled water) aren’t allowed at any of the galleries.
- No flash photography or videography is allowed in the galleries. You also can’t bring selfie sticks and tripods inside.
- Still photography is allowed, but only for personal (non-commercial) use.
- Pencil sketching is allowed here, but your sketchbook has to be no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches (22 by 28 cm). Also, you can only use pencils; charcoal, pastels, permanent markers, watercolour, and oil paint are prohibited inside.
- If you want to sketch, please sit down on any of the benches; don’t just sit on the floor. You can also borrow a stool for free from the Visitor Services Counter at B1 Concourse.
Architecture and History
Former Supreme Court
From: davidtorrance1977
The National Gallery Singapore is best known for its vast collections of Singaporean and Southeast Asian works, but it’s also noted for its stunning architecture and interesting history.
The gallery used to be the Supreme Court, and you can see that from the way the neoclassical building looks imposing from the outside. Before entering, you can marvel at the Corinthian columns that loom over you.
Inside, elements of the former Supreme Court remain. There’s the lobby with a carved wood-panel ceiling and contemporary Art Deco-style handrails, light fixtures, and flooring. There’s also the terrace with a filigree canopy that scatters light everywhere.
City Hall Chamber
From: nationalgallerysingapore
The National Gallery also used to be a municipal building, and to this day, it still has the City Hall chamber inside. Every time I step a foot inside the chamber, my jaw drops at the sight of the Siena marble columns with their bronze capitals.
Learning the history of this chamber has made me appreciate it even more. This was where the signing of the Japanese forces’ surrender happened on September 12, 1945, and where the first Singaporean cabinet was sworn in.
It’s so cool that this room has been preserved!
Rotunda Library and Archive
From: nationalgallerysingapore
As a massive bibliophile, the Rotunda Library and Archive has to be my favourite room in this gallery. Nestled in the Supreme Court Wing, this library has a circular layout with marbled columns and dark wooden shelves.
I also love how the desks are laid out in a circular manner, with one circular table in the centre. The desks are also made of dark, sturdy wood, so every time I sit here with a book to peruse, I feel like a true scholar!
Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden
From: nationalgallerysingapore
Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden is almost like the gallery’s well-kept secret because it’s so underrated. This rooftop garden is a sanctuary with lush greenery, reflective pools of water, and scenic views of downtown Singapore.
Of course, since this is still within the gallery’s premises, you can expect art installations here. In fact, I’ve noticed that this is where bigger art installations are usually held, and they’re always fascinating to see.
My favourite installation here has to be Shilpa Gupta’s Untitled, which is a large-scale inflatable of what looks like two humans break-dancing. There have been other crazier installations here, which is why I look forward to coming here.
Padang Atrium
From: nationalgallerysingapore
Sometimes, I feel like going to the Padang Atrium and just drinking in the gorgeous view of the gallery’s interior. For the best view, head to the bridge, which links the City Hall and Supreme Court Wings, and you’ll feel like a deity presiding over a beautiful world.
If you’re an architecture enthusiast, then you might enjoy this place more because the vantage point lets you see the finer details of the gallery’s design. From the intricate carving of the Wing walls to the filigree canopy, there’s so much to examine here.
Collections to Check Out
Artwork Collection
From: nationalgallerysingapore
The Artwork Collection is the primary collection here—and the one the gallery is best known for. It has over 9,000 pieces of artwork that hail from different Southeast Asian countries and encompass different time periods (specifically, from the 19th century to the modern day).
I’m a big fan of 19th-century oil paintings, especially Juan Luna’s España y Filipinas. I also really like the works made in the 1970s and 1980s. They tend to be more abstract, and it’s fun trying to analyse the shapes and come up with my own interpretation.
Library
From: districtsixtyfive
The Rotunda Library and Archive features mostly print publications (e.g., books, magazines, and newspapers) and exhibition catalogues centred on the topics of modern art, general art history, and museum studies.
Most people who come here are students or experts doing extensive research, but even casual art enthusiasts like myself are free to come here and check out the collection. I’ve really enjoyed my time reading up on Chinese art; its history is so fascinating!
Oh, and the best part about the Rotunda Library is that there are photocopying services. This is great because you can’t lend the materials, so if there’s a section of a book or magazine you really like, you can just photocopy it for a small fee!
Archives
From: nationalgallerysingapore
I love the art here, but I have to say that the Archives is my favourite. This collection features photographs, letters, sketches, diaries, and manuscripts of renowned artists; plus, it also houses rare publications and even experimental films!
These archived materials provide so much insight into the life of an artist. Some diaries even go into detail about the trials they suffered when creating their masterpiece, and reading that makes me feel like these great artists are just like me (well, except for their skill).
The archived videos are intriguing as well. I’m not much of a cinephile, but seeing these rare movies got me into a mental spiral. Just think how many movies weren’t archived because their original copy got destroyed!
Exhibitions to Check Out
Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art
From: thebeaulife.co
One of the ongoing exhibitions you can check out now is Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art. This exhibition covers Singapore’s long and ever-changing history, so you’ll see old paintings and modern artwork.
Every time I browse this exhibition, I’m inundated with questions like “What is art for? Who is this intended for? Is Singapore really my home?” Having all these questions is overwhelming, but I do love the introspection they provide.
Between Declarations and Dreams: Art of Southeast Asia Since the 19th Century
From: artasiapacific
Another ongoing exhibition that you must see at the Gallery is Between Declarations and Dreams. This one focuses on works that grapple with personal identity, traditions, and the effects of the region’s tumultuous history.
Considering the topics explored here, this exhibition also gives me an existential crisis. To be more specific, the Imagining Country and Self section has me questioning how history has warped my perception of myself and my country.
There’s also the Authority and Anxiety section, which shows how art can be used as a tool for dissent during drastic political and cultural changes.
Laws of Our Land: Foundations of a New Nation
From: nationalgallerysingapore
Ongoing until 2029, Laws of Our Land: Foundations of a New Nation is all about the three pivotal laws that helped shape and modernize Singapore. These laws are Citizenship Ordinance, Women’s Charter, and Employment Act.
I appreciate this exhibition because I admittedly didn’t know much about these laws and how they’re so influential. This exhibition involves a lot of reading, but there are also QR codes that lead me to an interactive game of sorts.
For example, one interactive experience has me engaging with a servant girl and a citizen voter in the 1959 general elections. This lets me learn about the history behind the passing of Singapore’s landmark laws in a much more fun way.
Short-Term Exhibitions
From: nationalgallerysingapore
As much as I love the ongoing exhibitions at the Gallery, I’m also thrilled that there are several other exhibitions that are only available for a limited time. These exhibitions are usually smaller in scale, but they’re definitely still as interesting.
As of writing, one that I really like is GLISTEN by Lisa Reihana, which is available until July 13, 2025. This one is an art installation held at the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden, and it’s made with 114,000 shimmer discs! It’s so pretty, especially in the morning because the sunlight makes the entire work sparkle.
Family Fun: Keppel Center for Art Education
From: nationalgallerysingapore
If you have a child (or several children), then one place within the Gallery that you need to check out is the Keppel Center for Art Education. This spot is where the family-friendly activities are held, and from what I hear, they’re always fun!
This centre has several activity areas and learning studios, each having its own quirks. Currently, these are the ones you must check out:
- A Brush with Forest Fire. Inspired by Raden Saleh’s Boschbrand (Forest Fire), this room is a fantastical and immersive experience that takes children through a forest-like world.
- Illuminate! Here, you can explore abstract art with your little ones. You’ll be provided with artistic materials, so feel free to experiment with colours, shapes, and more.
- Makers Studio. This is another room within the centre where you can create art with your children.
- Portrait Gallery. Make your own self-portrait here or draw one for your child! You can experiment with different emotions if you want something more exciting.
- Book Nook. This colourful spot is perfect if you and your child want to relax and get lost in a book for a little while.
- Calm Pod. This is another perfect place to rest. In particular, this is best suited for children who get overstimulated fast. The environment is soothing, so they can regulate their feelings and calm down in no time.
Aside from all these fun rooms, this centre also hosts exciting ticketed activities from time to time. One such activity is Art Alive!, which happens every second Saturday of the month. In this program, you’ll be bringing art to life through drama and storytelling.
Guided Tours
From: nationalgallerysingapore
To make your visit to the National Gallery Singapore more memorable, I recommend you join a guided tour. It lets you explore the museum with a docent who’s knowledgeable about the history and the art displayed.
Plus, the guided tours are free! You just have to come at the right time to make it. Here are the different guided tours you can join.
Self-Guided Tours
From: nationalgallerysingapore
You can also choose to explore the gallery by yourself, and if that’s what you prefer, I recommend trying any of the self-guided tours curated by the Gallery staff themselves.
The Ultimate First-Timer Guide is the best tour if you’re new to the Gallery because it takes you through the museum’s best locations and iconic art pieces.
If you just want to enjoy the Gallery’s beautiful architecture, then try the IG Worthy Trail. With this trail, you’ll definitely take a lot of gorgeous photos, perfect for your feed.
Where to Shop
The Gallery Store by ABRY
From: thegallerystorebyabry
Location: City Hall Wing
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6588696970
Website
Do you want to get something from the Gallery as a memento of your visit? Then, I recommend you stop by The Gallery Store by ABRY.
What I love about this store is they don’t just offer your typical souvenirs like boring mugs and dinnerware. But they also sell unique artwork pieces; some art is even featured on postcards, magnets, and apparel.
I’m a big fan of the tote bag with Lim Tze Peng’s oil painting Chinese Junks. The art is still vivid and beautiful, and the tote bag itself is pretty durable.
Where to Dine
National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore
From: violetoonsingapore
Location: #02-01
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6598349935
Website
Violet Oon is a beloved restaurant chain in Singapore that specialises in local and Nyonya cuisine. I mostly visit the outlet at Dempsey Hill, but the National Kitchen at the National Gallery is also great.
My favourite dish is the Daging Chabek Beef Cheek. The beef cheek has been slowly braised, so the meat is incredibly tender and savoury. The gravy is also fantastic; it’s made with tamarind, palm sugar, and coconut, so it’s creamy, sweet, and sour.
This restaurant also has high tea, which features iconic Nyonya treats like chilli crabs and different types of kueh (rice cakes).
Odette
From: odetterestaurant
Location: #01-04
Operating Hours:
- Monday—6:30 pm to 8 pm
- Tuesday to Saturday—12 pm to 1:15 pm, 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6563850498
Website
If you’re in the mood for fine dining, then you can’t go wrong with Odette. This European restaurant is Michelin-starred, so it’s safe to expect nothing but greatness here.
French cuisine is the specialty here, and the menu is prix fixe and changes often.
The last time I came, the highlight was the entree, which was pigeon (yes, pigeon!). It was my first time trying pigeon, and it tasted great, much to my surprise. It was rich in umami, and it came with a pepper crust that added a kick of spice.