National Gallery Singapore

Spanning the grand, colonial-era architecture of Singapore’s former City Hall and Supreme Court, the National Gallery Singapore serves as a soaring sanctuary for over 8,000 pieces of modern Southeast Asian art.

What to expect

The museum is a masterful dialogue between heritage and modernity. Visitors typically spend their time navigating the DBS Singapore Gallery and the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery, which house sprawling permanent collections that trace the evolution of art in the region from the 19th century to the present day. You’ll see everything from the moody, ink-washed landscapes of Chen Chong Swee to the vibrant, experimental works of contemporary Filipino and Indonesian artists.

Beyond the galleries, the architecture itself is the star. The two historic buildings are united by a sweeping, futuristic canopy of aluminum and glass that filters sunlight into a soft, cathedral-like glow. For the best vantage point in the city, head to the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery. Here, you can stand among rotating contemporary installations while looking directly across the Padang toward the Marina Bay Sands skyline.

History & significance

Opened in 2015, the Gallery is a monumental example of adaptive reuse. The City Hall building, where the Japanese surrender was signed in 1945, and the former Supreme Court, with its iconic dome and Neoclassical columns, were stitched together through a $532 million architectural overhaul. It is the custodian of the world’s largest public collection of modern Southeast Asian art, successfully reclaiming a history that was often overshadowed by Western art-historical canons.

Practical tips

• Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Tickets: Entry is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. Tourists should purchase a "General Admission" pass; booking online via the official website is highly recommended to skip ticketing counter queues.
• When to visit: Arrive at 10:00 AM on a weekday to navigate the galleries in relative silence. The building is expansive, so allocate at least three to four hours.
• Pro Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes; the transition between the two buildings involves significant walking across bridge links and through connecting nodes.

Getting there

The gallery is located at 1 St Andrew's Road in the Civic District. The most seamless way to arrive is via the MRT: the City Hall station (NS25/EW13) is a five-minute walk away. Exit through City Hall MRT Exit B and follow the signs toward the Padang.

Nearby

• Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall: A short walk across the street, this beautifully restored heritage site often hosts world-class chamber music and cultural performances.
• National Kitchen by Violet Oon: Located within the gallery’s own National Gallery store, this is an excellent spot to sample high-end Peranakan cuisine (try the dry laksa) in an elegant, gold-trimmed setting.
• St. Andrew’s Cathedral: Just across the road, this pristine white Anglican cathedral offers a peaceful, Gothic-revival contrast to the bustling city center.