Singapore National Gallery – often referred to as the ‘Louvre of Asia’

It’s incredible to think that the National Gallery Singapore only opened its doors in November 2015. Since then, it has quickly become the premier destination for Southeast Asian art and a deep dive into Singapore’s rich history.

Here are seven key highlights:

1. A Journey Through Time

The gallery has a unique perspective on Singapore’s past. Situated in historic government and court buildings, it stands as a silent witness to the city’s transformative history.

– Lord Louis Mountbatten's historic announcement in 1945, marking the surrender of Japanese forces.
– The 1946 war crimes trials of Japanese military leaders.
– The inauguration of Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, in 1959.

Destination: Singapore

The two iconic buildings, symbols of Singapore’s colonial past, were designed by the British in the 1920s. The neoclassical City Hall, once known as the Municipal Building, opened its doors in 1929, followed by the Supreme Court a decade later.

What today’s visitors won’t witness is the time capsule hidden beneath the foundation stone of the Supreme Court Building, placed there by Governor Sir Thomas Shenton Whitelegge Thomas on April 1, 1937. The capsule, set to open in the year 3000, contains newspapers and currency from that era.

SG Old Supreme Court is a mobile app (available for iOS and Android) offering a unique and interactive way to explore the building’s history.

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2/ Rotunda Library

Following its renovation, the former law library of the Supreme Court has preserved its academic charm. With soaring columns, a domed ceiling, and restored bookshelves, it now serves as part of the Resource Centre, where visitors can explore a wealth of archival materials.

3. The Largest Painting on Display

The artwork 'Boschbrand' (Forest Fire), created by Indonesian artist Raden Saleh, is showcased on a wall by itself for a reason – it’s enormous.

Measuring an impressive 396 x 300 centimeters (13 x 9.8 feet), it stands as the largest painting in the gallery. Finished in 1849, this dramatic work portrays a chaotic scene of tigers and other creatures escaping a fiery jungle. You can find it in Gallery 2 of the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery.

4. The Largest Collection of Modern Southeast Asian Art

The National Gallery Singapore is home to over 8,000 pieces of modern Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, spanning the 19th and 20th centuries. This expansive collection showcases a wide range of styles, techniques, and artistic movements.

Among the historical pieces is Nguyen Van Nhan’s 1902 watercolor album ‘Grande tenue de la Cour d’Annam’ (Official Dress of the Vietnamese Imperial Court), which beautifully illustrates the intricate ceremonial garments.

Other notable works include politically charged pieces like Chua Mia Tee’s ‘National Language Class,’ painted in 1959 by the influential Singaporean artist.

There are also contemporary works that evoke deep emotions, such as Michael Shaowanasai’s 1997 ‘Exotic 101,’ which features a metal pole, a circular platform, and a performance video.

A Gallery Explorer app is available to guide you through the expansive exhibits, though it is currently only available for iOS users.

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5. Fun, kid-friendly sections that will make adults wish they were young again

A significant portion of the National Gallery Singapore is devoted to arts education for children and young adults. The Keppel Centre for Art Education features four unique sections.

The Art Corridor is an interactive space where children learn about patterns, colors, and rhythms through puzzles. Art Playscape offers a whimsical ‘tree house’ that feels like stepping into a giant fairytale book. The Project Gallery features an eye-catching display with a giant ark and a bus with wings hanging from the ceiling. This section also hosts events and workshop spaces filled with paper, crayons, and endless creative possibilities. Additionally, there’s a children’s museum where kids can explore the inner workings of an artist’s studio.

6. Drinks with a breathtaking view

It wouldn’t be Singapore without a variety of food and drink offerings.

True to form, the gallery offers dining options that are so remarkable, it has quickly become one of the city’s must-visit gastronomic spots. For an indulgent taste of local cuisine curated by a renowned Singaporean chef, try National Kitchen by Violet Oon.

On the upper levels, you’ll find rooftop bars like Smoke & Mirrors and the elegant Aura restaurant, both offering stunning views.

Both venues open up to the Padang Deck, which offers a panoramic view of the Padang field — once Singapore’s ‘Central Park’ during colonial times and still the site of major events like the National Day Parade.

In the distance, you can spot the low, squat roofs of the Singapore Cricket Club and Singapore Recreation Club, contrasting with the futuristic curves of Marina Bay Sands and the sleek towers of Raffles Place.

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7. The Best Museum Gift Shop in the World?

While gift shops are usually an unavoidable part of the museum experience, the National Gallery's shop is a pleasant surprise. Recognized as one of the world’s best before its official launch, the Gallery & Co. store offers a curated selection focused on local lifestyle brands, artists, and designers.

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The National Gallery Singapore is a maze of interconnected galleries, making it an ideal spot for a fulfilling half-day visit.