About National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore is a major art museum located in the Downtown Core's Civic District, housed in the restored former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings. Opened in 2015, it oversees the largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art, with over 8,000 works. The gallery is notable for its conserved national monuments, extensive permanent galleries, and its role as a leading institution for Southeast Asian art history and research.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore two national monuments - the former Supreme Court and City Hall - linked by modern architecture, housing extensive permanent and temporary exhibition galleries. Expect large collections of Singapore and Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to present, including the DBS Singapore Gallery and UOB Southeast Asia Gallery, plus rooftop terraces with city views, the Keppel Centre for Art Education for families, dining options, museum shops, and guided tours throughout the conserved historic interiors.
Key highlights
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DBS Singapore Gallery showcasing Singapore art from 19th century to present
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UOB Southeast Asia Gallery with Southeast Asian modern art collection
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Historic former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings - both National Monuments
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Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery and Supreme Court Terrace with panoramic city views
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Keppel Centre for Art Education - interactive family and children's art space
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Rotating special exhibitions and installations by regional and international artists
History of National Gallery Singapore
Housed in two National Monuments - the former Supreme Court (built 1937-1939) and City Hall (built 1926-1929) in the Civic District. Both buildings played central roles in Singapore's colonial and post-independence history. The Gallery was officially opened on 24 November 2015 after a major restoration and integration project to create Southeast Asia's largest visual arts institution.
Culture & Context
Holds the largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art with over 8,000 artworks, serving as a leading institution for research, display and education on Southeast Asian art history and cultural heritage. It presents the development of Singapore and regional art from the 19th century to present day.