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Visitors to the National Gallery Singapore should explore the extensive collection of Southeast Asian and Singaporean art, including works by renowned artists like Georgette Chen and Liu Kang. Don't miss the special exhibitions, as well as the breathtaking architecture of the building, which integrates two national monuments – the former Supreme Court and City Hall.
Formerly St. Joseph's Institution, the National Gallery Singapore is the world's first art museum dedicated to the exhibition and study of Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present day, establishing Singapore's position in the international visual arts landscape. Its collection of over 400 works of art represents the world's largest collection of local and contemporary Southeast Asian art. From exhibition scale to state-of-the-art gallery facilities, the National Gallery Singapore is a leader in Southeast Asia, showcasing the most innovative ideas. The museum also hosts the biennial Singapore Biennale. The DBS Singapore Gallery, a permanent exhibition hall within the museum, showcases seminal works from Singaporean art history, offering valuable research opportunities.
All seasons
1-3 hours
56-89 yuan (Ticket prices for regular and special pavilions are different)
10:00-21:00 (January 1st - Friday, December 31st)
10:00-19:00 (Saturday-Thursday, January 1st-December 31st)
The National Gallery Singapore is housed in two iconic buildings – the former Supreme Court and City Hall. It is the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The gallery showcases the cultural and artistic heritage of the region, with a focus on Singapore’s history and development through art.
Located at the heart of Singapore’s Civic District, the National Gallery Singapore is easily accessible via the City Hall MRT Station (East-West Line and North-South Line). Buses, taxis, and walking are also convenient options from nearby landmarks like Raffles City and the Merlion Park.
The gallery is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are weekdays, particularly in the mornings when the gallery is less crowded. Special events or exhibitions may cause busier times on weekends.
The standard adult ticket price is around SGD 20, with discounts available for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the gallery or online through the official website. Entry to certain exhibitions may have additional fees.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but is recommended, especially for special exhibitions or events, typically a few days before your visit.
You should allocate around 2-3 hours to fully explore the National Gallery Singapore, especially if you're interested in the art collections, exhibits, and the architecture. For a deeper experience, including guided tours, 4-5 hours would be ideal.
Must-see highlights include the DBS Singapore Gallery, which showcases the history of Singaporean art, and the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery, with works from across the region. Don’t miss the stunning rooftop view of the city from the gallery’s rooftop garden.
Guided tours are available in English, and audio guides can be rented in multiple languages including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. These are a great way to enhance your understanding of the exhibitions and the building’s history.
The best photography spots include the gallery’s rooftop, which offers a panoramic view of the city, and the main atrium, where the natural light and grand architecture create a stunning setting. The artwork itself also provides great opportunities for photography.
Start your visit in the Singaporean art galleries, followed by the Southeast Asian collection. Be sure to check out the special exhibitions, and end your visit with a walk around the rooftop garden for a view of the surrounding area.
The gallery occasionally hosts special evening events and exhibitions, and the rooftop garden is beautifully lit at night. Check the gallery’s website for any upcoming nighttime events or light shows.
The National Gallery Singapore can get crowded on weekends and during special events. Weekdays, especially in the mornings, tend to be quieter and are the best times to visit if you prefer a more relaxed experience.
The gallery offers toilets, a café, a restaurant, and a shop where visitors can purchase art books and souvenirs. There are also several rest areas where you can relax during your visit.
Yes, the National Gallery Singapore is fully accessible for elderly visitors, children, and people with disabilities. There are ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets throughout the gallery.
Both cash and card payments are accepted at the gallery for tickets, purchases, and donations. Mobile payments (like Apple Pay and Google Pay) are also widely accepted.
Inside the gallery, you can find the National Kitchen by Violet Oon, offering Singaporean cuisine, and the Caffé Cino. Nearby, there are numerous restaurants, such as those in Raffles City Shopping Mall and the Fullerton Hotel, offering international and local cuisine.
Yes, there are several vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available both inside the gallery (National Kitchen by Violet Oon) and nearby at restaurants in Raffles City and the Fullerton Hotel.
Nearby accommodations include luxurious options like The Fullerton Hotel and Swissotel The Stamford. Budget options are also available in the Civic District and Marina Bay areas, such as Ibis Singapore and Hotel G Singapore.
Nearby attractions include the Singapore Flyer, Merlion Park, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and the Singapore River. All these can easily be combined for a full day of sightseeing.
The gallery has a gift shop that offers a variety of art-related souvenirs, including books, prints, postcards, and unique pieces of local craftsmanship. Nearby shopping malls, such as Raffles City, also offer typical Singaporean souvenirs.
After visiting the gallery, you can take the MRT from City Hall Station, which connects to several lines for easy travel to other parts of the city. Alternatively, taxis or buses are also readily available for further exploration.
