National Gallery Singapore
Singapore · Singapore · Founded 2015
Good for: Art Lovers · First-timers · Architecture enthusiasts
2015
Opened
8,000+
Works in Collection
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
National Gallery Singapore in Singapore, Singapore — national Gallery Singapore opened in 2015 inside the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, unified beneath a sculptural wave-like glass and steel canopy designed by studioMilou and CPG Consultants. Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Admission: ✓ S$20 standard adult admission; free for Singapore citizens and PRs. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore opened in 2015 inside the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, unified beneath a sculptural wave-like glass and steel canopy. It holds the world's largest public collection of modern Southeast Asian and Singapore art.
The DBS Singapore Gallery and UOB Southeast Asia Gallery present 19th- and 20th-century art from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the region. Raden Saleh's Forest Fire, Liu Kang's Life by the River, and Georgette Chen's still lifes are collection anchors.
The former Supreme Court chamber and City Hall's staircase are preserved within the museum. A glass bridge connects the two buildings under the canopy. The rooftop terrace and Aura restaurant offer skyline views over the Padang and Marina Bay.
Singapore citizens and PRs enter free; standard adult admission is S$20 for tourists.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at National Gallery Singapore without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
Life by the River
📍 DBS Singapore Gallery, Level 2
Liu Kang's batik-influenced scene of kampung life — a foundational work of the Nanyang School and a defining image of Singapore modern art.
- 2
Forest Fire
📍 UOB Southeast Asia Gallery
Raden Saleh's dramatic Javanese lions and tigers fleeing a forest fire — painted in Europe, a masterpiece of 19th-century Southeast Asian art.
- 3
Still Life with Cut Apple and Orange
📍 DBS Singapore Gallery
Georgette Chen's luminous still life — the Shanghai-born, Paris-trained artist who became a pillar of the Nanyang School in Singapore.
- 4
Former Supreme Court Chamber
📍 Supreme Court Wing
The restored courtroom where war-crimes trials were held — preserved within the museum with original furnishings and a history of Singapore's legal system.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define National Gallery Singapore — and why they matter.
Life by the River
Liu Kang · 1975
📍 DBS Singapore Gallery, Level 2
Liu Kang's batik-influenced scene of kampung life — a foundational work of the Nanyang School and a defining image of Singapore modern art.
Forest Fire
Raden Saleh · 1849
📍 UOB Southeast Asia Gallery
Raden Saleh's dramatic Javanese lions and tigers fleeing a forest fire — painted in Europe, a masterpiece of 19th-century Southeast Asian art.
Still Life with Cut Apple and Orange
Georgette Chen · c. 1950s
📍 DBS Singapore Gallery
Georgette Chen's luminous still life — the Shanghai-born, Paris-trained artist who became a pillar of the Nanyang School in Singapore.
Former Supreme Court Chamber
Architecture · 1939
📍 Supreme Court Wing
The restored courtroom where war-crimes trials were held — preserved within the museum with original furnishings and a history of Singapore's legal system.
Collections & highlights
- • Singapore art — Liu Kang, Chen Wen Hsi, Cheong Soo Pieng
- • Southeast Asian modern art — Raden Saleh, Affandi
- • Georgette Chen still lifes and portraits
- • Former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings
- • Wave-like glass canopy by studioMilou
- • Rooftop terrace views over Marina Bay
- • Rotating contemporary exhibitions
Frequently asked questions
Are the two buildings connected?
Yes — a glass bridge inside the canopy lets visitors walk seamlessly between the former Supreme Court and City Hall.
Is there a rooftop?
Yes, the rooftop terrace and Aura restaurant offer some of the best skyline views in the civic district.
How long should I spend at National Gallery Singapore?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is National Gallery Singapore best known for?
National Gallery Singapore opened in 2015 inside the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, unified beneath a sculptural wave-like glass and steel canopy designed by studioMilou and CPG Consultants. Key highlights include Liu Kang's 'Life by the River', Georgette Chen still lifes and portraits, Raden Saleh's 'Forest Fire'.
How do I get tickets for National Gallery Singapore?
✓ S$20 standard adult admission; free for Singapore citizens and PRs Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/
Is the rooftop worth visiting?
The rooftop terrace offers some of the best views of the Padang, Marina Bay, and the civic district. Aura restaurant on the roof is popular — book for sunset views.
What is the Nanyang School?
A Singapore-Malaysia art movement blending Chinese ink traditions with Southeast Asian subjects and some Western technique — Liu Kang, Chen Wen Hsi, and Cheong Soo Pieng were leading figures. The gallery holds the definitive collection.
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