National Gallery Singapore

A monumental blend of colonial architecture and Southeast Asian art

National Gallery Singapore occupies two landmark buildings—the former Supreme Court (1939) and City Hall (1929)—both preserved as national monuments. These neoclassical structures flank the Civic District and have been subtly reimagined as a cultural hub that centers Southeast Asian modern art at its heart.

Architecture: A Dialogue of Eras

The gallery connects two heritage buildings through a vaulted golden canopy supported by delicate tree-like columns. Designed by Studio Milou and CPG Consultants, this signature canopy bathes the interiors in dappled light and unifies the site without altering the original facades.

Beneath the preserved Supreme Court rotunda, sunlight filters through the dome’s oculus, illuminating the restored law library architecture.
City Hall retains its dignified chambers, including the one where independence was declared in 1959.

Southeast Asian Art in Focus

Nestled within this architectural frame is the largest public collection of Southeast Asian modern art, numbering over 8,000 pieces. Highlights include works by Georgette Chen, Raden Saleh, Latiff Mohidin, and Liu Kang, tracing artistic narratives across the region.

Key galleries:

DBS Singapore Gallery (City Hall wing): Features Singaporean art from the 19th century onward.
UOB Southeast Asia Gallery (Supreme Court wing): Showcases a rotating regional collection including thematic series such as “Between Declarations and Dreams.”

It also houses the Keppel Centre for Art Education, a designated space for interactive learning and creative public programming.