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Singapore

Singapore’s major museums cover art, culture and science. This cluster highlights attractions like the National Gallery, Asian Civilisations Museum, Science Centre and ArtScience Museum, which offer diverse exhibits on history, art and technology.

Welcome to Singapore, famously known as the Lion City. The name comes from a legend – a 14th-century prince thought he saw a lion on this island and called it Singapura (Lion City). In reality, no lions ever lived here, but the regal nickname stuck for this modern city-state.

Let our local expert- Adeline, a full time explorer & former marketing professional with10 years in travel and tourism- guide you through the best sights, experiences, dining, shopping, and nightlife in Singapore.

Adeline is a Singapore-based travel writer and former tourism marketing professional with over a decade of experience. She brings a local, experience-led perspective to Singapore’s food culture, neighbourhoods, green spaces, and coastal life.
With a strong interest in sustainability, wildlife, and the outdoors, Adeline focuses on clear, thoughtful storytelling that helps travellers see Singapore beyond its headline attractions.


Intro to Singapore

All Experiences

Beyond the exhibitions, the museum’s very design and mission offer deeper insights into Singapore’s blend of art, science, and innovation.

A museum that looks like a giant lotus flower perched on Marina Bay – and it’s as futuristic inside as it is on the outside. Singapore’s ArtScience Museum blends creativity and technology in ever-changing exhibitions that push the boundaries of a traditional museum visit. Instead of static displays, you’ll find digital light installations you can play with, interactive art that responds to touch, and themed galleries ranging from high art to pop culture. It’s a compact space but delivers a cutting-edge, Instagram-worthy journey at the intersection of art, science and imagination. 
- Billed as the world’s first ArtScience museum and a centerpiece of Marina Bay Sands – its avant-garde design often graces architecture magazines and travel brochures.
- Guests love the high-tech immersion – the museum’s signature digital playground (teamLab’s Future World exhibit) is frequently praised as “mind-blowing” and a hit with both kids and adults.
- Known for blockbuster exhibitions (from Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions to Marvel movie costumes) that bring art, science and pop culture together under one roof.

Singapore ArtScience Museum Admission E-Ticket

ArtScience Museum

Ever wondered if learning science can be all play and no textbooks? Singapore’s Science Centre proves it can – a sprawling complex where interactive exhibits let kids and adults alike experiment, explore and discover. From a live lightning show to hands-on puzzles and robotics labs, each hall turns scientific principles into fun, tactile experiences. Part science museum, part playground, it’s been sparking curiosity for generations and continues to delight with new exhibits and an immersive Omni-Theatre dome. 
- A beloved educational attraction since 1977 – it has inspired over four decades of Singaporean kids to fall in love with science.
- Families give it high marks for its hands-on approach; parents say the exhibits keep even easily distracted children engaged for hours on end.
- Home to Singapore’s only IMAX dome theatre (the Omni-Theatre), which enhances the experience with spectacular planetarium shows and nature films.

Science Centre Singapore: Entry Ticket

Science Centre Singapore

Beyond just viewing art, the National Gallery itself tells a story of Singapore’s history and innovation. Here are some deeper insights:

An art museum of superlatives set inside two national monuments in the heart of the Civic District. The National Gallery Singapore holds Southeast Asia’s largest public collection of modern art, displayed within the grand former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings. Strolling through its vast halls, visitors encounter iconic works by Singaporean and regional artists while marveling at the beautifully restored colonial architecture overhead. Beyond the exhibitions, the Gallery’s rooftop views over Marina Bay and its chic restaurants make it as much a social destination as a cultural one. 
- Hailed by Condé Nast Traveler as one of Asia’s must-visit museums, thanks to its unparalleled collection of 8,000+ Southeast Asian artworks.
- Visitors love the blend of art and architecture – many say the magnificently restored courtrooms and rotundas are as inspiring as the paintings on display.
- Winner of the Best Attraction Experience at the 2017 Singapore Tourism Awards, ahead of heavyweight attractions like Gardens by the Bay and the ArtScience Museum.

National Gallery Singapore: Fast Track Ticket

National Gallery Singapore

Museums

Singapore’s art scene spans traditional and contemporary works in public and private galleries. This cluster includes places like the National Gallery, NAFA Campus Gallery and ArtScience Museum, as well as the street art district around Haji Lane. Together they showcase visual art across different styles and settings.

Haji Lane (Street Art District).webp

Haji Lane (Street Art District)1.webp

Haji Lane (Street Art District)

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Gillman Barracks (Art Galleries Cluster)

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STPI Creative Workshop & Gallery(.webp

Founded in 2002 and housed in a repurposed 19th-century warehouse, STPI is a 4,000-sq m hub for printmaking. International artists collaborate here in residencies, using its paper mill and specialized presses to experiment.

STPI Creative Workshop & Gallery

Art Galleries

Housed in two landmark colonial buildings reborn as an art museum, this gallery celebrates Southeast Asia’s art heritage on a monumental scale. It stands at the heart of Singapore’s civic district, bridging history and modern creativity. 
High-ceilinged halls echo with hushed footsteps on polished floors. Cool air carries a hint of antique wood and new canvas. Soft gallery lighting draws your eyes from one vibrant artwork to the next in serene silence. 
- Houses the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian modern art
- Winner of President’s Design Award & URA Heritage Award (2015)
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice – top-rated museum in SG

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Highlights

Deep Dive

• Time Capsule – A time capsule lies under the Supreme Court’s cornerstone (placed in 1937 with newspapers and coins), scheduled to be opened in the year 3000

• Twin Domes – The Supreme Court wing has two domes: the larger exterior dome (now patina green with age) and a smaller dome inside which housed the old law library, now the Rotunda Library & Archive

• City Hall Chamber – In this very building, Lee Kuan Yew and Singapore’s first cabinet were sworn in (1959) and the Japanese surrender in WWII was accepted (1945) – events that shaped Singapore’s history

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Did You Know?

The Gallery spans two National Monuments (City Hall and Supreme Court) fused into one venue by architects Studio Milou. The former City Hall was where important events like the swearing-in of Singapore’s first Prime Minister took place

• Historic merger

A modern filigreed glass canopy (inspired by tropical leaves) now drapes over the buildings, filtering natural light into the atrium and symbolizing the blend of old and new

• Architectural adaptation

With 8,000+ works, it’s the largest public Southeast Asian art collection. The curation often juxtaposes Singaporean art with neighboring countries, highlighting shared themes and diverging histories

• Art focus

Inside you can find preserved courtroom interiors (like the Chief Justice’s office and chambers) and even viewing galleries from the Supreme Court, carefully integrated as part of exhibitions

• Preservation

Explore Deeper

• Gallery & Co Café (Level 1) – hip café and museum gift shop in one, offering local coffee, pastries and light meals amid art-inspired merchandise

• Smoke & Mirrors (Level 6) – chic rooftop bar with panoramic views over the Padang and skyline; great for an evening drink after gallery hours

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Food & Coffee Shops

• Plan at least half a day if you’re an art lover – the gallery is huge (two wings, many levels)

• Free admission for Singapore citizens/PRs to most exhibits (tourists require tickets, but first Friday nights of the month are sometimes free entry for all)

• Bags can get heavy: use the free lockers at the entrance lobby to store backpacks for a more comfortable visit

Insider Tips

• Layout: Two wings (City Hall and former Supreme Court) connected by glass walkways; use the color-coded museum map to navigate floors and galleries

• Wayfinding: Galleries are numbered and zones clearly labeled (e.g., DBS Singapore Gallery for local art, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery for regional art) – follow the numbering systematically to cover everything

• Must-see spots: Don’t miss the rooftop viewing deck (Padang Deck) on Level 6 of City Hall Wing – an open terrace with sculptures and city views

• Accessibility: Elevators serve all floors; the grand staircases are impressive but you can use lifts if mobility is a concern. Staff/docents are around to guide or answer questions

Internal Navigation

Know Before You Go

- • Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW13/NS25) – about 5 minutes walk via Exit B or C (follow signs to National Gallery)
- • Taxi/Grab: Drop off at “National Gallery Singapore” along Coleman Street, which is the main entrance with ramp access
- • Multiple entrances: Coleman Street Entrance (main) is open till midnight, Parliament Place Entrance on the side (also 10am–midnight), and Padang Atrium entrance (open during museum hours)

Getting There & Entrances

- • Washrooms: Every level has restrooms (including accessible toilets); water fountains are near many restroom areas
- • Lockers & Strollers: Free lockers (self-service) at Basement 1; baby strollers and wheelchairs available to loan at visitor services
- • Dining: Several options on-site – casual café in the ground floor, a rooftop bar and a fine dining restaurant (reservations recommended for the restaurant)

Amenities

Know Your FactsOnce You Reach

Approx Price For Two

Best Places to try

Cuisine

Operating Hours

Popular Drinks

Signature Dishes

Snapshot

Tips

What it is

Once You Reach

Persona Fit

• Flash photography is prohibited in galleries, so use steady hands or higher ISO for art shots in low light

• The architecture itself is photogenic – don’t miss snapping the grand staircases and the modern lattice roof atrium

• For a unique shot, go to the rooftop sculpture garden: you can frame the modern art with Singapore’s skyline in the background

Photography Tips

Yes – the Gallery offers complimentary guided tours in English at scheduled times each day. Check at the information counter when you arrive; typically tours of the main highlights run late morning and mid-afternoon. No pre-booking is required for public tours (first-come, first-served).

Are guided tours available at the Gallery?

Non-flash photography for personal use is allowed in most gallery spaces. However, flash and tripods are not permitted, and certain special exhibitions or artworks may have no-photography signs (honor those to protect the art). It’s best to disable flash and be mindful of other visitors when taking photos.

Can I take photographs inside the National Gallery?

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Plan Your Visit

Pro Tips

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Asian Civilisations Museum — a short walk across the green, showcasing pan-Asian art and artifacts

St. Andrew’s Cathedral — the city’s oldest cathedral, right next door, known for its neo-Gothic architecture and serenity

Esplanade Park — historic waterfront park nearby featuring memorials and a lovely path toward the Bay

Things To Do Nearby

Visit the National Gallery Singapore that houses the largest collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art in the world. See over 9,000 artworks that showcase the nation's rich artistic heritage.

Admire the architecture of the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings. Enjoy art, culture, and dining, all in one destination.

View the newly added special exhibition *Into the Modern: Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston*, which is Southeast Asia’s largest Impressionist showcase.

Stop by the National Gallery, which boasts a staggering 64,000 m2 of artworks, installations, and regularly updated exhibitions.

Download the multilingual Gallery Explorer app and see the permanent collection and rotating exhibitions that feature major Singapore artists like Georgette Chen, Chen Chong Swee, Chen Wen Hsi, Cheong Soo Pieng, and Liu Kang.

You'll also get to see the best of Southeast Asia, with works from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Singapore: National Gallery Singapore

Persona Fit

Highlights

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Adeline Ee

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Once You Reach

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