Think there is no place to visit in Singapore? Go wake up your imagination in National Gallery Singapore. It is actually sit on the historical former Supreme Court and City Hall Building.
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama Exhibition is in town – Life Is The Heart Of A Rainbow.
Yayoi Kusama an 88 Years old Japanese female artist, best know for her polka dots art work was in town. I saw her work in Japan Matsumoto Art Museum 2 years ago. I still remembered we have to enter from one dark room to another. Every time we entered a room, there is a big ‘wow’ and big surprises from us. Really amazing.
Kusama Yayoi on polka dots:
a polka-dot has the form of the sun, which is a symbol of the energy of the whole world and our living life, and also the form of the moon, which is calm. Round, soft, colorful, senseless and unknowing. Polka-dots become movement … Polka dots are a way to infinity. – Kusama Yayoi
There is more than an hour wait to get your ticket for Yayoi Kusama special Exhibition on Sunday afternoon. In addition to that, you still need to wait for quite a while to enter the Yayoi Kusama Exhibition Hall. We were shocked by the long queue and we decided not to wait so we did not go for the special Exhibition. Furthermore we already had a taste of her work in her birth place, Matsumoto Art Museum in Japan.
Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery
Let’s explore the architecture side of it! If you go up to level 6, the highest level, you will find there is a rooftop garden named after former Singapore President Ng Teng Fong.
View from Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden
Do spend a little moment at the roof top and check out Singapore city view -the Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade & Singapore River. I was lucky to watch a cricket game on top of the roof top.
This stunning rooftop has a alfresco space, two reflection pools, a platform for artwork installations, art studios and a public viewing deck.
If you are on the rooftop, go check out Vietnamese-born Danish artist Danh Vo first outdoor installation in Singapore, a series of sculptures. Outdoor Exhibition last on 12 Nov 2017.
Other than arts, you will find few restaurants in National Art Gallery. There is a sky bar which sits at the rooftop, I am sure it offer great view.
Link Bridge from the two building
I am standing on the link bridge which link the City Hall and Supreme Court together. Check out the old colonial architecture behind me, a really stunning museum.
Former Supreme Court Terrace
At basement Level, there are some live performing. A group of Indian performer playing some traditional music. Visitors were sitting the other side of the stairs and enjoy the snow.
Gallery Children’s Biennale – Kids area
Bring you kids here to express themselves, get inspired and most importantly have fun!
Firewalk: A Bridge Of Embers
If you are wearing heels like me, the staff will ask you to take off your heels and walk on barefoot because the surface is glass.
The glass bridge is 12 meter long and as you walk you may shiver with fear, it has an illusion of depth, showing an archaeological site that stretches endlessly into the ground. Very interesting to peer into infinity and look back to the past! Located at Basement level 1.
Let’s explore the arts.
Singapore National Art Gallery is one of the world’s largest collections of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art from the 19th century to present day.
Some of the arts work from our neighboring countries can be found here.
Graffiti on the wall written in Malay words.
Some decoration outside the gallery hall, at the staircase. Look like a lot of soap bubbles. Not sure what you see.
Not just arts painting, the historic buildings has beautiful tiled floors and intricate ceilings.
There are few galleries here, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery & DBS Singapore Gallery.
Observed there is a line at the wooden floor. Be careful and step behind the line when you look at the painting. And if there is a carpet, don’t step on it too.
Chief Justice”s Chamber and Office
Some important documents capturing key moment in Singapore’s legal history and journey to independence.
What do you see from this?
Artists not to be missed in Singapore National Art Gallery
1.Georgette Chen/Chang Li Ying//张荔英’s work (1906-1993)
A museum guide was explaining about one of the Singapore pioneer artist, Georgette Chen/Chang Li Ying//张荔英 work (1906-1993). One of the famous painting is her Self Portrait -1946.
2.Xu Beihong/徐悲鴻’s Work ( 1895-1953 )
Go spot few of the famous painting in Singapore National Art Gallery. Portrait Of Lim Loh, 1927 by Xu Beihong/徐悲鴻, from China.
Lim Loh Potrait
Put Down Your Whip (painting)/放下你的鞭子 by Xu Beihong/徐悲鴻
The painting below – 放下你的鞭子 was done and completed by Xu during his stay in Singapore 1939. The painting was sold at USD $9.2 million, setting a record high in an auction in 2007.
3.Liu Kang/刘抗’s Work (1911-2004)
“Life by the River” is located at DBS Singapore Gallery. Liu Kang is a Singaporean artist who is famous for its Balinese-themed painting.
Life by the River – Liu Kang
Gifts and souvenirs at Level 1.
How to get here?
- City Hall Mrt-Take Exit B. The Gallery is approximately a 7-minute walk from City Hall MRT station via the Art Connector.
- Clarke Quay Mrt – Take Exit E and enjoy a leisurely 10-minute stroll along the Singapore River to the Gallery.
- Free for Singapore Citizen and PR – go to Basement Level 1 to show your ID and get your stickers before visit all the galleries.
- Non Singaporean : SGD $20.00
- Special Exhibition – Yayoi Kusama Admission fees apply to all : SGD $15.00
Don’t miss these in Singapore National Art Gallery
- Georgette Chen/Chang Li Ying//张荔英’s work (1906-1993)
- Xu Beihong/徐悲鴻’s Work ( 1895-1953 )
- Liu Kang/刘抗’s Work (1911-2004)
- Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery
- Chief Justice”s Chamber and Office
- Firewalk: A Bridge Of Embers
- Vietnamese-born Danish artist Danh Vo Art Sculptures at Rooftop
- Gallery Children’s Biennale – Kids area (if you come with young children)
Click here to purchase ticket for National Gallery Singapore! (Singaporean & PR Free)