After 10 years in the making and $532 million worth of restorations, the National Gallery Singapore was officially launched by President Tony Tan on Friday evening (27 Nov).
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National Gallery Singapore marks a new milestone in Singapore’s art history. Showcasing art pieces from Singapore...
The National Gallery Singapore oversees the largest public collection of modern art of Singapore and Southeast Asia, highlighting the importance of modern art in Southeast Asia in a global context.
And indeed it lives up to its reputation.
Not only does it have expansive collections of local and regional art on display, it also has plenty of space to accommodate a diverse crowd: families with young children, couples on a post-work date, even epicureans admiring the glittering skyline from the rooftop restaurants.
Here is a sneak preview by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
href="https://www.facebook.com/leehsienloong/videos/1004870136242359/">Opening of National Gallery SingaporeHere are highlights from my visit to the National Gallery Singapore yesterday.We will continue to build our national collection through acquisitions and donations. The exhibitions and activities at the Gallery will help us to appreciate where we come from and inspire a new generation to paint and create new canvasses. I hope that in time Singaporeans will grow to love the Gallery and that it will become the pride of Singapore. – LHL(PMO Video by Chiez How)
It seems our fascination with façade projections is ceaseless.
Share the Hope is a grand audio visual production designed with inspiration from the art in the Gallery, sponsored exclusively by Cartier.
Set against the backdrop of the National Gallery Singapore, allow your eyes and ears to have a feast of a sensory experience with the stunning displays of light, sound and visuals.
When: Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov | 8pm, 9pm, 10pm
How long: 10 minutes
Where: Building Façade
Opening scene of the façade show.
Featuring one of Cultural Medallion recipient Chua Mia Tee’s paintings.
2. Family Fun at the Padang Art Carnival
The Padang was best remembered this March for its snaking queue of Singaporeans waiting to pay their respects to the late Lee Kuan Yew.
This weekend, the iconic space transforms into a block party with five tents of thematic landscapes for artists and art lovers. There are art installations, community art workshops and artisanal treats for visitors of all walks of life to enjoy and engage in.
When: Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov | 5pm – midnight
Where: The Padang
Try your hand at Tay Bee Aye’s Draw, Weave, Knot in Tent 1 by choosing a thread of your choice and contributing your own creation.
Or else fuel yourself with a wide selection of gastronomic delights at Tent 2
And in Tent 4’s Room For All, letterpress your word of choice or make funny silhouettes.
3. Memora(film)ia: Random Acts of Remembering
Art lovers who are film buffs will enjoy Memora(film)ia.
Three short films were specially commissioned for the Opening Celebrations and are being screened this weekend through the next. Each deals with a different subject matter but have common themes of loss, identity and acceptance.
You may even be able to snag yourself a memorabilia sketch from the team behind Study of a Singaporean Face at the end!
When: Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov, Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | top of each hour from 10am – 10pm
Mon 30 Nov – Thu 3 Dec | top of each hour from 10am – 6pm
How long: 30 minutes
Where: Supreme Court Wing, Level 5, Theatrette
4. National Language Class by Spell #7
Inspired by Chua Mia Tee’s artwork National Language Class, this is a participatory performance for audiences of up to eight people at a time.
Guided by actors, the audience will be able to recreate the painting by taking part in a Malay language lesson.
When: Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov, Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm
Mon 30 Nov – Thu 3 Dec | 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
How long: 30 minutes
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 2, Singapore Courtyard
The painting as shown in the brochure.
Actor Adib Kosnan role-playing as the teacher in the painting.
5. Resonates With
Curated by multidisciplinary artist Bani Haykal, the audio performances are scattered variously throughout the National Gallery.
They feature unconventional cross-genre collaborations that will reverberate through the museum almost magically at the allotted hours. The soundscape is inspired by artists like Liu Kang and Chen Wen Hsi.
When: Fri 27 Nov – Sun 29 Nov, Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | 7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm
How long: 20 minutes
Where: Various locations
Unable to make it this weekend?
Fret not. Check out some highlight programmes exclusive to next weekend instead:
6. In the Name of Red
This unique dance performance pays homage to distinct hues of red found within the Gallery’s collection.
In shades of stunning maroon, crimson and ruby, dancers from The Arts Fission Company invite audiences to rediscover the stories behind the works as they perform against the backdrop of a grand staircase at the Padang Atrium.
When: Fri 4 Dec – Sun 6 Dec | 9pm
How long: 10 minutes
Where: Padang Atrium
7. Panel Discussion: Architecture, Design and Conservation Principles of the Gallery
Curious about the architecture of the National Gallery?
The architects of studioMilou Singapore and CPG Consultants will share their experiences and insights on the practice of adapting historical buildings into public spaces while respecting their heritage.
When: Sun 6 Dec | 2pm – 4.30pm
Where: City Hall Wing, B1, Auditorium
Entry into the Gallery building is free with tickets until Dec 6. Tickets can be secured online from 5 Nov, 10am onwards till 6 Dec 6., 5pm. Entry after 6 Dec will be free for Singaporean citizens and PRs only.
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November 29, 12:34 AM 
514 Chai Chee Lane 03-16, Singapore 469029 
