Govt considering setting up new S'pore Design Museum, which may occupy former S'pore Art Museum building in Bras Basah

The former Saint Joseph's Institution (SJI) building at Bras Basah Road, which previously housed the Singapore Art Museum, is being considered as the site for a potential Singapore Design Museum.

This was announced at the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY's) Committee of Supply debates on Mar. 10.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said design is "a key strength" of Singapore's, and is an area where there is "untapped potential".

"A Singapore Design Museum could be a key addition to our growing arts and heritage landscape," Tong added, saying it would showcase Singapore's design and our designers' talent to the world, while increasing public appreciation of the importance of good design.

He also highlighted its potential to aid learning and boost the growth of Singapore's design sector.

Old arts museum, new design museum?

MCCY said NHB is conducting a feasibility study to assess the suitability of setting up a new Singapore Design Museum at the former SJI building, which was built in 1867.

According to the National Library Board (NLB), after SJI relocated to Malcolm Road in 1988, the building at Bras Basah Road underwent extensive conservation work costing S$30 million.

It was gazetted as a national monument in 1992 and later reopened as the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) in 1995.

However, the building, and a second SAM site at the former Catholic High building in Queen's Street, have been closed since 2019 for a S$90 million revamp, The Straits Times reported.

SAM subsequently relocated to a temporary space in Tanjong Pagar Distripark in January 2022.

Previously, SAM was expected to reoccupy its two former sites, but they have had their opening dates pushed back from 2021 to 2023, and currently to 2026.

MCCY said on Mar. 10:

"With SAM establishing itself at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, the old SJI Building is being considered for repurposing as a new design museum."

The potential of the site has also been highlighted in "informal consultations" with various stakeholders, including local designers, said MCCY.

What could the museum look like?

MCCY said the new museum would showcase multidisciplinary and forward-looking creations from top Singapore designers and design firms across various fields, such as designs relating to the future needs of industry and society.

A design collection worked on by NHB, SAM, NLB, DesignSingapore Council, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) since 2023 could be featured in the new museum.

Highlights include a 1982 conservation proposal to adapt Boat Quay shophouses into a cultural and lifestyle hub, and a dress with decorative buttons referencing the kerosang (jewelled brooches worn by Peranakans) by Singaporean designer Andrew Gn.

MCCY noted that there has been strong public interest in design, given public reception to design-related exhibitions.

The new museum is expected to attract local and international visitors, complementing existing design education efforts at schools like the University of the Arts Singapore.

The government will provide more details on the establishment of the Singapore Design Museum once the feasibility study is complete, said MCCY.

Top image from Singapore Art Museum website