5 Things to check out at the new National Gallery

5 Things to check out at the new National Gallery Singapore

Amanda Lim

25 Nov 2015

updated the 26 November 2015 à 08:17

1/5
Siapa Nama Kamu?
Malay for “What is your name?” this permanent exhibition invited patrons to ask themselves this question while viewing the Singaporean art pieces in the gallery. Together, the art works weave together a tapestry that tells the story of Singapore and its people.
Photo: Facebook/NationalGallerySG
2/5
Drying Salted Fish
A trip to the museum is naught without viewing Singapore’s most well-known painting. If you find this piece vaguely familiar, its because its on the back of the $50 note. Cheong Soo Pieng’s detailed art piece depicts a group of Malay villages drying salted fish in a field – a common practice in the region.
Photo: Facebook/NationalGallerySG
3/5
Between Declarations and Dreams
Between Declarations and Dreams is an exhibition held in the UOB Southeast Asian Gallery. The gallery displays regional artworks as well as rare books and artefacts dating back all the way to the 19^th century.
Photo: Facebook/NationalGallerySG
4/5
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This collection is the largest holding of Wu’s  works in a public collection and was gifted by the artist himself. It is considered one of the most valuable art donations ever presented to a Singaporean museum. The collection highlights Wu’s skill in both Chinese and Western techniques, which has contributed significantly to modern Chinese painting.
Photo: Facebook/NationalGallerySG
5/5
Chua Ek Kay: After the Rain
The late Chua Ek Kay was one of Singapore’s most talented ink painters. This collection is a reflection of the artist’s personal artistic journey. Water plays a significant role in this collection, as Chua was often inspired by watery reflections, rain and lotus ponds. A gift from the Chua family, the collection is a reminder that even though the painter is no longer with us, he is forever immortalised in his works.
Photo: Facebook/NationalGallerySG

Experience the world’s largest display of Southeast Asian art at our newest museum.

After a decade in the making, the National Gallery finally opened its doors to the public yesterday. Housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, is the largest public display of Southeast Asian art in the world.

To celebrate it’s grand opening, the museum will be holding a two-week long celebration with free events for the public. The National Gallery is poised to become the leading arts hub in the region with around 800 works of Southeast Asian and local art pieces dating from the 19^th century to the present. These works are on display in two galleries – the DBS Singapore Gallery and the UOB Southeast Asian Gallery. For the young ones, there’s a Keppel Centre for Art Education, an interactive space to introduce young audiences to art.

Before you visit, don’t forget to download the Gallery Explorer App on your phone to enhance your museum experience. The app helps you navigate around the gallery while providing commentary on the artwork.

Like the other museum, the National Gallery’s permanent exhibitions will be free to all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. Check out our gallery for our round up of five things you should check out at the National Gallery.

Amanda Lim

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