Prime Minister Unveils National Gallery Singapore

Singapore’s largest museum presents the best of modern Singapore and Southeast Asian Art

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled the new National Gallery Singapore at a celebration attended by delegates, artists, donors, partners, sponsors, civic and community leaders and others who have contributed to the making of the Gallery over the past 10 years. The newest visual arts institution will showcase the largest public collection of modern art of Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Lee toured the Gallery’s expansive interior including the DBS Singapore Gallery, the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery and the Keppel Centre for Art Education, where he viewed iconic works and interacted with artists including Singapore’s Cultural Medallion recipients Chua Mia Tee and Iskandar Jalil together with their families.

Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, Chairman of National Gallery Singapore in his opening remarks, said, “Artists are often seen as being unconventional, separate from the mainstream. Through our exhibitions, visitors will realise that in fact, artists are integral to society and that art is not created in a vacuum.

Knowing who our key artists are, knowing what artistic expressions have been made over time in our country and in our region – all this is knowledge that will inform and shape our sense of connection to our community. Looking at art is a way of engaging in national and regional dialogues about identity and belonging.”

The Prime Minister launched the opening celebrations by making the first brushstroke of an artistic light and sound installation inspired by artworks in the exhibitions. Guests were treated to a preview of the Share the Hope façade show generously sponsored by Cartier which will be a highlight of the Art Carnival at the Padang from 27 to 29 November.

National Gallery Singapore will open its doors to the public on 24 November 2015. All visitors will enjoy complimentary entry to National Gallery Singapore, its exhibitions and the opening celebrations until 6 December 2015 (see Annex). Thereafter, there will be free admission for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents as well as children six years and under, into all exhibition galleries (except selected Special Exhibitions) and Keppel Centre for Art Education. For more information about the upcoming activities and registration requirements, please see our Calendar.