A 5K-Step Adventure Through the Gallery

Looking for where to go in Singapore that combines culture, walking, and a touch of fitness? Immerse yourself in art and architecture while staying active with a visit to National Gallery Singapore. 

In this short guide, learn how you can turn a regular museum visit into a fun and active mini adventure through one of the top places to roam in Singapore's Civic District.

A 5,000-Step Walk to Enjoy — No Sunscreen Required

The Gallery is housed in two national monuments — the former City Hall and Supreme Court — giving your walk a sense of history and grandeur from the moment you step inside. The space blends grand neoclassical features with clean, modern interventions that invite you to wander, explore, and look a little closer.

Choose from many self-guided tours that bring you across both wings of the Gallery, from the Ultimate First Timer Guide to the IG Worthy Trail, so that you can explore at your own pace. Stroll, admire the artwork and snap photos along the way. Some areas, like the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden, deck spaces, and select gallery wings, are even free to access, giving you plenty of flexibility for your walking adventure.

And the best part? It’s fully air-conditioned — a welcome relief from Singapore’s tropical heat — so you can clock up those 5K steps in comfort while soaking in Singaporean and Southeast Asian art.

Begin at the Supreme Court Foyer

Start your walking adventure at the Supreme Court Foyer and marvel at the contrasting marble floors, arching ceilings and grand corridors. The dramatic architecture makes for an impressive introduction and it’s a gentle way to warm up for the 5K walk ahead.

Explore Major Galleries (and Permanent Exhibitions) 

Continue your walking tour through the UOB Southeast Asia Galleries. Located in the former Supreme Court building, the UOB Southeast Asia Galleries houses Between Declarations and Dreams: Art of Southeast Asia since the 19th Century, which showcases over 300 artworks on three sprawling floors and across 14 impressive galleries.

Here, you’ll come across a multitude of key artworks in the Gallery’s collection, Don't miss the finer details in Raden Saleh’s Boschbrand (Forest Fire) in Gallery 1 or try spotting the motifs in Hernando R. Ocampo’s Dancing Mutants in Gallery 7. Explore other highlights such as Nguyen Gia Tri’s The Landscape of Vietnam in Gallery 5, and F X Harsono’s What Would You Do If These Crackers Were Real Pistols? in Gallery 11.

Every gallery has its own vibe, keeping your eyes and imagination moving. Take your time, hunt for interesting details, and enjoy the visual rhythm of the collections.

Take the Extra Steps to Appreciate History

As you explore the galleries, you walk will lead you through historic spaces that have witnessed key moments in Singapore’s history. Pause to admire the former Courtrooms, the Chief Justice’s Chamber, the Holding Cells, and the Rotunda Dome, as you stroll through the very halls where Singapore’s judicial history unfolded.

Along the way through the UOB Southeast Asia Galleries, you’ll also find Laws of Our Land: Foundations of a New Nation at the Chief Justice's Chamber and Office. Stop here to learn about three pivotal laws in Singaporean history — the Citizenship Ordinance, Women’s Charter, and Employment Act. Interactive displays and historical artefacts bring these milestones to life, showing how they continue to shape everyday life in modern Singapore. 

Sneak in a little history as you wander — it’s a reminder that history is just as much about people as it is about place.

Wander the Link Bridges and Padang Atrium

Connecting the City Hall and Supreme Court wings, the link bridges offer elevated vantage points of the expansive Padang Atrium below, where sunlight streams through the intricate filigree roof.

Finish Your Walk with an Outdoor Stroll

Cap off your Gallery walk with a leisurely walk along the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery where you’ll see the latest in the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Commission series. Continue across to Coleman Deck, perfect for a relaxed pace and plenty of photo opportunities, before making your way to Padang Deck, where uninterrupted stretches offer sweeping views of the city skyline. Take a deep breath and enjoy the city skyline — you’ve earned it! 

Art, History, and Steps Well Spent 

Whether you’re a local or a visitor wondering where to go in Singapore, the Gallery offers the perfect blend of history, art, and light exercise. This 5K walking route lets you set your own pace — lingering in galleries or stretching your legs on open decks — while immersing yourself in stories of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art.   

Walking, observing, and exploring in this way proves that cultural activities in Singapore can be active, fun, and surprisingly refreshing, making the Gallery one of the most memorable places to roam in Singapore.