A Quick Guide to Accessing National Gallery Singapore’s Library & Archive Collections
Learn how to access National Gallery Singapore’s Library and Archive collections, including booking appointments during the Rotunda Library's temporary closure and exploring digitised resources online.
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Summary
- Learn how to access National Gallery Singapore’s library and archival collections during the Rotunda Library & Archive’s temporary closure
- Find out how to book an appointment and prepare your requests for library and archival materials in advance
- Get tips on using the online collection search and accessing digitised archives
- Plan your research visit with clear information on access hours and key notices
Whether you’re a student, artist, researcher, or simply curious, the Rotunda Library & Archive is here to support your work in art research and explorations in Singapore and Southeast Asian art histories.
This guide walks you through how to access library and archival resources during the temporary closure of the Rotunda Library & Archive, and how to plan your visit smoothly.
What You’ll Find in the Rotunda Library & Archive
The Rotunda Library & Archive’s collections support research into Singapore and Southeast Asian art history and visual culture. They include:
- Library resources such as books, journals, and reference materials.
- Archives of artists, art historians, art writers, art organisations ranging from exhibition ephemera, photographs, drawings, sketches, scrapbooks and so on.
These collections are available for viewing to researchers, curators, students, academics, artists, and members of the public.
Temporary Closure of the Rotunda Library & Archive
The Rotunda Library & Archive will be temporarily closed from 14 Feb 2026 to Oct 2027.
While the space itself will not be open for walk-in visits, access to library and archival materials will continue throughout the closure period by appointment only. Appointments for access to the collections will resume from 8 Mar 2026.
Access Library and Archival Materials During the Closure
During the Rotunda Library & Archive’s closure, physical reference and archival materials on restricted access can still be consulted at the Gallery. If you wish to view these materials, simply get in touch with our Library & Archive team.
Access is by appointment only and available during the following hours:
- Mondays to Fridays
- 10am – 12.30pm and 2–5pm
Please note that sessions are closed on public holidays, and ad-hoc or temporary closures may also occur. In such cases, notices will be shared on the Rotunda Library & Archive's page.
Book an Appointment
To request an appointment, please email library.archive@nationalgallery.sg with the following details:
- Your name
- Institution or organisation (if applicable)
- Preferred date and time of visit
- Purpose of request
- Contact number
Please also include the following information in your request:
For library books or journals
- Title
- Call number
- Volume or series number (if applicable)
For archival materials
- Name of fond
- Title of material
- Reference code
The Library & Archive team will respond within 3–5 working days.
As our Library team may need time to prepare the reference and archival materials for viewing, we recommend submitting your request at least two weeks before your planned visit.
Prepare for Your Visit
To help us prepare the materials you wish to consult during the closure period, we recommend identifying them in advance using the Gallery’s online collection search portal.
Selected digitised archival materials on unrestricted access can be viewed anytime via the search portal. Some materials, however, remain subject to access restrictions and can only be viewed onsite at the Gallery; please write in to make an appointment to access them.
If you are unsure about reference details or cannot locate what you need, please feel free to reach out—the Library & Archive team will be happy to assist.
Archive Image Request
If you wish to use images of archival materials, please submit an Archive Image Request. Processing may take up to four weeks, and all requests are subject to approval and the Gallery’s image use guidelines.
Have Any Questions?
We hope this guide helps you plan your research visit with confidence and continue exploring the Gallery’s collections during the closure period.
For any enquiries related to accessing the Gallery’s Library and Archive Collections, please do not hesitate to write in.
