Must-See Artworks at National Gallery Singapore: What to See Next

Summary: 

• National Gallery Singapore houses one of the largest public collections of modern Southeast Asian art, including works by Juan Luna, Xu Beihong and Nguyễn Gia Trí.  
• Discover must-see artworks at National Gallery Singapore, featuring renowned Southeast Asian pieces. 
• From 19th-century allegory to 20th-century portraiture and lacquer painting, these works offer rich insight into the region’s artistic heritage. 

If your last visit had you pausing at a few favourites, you’ll love discovering a few more artworks that tend to catch our visitors’ attention. Each piece has its own story to tell, whether it offers a glimpse into Singapore’s history, a connection to Southeast Asia’s artistic traditions, or simply sparks curiosity. Take your time, wander through the galleries, and explore three more much-loved highlights.

España y Filipinas (Spain and the Philippines) by Juan Luna

Where to see it: Supreme Court Wing, Level 3, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery 2

The painting depicts two women symbolising Spain and the Philippines, distinguished by skin tone and dressed in loosely interpreted Greco-Roman attire. With this reference, Luna recasts the image of the Philippines as a classical figure, making an implicit claim about the status and value of the nation.

From allegorical grandeur, we move to portraiture that captures Singapore’s social history.

Portrait of Lim Loh by Xu Beihong

Where to see it: City Hall Wing, Level 2, DBS Singapore Gallery 1

This portrait depicts Lim Chee Gee—also known as Lim Loh—a successful Singaporean businessman and father of Singaporean war hero Lim Bo Seng (1909–1944). Xu Beihong, one of the most influential modern Chinese artists of the 20th century, trained in Europe, with his works from visits to Malaya in the late 1930s reflect the prominent patrons and social circles that supported his artistic practice. 

Finally, we travel beyond Singapore to the lush landscapes of Vietnam.

Landscape of Vietnam by Nguyễn Gia Trí

Where to see it: Supreme Court Wing, Level 3, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery 5

This painting portrays a Vietnamese rural scene, with banana plants and bamboo groves set against a riverine and mountainous background. A house is partially concealed within the dense, tranquil landscape. Nguyen Gia Tri builds depth with layered vermillion, black, brown, silver, and gold, giving the landscape warmth and luminosity.

Get more out of your visit

While exploring these visitor-favourite artworks, discover more of what National Gallery Singapore has to offer.

Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art examines the nation’s art history from the 19th century to the present, highlighting how artists have responded to social, cultural, and historical changes. Visitors can experience works across painting, installation, performance, and video, reflecting themes of identity, belonging, and transformation. The exhibition features both well-known and lesser seen works from the National Collection, offering a broad and inclusive view of Singapore’s artistic heritage.

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