Sunlit Corners Perfect for Sketching at the Gallery

Summary: 

• Discover sunlit corners at National Gallery Singapore, perfect for sketching your surroundings. 
• Favourite sketching spots include Supreme Court Terrace, Singapore Courtyard, Padang Atrium, and Padang Deck. 
• Capture architecture, city views, people in motion, and contemporary installations like SINGAPORAMA. 

Put pencil to paper—or pen to tablet—at National Gallery Singapore and let your creativity wander. Beyond its world-class exhibitions, the Gallery is a quietly inspiring place for sketchers of all kinds—whether you’re exploring things to do in Singapore or simply looking for a calm, creative escape.

With generous natural light, striking architecture, and ever-changing views of the city and its people, sketching at the Gallery is a rewarding way to slow down. It’s the perfect choice if you’re wondering where to go in Singapore for a relaxed afternoon.

Here are some of our favourite sketching spots to get you started—perfect for weekend activities Singapore or a chill weekday visit:

Supreme Court Terrace

Where: Supreme Court Wing, Level 4M

Overlooking the historic Rotunda Library dome, the Supreme Court Terrace offers a unique vantage point to sketch one of the Gallery’s most iconic architectural features. This wide-open space is perfect for observing the sweeping curves and perspectives of this neoclassical dome, and the dialogue between heritage and modern design. 

Singapore Courtyard

Where: City Hall Wing, Level 2

Tucked between the DBS Singapore Galleries, the Singapore Courtyard is a spacious and light-filled space in the City Hall Wing. Natural light streams in throughout the day, creating shifting shadows and highlights that make this an excellent spot to practise perspective, lighting, and depth.

The Singapore Courtyard is also a great place for people-watching. From quick gesture drawings to longer observational sketches, this courtyard invites you to capture moments as visitors move through the space.

Padang Atrium

Where: Levels 1 and B1, Padang Atrium

A vibrant hub connecting the City Hall and Supreme Court Wings, the Padang Atrium is never short on inspiration. Natural light streams in through the Gallery’s sculptural canopy, illuminating the neoclassical architectural features juxtaposed against contemporary design. 

With plenty of space to pause and sketch, find a cosy vantage point to draw architectural details, practise scale with figures in motion. 

The Padang Atrium is also home to SINGAPORAMA, a multimodal installation from the OUTBOUND Series by Thai artist Navin Rawanchaikul and Navin Production. Featuring monumental panels painted in the style of vintage cinema billboards, the work offers bold colours, characters, and stories—ideal inspiration for illustrative sketches.

Visit SINGAPORAMA

Padang Deck

Where: City Hall Wing, Level 6

For those who love sketching scenery, visiting the Padang Deck is a must. This outdoor space offers sweeping views across Singapore’s historic and modern landmarks—from the Padang and civic buildings to Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade.

It’s a fantastic spot for urban sketching, landscape studies, or simply capturing the mood of the city from above. Focus on details or experiment with colour palettes inspired by the skyline or enjoy uninterrupted views and changing light throughout the day.

Our galleries are always open for you to sketch

We love seeing visitors get creative at the Gallery. Sketching—both traditional and digital—is welcome, making it easy to enjoy a relaxed, creative visit alongside exploring the exhibitions.

To help everyone have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, here are a few friendly pointers to keep in mind:

• Stick to pencil sketches—charcoal, pastel, permanent markers, watercolour, and oil paints are not allowed.
• Easels aren’t allowed inside the Gallery, but if you’d like to sit while you sketch, you can borrow a stool free of charge from the Visitor Services Counter at Basement 1 Concourse.
• For digital artists, tablets are a great option—just be mindful of your surroundings and other visitors.
• Planning a group sketching visit? Drop us an email before you arrive so we can help make it a smooth and enjoyable experience.

With these simple tips in mind, you’re all set to relax, sketch, and enjoy a creative moment surrounded by art, architecture, and light.

So grab your sketchbook or tablet, pick a sunlit corner, and let the Gallery become part of your next drawing adventure.