Reflect, Recharge, Relish: Art Escapes To Nourish Your Mind
Give yourself a much-deserved break with these enriching exhibitions and tours at the National Gallery – some even come with an awesome rooftop view and cocktails
By The Singapore Women's Weekly -
Looking for fresh inspiration for your next girls' get-together or want to do something new for date night?
Ring up the parents and give yourself some respite from Cocomelon videos, school projects and PSLE prep with an art-enriching day out at the National Gallery Singapore. While you may already be familiar with its family-friendly offerings like the Keppel Centre for Art Education, the museum is home to other hidden gems that will nourish your mind and soul. Plus, entry to most exhibitions is free for Singapore residents.
Here’s our checklist of the ongoing hidden gem exhibitions and tours that you want to make time for at National Gallery Singapore.
If you want to enjoy art and also a view of the Singapore skyline
Art doesn’t always have to be cooped up indoors. Head to the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery on Level 5 where international artist Shilpa Gupta’s latest artwork, Untitled, is this year’s commission for the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Commission Series.
Credit: National Gallery Singapore
Situated at the Gallery’s open rooftop, Untitled offers a breathtaking view that merges with the vibrant visuals and rich history of the bustling city surrounding it, while flipping the script on traditional monumental sculptures.
From a distance, you will see two intertwined bodies locked in combat but as you venture nearer, you will realise they are perched on a single head. The sculpture, which uses a unique inflatable material, encourages viewers to reflect on physical and emotional wounds that we have all experienced, and to approach it in a more playful and exploratory manner.
The bonus: the rooftop view will offer a cathartic effect too. Exhibition ends on March 31.
If you want to take in as much art as possible
Make your trip to the museum worthwhile by immersing yourself in the vast collection of artworks at Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America. The large-scale exhibition features more than 200 paintings, sculptures, drawings, performances and sensorial installations by 75 artists.
Credit: National Gallery Singapore
Showcasing works from the 20th century, it is the world’s first exhibition to compare art on such a grand scale from the two regions. Some highlights include cultural icons such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Riveria, Paul Gaugin, Latiff Mohidin, Patrick Ng and more.
Don’t miss Self-Portrait, by the late Frida Kahlo, which is being exhibited in Singapore for the first time. The Mexican artist is greatly admired in the art world and remains a powerful feminist symbol in popular culture.
Be sure to also visit Tropicalia, a large-scale installation that invites you to ponder the stereotypes of a tropical paradise – complete with plants, sand and birds (see image below).
Credit: National Gallery Singapore
As a multi-sensorial experience, you and your besties can don masks, goggles, dance around in capes or browse reading materials at the Library of the Tropics section.
Don’t miss this unique interactive exhibition before it closes on March 24.
If you’re thirsty for more art
For a sure-win way to elevate date night, experience a chic twist on happy hour with the Art x Cocktails tour that combines the best of both worlds. The 60-minute docent-led tour delves into the fascinating history of cocktails, taking you through some of the Gallery's inspiring artworks paired with expertly crafted cocktails from Smoke & Mirrors.
Credit: National Gallery Singapore
For instance, Say Cheese! is a blend of Naked Malt, Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey and bitters that pays tribute to Lim Kwong Ling’s photograph of Singapore in the 70s. At the end of the tour, you will be rewarded with a drink from a specially curated menu at Smoke & Mirrors on Level 6. Savour each sip in style while taking in the panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline.
Tickets for the Art x Cocktails Tour, priced at $55 per person, include general admission to the Gallery during and after the tour. Book here.
If you’re also a history buff
National Gallery Singapore is housed within some of the country’s most impressive and legendary architecture, and gazetted national monuments at that. So, while you are here, set aside time for the free Building Highlights tour.
You can choose a self-guided option or sign up for the special highlight guided tours which will take you through carefully preserved spaces like Court Room 1, Chief Justice’s Office and Chamber, and the City Hall Chamber. The tours will showcase the functions of the buildings and chronicle the historical events that took place within and around them.
Besides exhibitions and programmes, National Gallery Singapore is also a treasure trove of art-inspired venues. From curated dining experiences to unique retail spaces, you can also indulge in a variety of cuisines and shop for one-of-a-kind museum merchandise.
For more information and opening times, visit National Gallery’s website or follow them on socials @nationalgallerysingapore.