An artistic fiesta to celebrate the National Gallery Singapore’s opening

From 24 November to 6 December, Singaporeans can look forward to a series of events to celebrate the artistic splendours of National Gallery Singapore in conjunction with its grand opening.

A three-day art carnival at the Padang and an immersive display of animated artworks on the Gallery’s façade are among the more than 20 events announced at a media briefing on Tuesday (3 Nov).

Admission to two permanent galleries – the DBS Singapore Gallery and the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery - will be free for all visitors during the two weeks. Visitors are advised to book their tickets online to avoid long queues.

Tickets to the two galleries will remain free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents after the opening celebration, while a $20 fee is required for foreigners.

“As the first museum in the world dedicated to Southeast Asian modern art, National Gallery Singapore aims to provide a differentiated art experience for visitors to fully explore and appreciate art and its history,” said the Gallery’s director for education and programmes, Suenne Tan.

Over 120,000 people are expected to visit the Gallery throughout the two weeks.

Art lovers can also take the opportunity to use the “Gallery Explorer” app to help them navigate through the galleries and understand more about the artworks.

CEO Chong Siak Ching said the leveraging of technology will create “personalised experiences for visitors” and “transform a visit to the Gallery into an immersive digital art journey.”

Here are some of event highlights to look out for during the two weeks:

Padang Art Carnival - 27 to 29 November

Five big carnival tents will be erected at the Padang.

Visitors can draw on the walls in the “Passion” tent; explore miniature mountains in the “Giant Room” tent; savour artisanal bites at the food and beverage tent; forage for food in a simulated war scenario at the “Adversity & Conflict” tent; and experience farming of vegetables and fruits in an urban environment at the “Rebirth & Peace” tent.

Share the Hope Façade Show by Cartier - 27 November to 29 November

Gallery artworks will be displayed on the façade for 10 minutes at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm.

In the name of Red - 4 to 6 December 

A 10-minute dance performance that pays homage to distinct hues of red found within the Gallery’s collection at the Padang Atrium.

Storybooths - 28 to 29 November

Articulate your thoughts to the artists who will interpret them in personalised drawings at the Supreme Court Terrace.