In the heart of Singapore’s Civic District, National Gallery Singapore stands as a cultural icon, home to the world’s largest public collection of modern art from Singapore and Southeast Asia.
As it celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025 alongside the nation’s 60th birthday, there’s no better time to explore the vibrant stories, colours, and creativity within. Whether you’re an art lover, curious explorer, or planning a day out, here are 9 exhibitions — some are free — to check out this year.
1. Children’s Biennale 2025
Designed to inspire imagination and reflection, the fifth edition of the Gallery Children’s Biennale invites young ones to explore core values like Joy, Kindness, Dream, and Love.
Through eight vibrant, multi-sensorial installations by artists from across the globe, families can interact, play, and dream up their own future together.
Date: 31 May 2025- 29 March 2026
Location: Various location in the library
Admission: Free
2. City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s–1940s
This groundbreaking exhibition reimagines Paris through the eyes of Asian artists who lived, studied, and exhibited there between the world wars. It features works by Amrita Sher-Gil, Georgette Chen, Liu Kang, Yun Gee, Lê Phổ, and more — many now recognised as pioneers of Singapore’s art scene.
Uncover how they navigated opportunity, prejudice, and identity during a rich era of cultural exchange.
Join free curator tours on selected dates and use code COO20OFF for 20% off exhibition passes from 17 April to 31 July 2025.
Date: 2 April-17 August 2025
Location: Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Galleries
Admission: Special Exhibition Pass Required
3. Fernando Zóbel: Order is Essential
Explore the evolution of Fernando Zóbel, an artist whose abstract and modernist works found meaning across Manila, Madrid, New England and Cuenca.
This exhibition traces the start of his artistic journey, his archived study materials, the derivation of his signature techniques, and till the end of his constantly evolving style.
Date: 9 May–30 November 2025
Location: Level 4, Wu Guanzhong Gallery
Admission: Free for Singaporeans/PR
4. Dalam Collection: Where Ink Tides Meet
Reinterpreting traditional ink art through contemporary Southeast Asian lenses, this poetic showcase features over 50 new acquisitions and rarely seen works. It highlights the Gallery’s commitment to expanding and rethinking ink as both medium and message.
From revival to experimentation, artists like Lee Hock Moh, Tang Da Wu, and Chen Wen Hsi push creative boundaries. The curved walls and changing viewpoints reflect the flowing, expressive nature of ink and calligraphy, making the exhibition feel immersive and dynamic.
Date: 6 June–16 November 2025
Location: Level B1, Ngee Ann Kongsi Concourse Gallery
Admission: Free for Singaporeans/PR
5. Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art
Marking 10 years since Siapa Nama Kamu?, this refreshed long-term exhibition invites you to explore Singapore’s art through fresh perspectives shaped by questions of identity, belonging, and colonial legacies.
Instead of a textbook timeline, it highlights bold experiments, overlooked stories, and underrepresented voices. Encounter pioneers like Chua Mia Tee and Cheong Soo Pieng alongside contemporary artists Amanda Heng and Charles Lim Yi Yong. Expect rare archives, moving video works, and layered installations that spark reflection. Free guided tours available on selected days with admission, you can register in the Visitor Service Counter.
Date: Ongoing until further notice, Gallery 1 open now; Gallery 2, 3 & more to reopen in July 2025
Location: Level 2, City Hall Wing
Admission: Free for Singaporeans/PR
6. Laws of Our Land: Foundations of a New Nation
Discover the stories behind three major laws that shaped Singapore: the Citizenship Ordinance, Women’s Charter, and Employment Act. With 37 artefacts and interactive features, this exhibition dives into personal and national histories alike.
Complimentary guided tours available every third Friday of the month, from 5.30-6.30pm.
Date: Until 2029
Location: Level 3, Supreme Court Wing
Admission: Free
7. Between Declarations and Dreams: Art of Southeast Asia since the 19th Century
Wander through this flagship exhibition spread across five gallery spaces, showcasing over 300 masterpieces from Southeast Asia. Follow the region’s artistic journey from colonial unrest to expressions of independence through four themes: Authority and Anxiety, Imagining Country and Self, Manifesting the Nation, and Re:Defining Art.
Beyond paintings on walls, the Gallery comes alive with visually captivating installations throughout its spaces as there will be immersive, delicate, and striking works that offer fresh perspectives and are sure to elevate your social media feed.
This exhibition includes artworks that may feature potentially sensitive imagery, so viewer discretion is advised. Free guided tours are available from Thursday to Sunday at 2pm in English, and on Saturday and Sunday at 4pm in Mandarin.
Date: Ongoing until further notice
Location: Levels 3–5, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery
Admission: Free for Singaporeans/PR
8. OUTBOUND: Art Beyond the Galleries
Commissioning artist duo Vong Phaophanit and Claire Oboussier features a simple yet rigorous line that bisects the hall space. Derived from the Greek word for “phantom,” it may be read as a veil, a screen, a threshold, a mirage or a spectre.
Eidolon by Vong Phaophanit and Claire Oboussier
Although its exterior might speak with elegance, the entire artwork is composed of 1136 individual strands of link-chains, weighs an impressive 514 kilograms and stretches a precise 28,528 millimetres. A work defining a strong first impression, and leaving an imprint on visitors bypassing the exit of the gallery.
Date: until 1 March 2026
Location: City Hall Courtyard
9. Angin Cloud by Art Labor
Recline in a hammock beneath pepper vine structures and Jrai wood sculptures in this large-scale installation inspired by Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Reflecting on change, loss, and growth, Angin Cloud draws from the Jrai concepts of wind and evaporation to explore shifting landscapes. Its graceful, organic forms invite calm and contemplation. Whether you’re after quiet reflection or the perfect photo, National Gallery Singapore offers a meaningful, art-filled escape for families, friends, and curious solo explorers alike.
Date: 17 January 2024–30 November 2025
Location: Padang Atrium
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