National Gallery Singapore Architecture Tour

At the turn of the millennium, the Singapore government approved a project to combine the former Supreme Court and City Hall into what is now the National Gallery Singapore. The striking new building houses the world’s largest collection of modern Southeast Asian art.

During our tour, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of the buildings, their functions before and after WWII, and the transformation process behind the gallery’s creation. We’ll start with a look at the architectural model, visit the prisoners’ holding cells, view the foundation stone, and step into the Supreme Court lobby. From there, we’ll continue into the Chief Justice’s chamber and office, then cross the linking bridge to City Hall to visit the City Hall Chamber – famously known as the “Surrender Room.” It was here that the Japanese formally surrendered to the British in 1945, and where the late Lee Kuan Yew was sworn in as Prime Minister in 1959.

The tour also includes a stop at the ArchiGallery, where we’ll see archaeological finds uncovered during the restoration and take a closer look at original stone carvings and imagery.

Our guide, Sarah Lev, has been an active docent at the National Gallery Singapore since it opened and has led hundreds of tours. She has also met the gallery’s chief architect and will share some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the project.

Notes:

• You’ll have the option to stay on for lunch at the Courtyard Café (at your own cost).

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