The Singapore Art Museum lies within a building dating back to the 19th century. Once a catholic mission school located on Bras Basah Road, it now houses an impressive collection of international contemporary and pop art. Take a stroll from the museum along the famous Orchard Road and Sheraton Towers Singapore awaits on Scotts Road, at the other end. The four hundred and twenty room property promises a truly memorable stay.
The Singapore Art Museum, which was declared open in 1996, was the first art museum in the country. Today, it boasts the most comprehensive collection of Southeast Asian contemporary art in the world. There is also a selection of traditional painting and sculptures on display. The building, with its Colonial façade, is widely regarded as one of the most prominent heritage sites in Singapore and has earned the acronym, SAM. The museum is unique in its ‘uncluttered’ layout; the space between each of the intentionally placed pieces allows visitors to absorb the full effect of each work of art.
SAM currently has only one permanent art exhibit called the ‘Learning Gallery’. This display aims to bring to light broader social concerns using contemporary art. Many of the exhibits are displayed temporarily. The Museum hosts the work of contemporary artists from the region to provide international exposure, with SAM’s travelling exhibition programme. The Museum also allows visitors a more interactive experience by running education and public programmes, which provide information on the exhibits. Workshops are also open to museum visitors of all ages. The Singapore Biennales of 2011 and 2013 were also organised by The Singapore Art Museum. The entrance fee is $10 for adults. Getting to the museum is quite simple, take the ‘Circle line’ on the MRT to Bras Basah station. The National Museum of Singapore and the Peranakan Museum are also within walking distance.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.
