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The National Gallery Singapore, the first museum in the world dedicated to South East Asian modern art, will be opening its doors from 24th November.

To celebrate its opening, the new visual arts institution will offer complimentary entry to all visitors for 13 days until 6th December.

Looking forward to the opening, Singapore's Culture, Community and Youth Minister Lawrence Wong stated "we will be in for a treat when the Gallery opens its doors in November, with beautiful art to savour and a majestic new space to explore

 “I look forward to the Gallery becoming a special place for all Singaporeans to come together, to appreciate the best of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art."

When open, visitors to the National Gallery Singapore will get to explore its two permanent galleries - DBS Singapore Art Gallery and the UOB Southeast Asia Art Gallery - and view modern art collections from Singapore and Southeast Asia in the 19th and 20th centuries.

A range of events will also be on during its opening period. One key highlight to mark the opening and celebrate Singapore’s 50th birthday is an event called Share the Hope, where there will be a façade show, a range of performances as well as screenings and activities for all ages.

27th November will also see the launch of Singapore's Art Connector, a permanent sheltered walkway linking City Hall MRT to the entrance of the Gallery. The walkway will incorporate creative portraits of the Singapore community.

National Gallery Singapore Chief Executive Chong Siak Ching added "we want to celebrate Singapore’s 50th year of independence by sharing the rich heritage and history of Singapore and Southeast Asian art.

“National Gallery Singapore hopes to captivate and kindle a curiosity for art - from art histories to the stories behind the art, from the discoveries we uncover about Southeast Asia and the world to stories about ourselves.”

As a teaser of what can be expected at the museum, the Gallery recently took its ‘Living Art’ program to the Istana Open House, where a National Language Class by Chua Mia Tee was brought to life in interactive skits.

Housed in Singapore's former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings, the SG$530 million plan for the new visual arts institution has been designed to position Singapore as a regional and international arts hub when complete.

Situated in the heart of the Civic District, the two important heritage buildings are being converted to house this exciting new visual arts venue, and is anticipated to be completed by 2014 and to be officially opened in 2015.

The 60,000 metre2 attraction will include two permanent core galleries dedicated to Singaporean and Southeast Asian works, as well as two rooftop civic spaces.

Singapore has carefully nurtured the arts and culture scene over the past two decades witnessing increasing attendance and participation in key events and festivals such as the Singapore Biennale, Singapore Arts Festival and Singapore Art Show.

Lower image: During restoration, the timber ceiling of the former Supreme Court, required the use of special wash techniques to preserve its patinated finish. Image courtesy of @melissa_lcl

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