Art Museums across the Causeway

By Jennifer Tham

A small island of 5.3 million people, Singapore cultivates talents and is ahead of many in art and science.

Its city booms with cafes but tourists may not know that Singapore is also a location for “museum-hopping”. For those who love art, Singapore’s museums have much to offer.

Just within the city centre, Bugis and Bras Basah to be exact, there are already a few in the area, all within walking distance. The Singapore Art Museum is my personal favourite.

The Red Dot Design Museum can be easily spotted from distance away along Maxwell Road.

Located just next to the Bras Basah MRT station, the museum is housed in a restored mission school that was re-opened in 1996 as the first art museum in Singapore.

The contemporary art museum offers interesting exhibitions mainly on Southeast Asian artworks, as well as collaborations with international contemporary art museums to give visitors the best experience to think, feel and imagine.

The spacious exhibition hall right after the entrance of National Design Centre.

Not far away is the National Design Centre located at Middle Road, Bugis. The five-storey building has design labs, lighting design service, exhibition spaces, cafe and lifestyle stores.

The exhibitions on the first floor is the one you should always keep an eye out for, as they change from time to time. The centre is everyone’s favourite. Why? Free entry!

Also within walking distance is the Red Dot Museum. You can also take the MRT and get off at the Tanjong Pagar station to get there. The museum is hard to miss, as it is painted red.

The iconic red letter boxes at the ticketing counter in The Red Dot Design Museum.

With the aim of wanting visitors to experience Singapore creatively, the museum is a one-stop design district with exhibitions, markets and shopping experience. You’re at the right place if you’re looking for the latest trends in the design scene.

“Take Me Places” exhibition at Singapore Art Museum showcases artworks created by a group pf youth with chronic illness.

There are over 1,000 products and communication designs from over 50 countries exhibited there. Each exhibit has won the international Red Dot Design Award.

The iconic Singapore Airlines flight stewardess uniform based on “sarong kebaya” reflecting the airline’s Asian heritage.

Do look out for the opening hours, as they are sometimes closed for private events.

Kind words dedicated for the artists folded into aeroplanes in shades of blue at Singapore Art Museum.