Singapore City Tour | Experience the Beauty of Art and Architecture
👍Most Recommended: National Gallery Singapore, Old Hill Street Police Station & Central Fire Station, Fort Canning Park, National Museum of Singapore
1. National Gallery Singapore: Starting from the Merlion Park, crossing the Anderson Bridge, you can reach the National Gallery Singapore. The gallery is housed in two iconic buildings that played pivotal roles in Singapore's history—the former Supreme Court and City Hall. It boasts a vast collection of modern art from Singapore and Southeast Asia, making it the largest visual arts venue in Singapore. Both inside and outside the gallery are perfect for photography.
2. Old Hill Street Police Station & Central Fire Station: The Old Hill Street Police Station, built in 1934, was once the largest government building. In 1997, during renovations, its 927 windows were replaced with rainbow-colored ones, revitalizing the building and compelling passersby to take photos. The adjacent Central Fire Station is the oldest existing fire station in Singapore. Its style, reminiscent of the Edwardian period from early 20th-century Britain, features a red brick facade with white stripes, humorously referred to as the 'blood and bandages' building. Now a national monument, the old building houses the Singapore Civil Defence Force Museum, which is open to the public for free.
3. Fort Canning Park: More than just a park, it is a witness to Singapore's history. From the rule of Malay royalty to the British colonial entry and exit, and fast-forwarding to contemporary times with world-class orchestras performing passionately—all these seemingly unrelated events have taken place here. Thus, the 18-hectare park is filled with historical relics from various periods and has vast lawns for outdoor concerts. The famous outdoor spiral staircase that went viral on social media is located here; navigating to Fort Canning Hotel is the most convenient way to find it.
4. National Museum of Singapore: If you want to understand the decades of Singapore's history since its founding in just one place, then this oldest museum in Singapore is the right choice. With videos and more than 1,700 collections, the museum uses advanced interactive technology to make the visit enjoyable.
❤Recommended Reason: These attractions are all very close to each other, making them perfect for a city stroll and highly recommended!
My trip to the Singapore National Gallery was wonderful! I spent hours wandering around the many exhibits, taking in all of the beautiful art. It was an incredible experience with well-curated exhibits and historical artifacts. If you're a teacher, bring your ID and you get a discounted ticket!
This art gallery had a wide variety of styles and many exhibits. Some were free to enter and others required a ticket. If you go to the top floor you can see the cricket ground nearby and a nice view of Marina bay sands in the distance. Also the gift shop had some very cute postcards!!
The National Gallery Singapore is an art museum located in the Downtown Core of Singapore. It occupies the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, both of which are national monuments. The museum is dedicated to showcasing Southeast Asian art and hosts a diverse collection of artworks from the 19th century to the present day. Visitors can explore exhibitions featuring paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works by both local and international artists. The National Gallery Singapore also offers educational programs, workshops, and special events aimed at promoting appreciation for art and culture in Singapore and the region.
You have to go to the entrance of the lobby to check the ticket and get a sticker. It is different from the domestic one. There is no ticket gate, but there will be staff in each pavilion. You can go without seeing the sticker. There were three exhibitions when we went. Although it is layman, it also feels very interesting. Personally feel that it is best to reserve half a day for the exhibition.
An aesthetically pleasing destination that you absolutely shouldn't overlook. It exudes a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, with the majority of areas accessible to the public at no cost. However, if you wish to explore the gallery room, you'll need to obtain a gallery pass at the reception. You can easily spend a few hours here, capturing photos and appreciating the artwork. Every nook and cranny offers a picturesque backdrop, so take your time and explore at your own pace.