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Post Category - LearnLearn
Post Category - PlayPlay - Post Category - AdventuresAdventures - Post Category - IndoorIndoorTake the kids to explore the National Gallery Singapore! Here’s our guide on what to do and see with kids at this art gallery plus a special mention to the Keppel Art Centre for Education, the area dedicated to kids!
Have you taken the kids to admire the art at the National Gallery Singapore? There’s also a special building within the National Gallery called the Keppel Art Centre for Education dedicated to kids’ activities and art programmes! The National Gallery Singapore is a heritage building that has witnessed many historic moments and is now a historical landmark. And guess what? Entry to the National Gallery Singapore and the Keppel Art Centre for Education is FREE for Singaporeans and PRs! Filled with exciting immersive and interactive art exhibits for kids, you may have to work your negotiating skills to convince them to go home. Here’s our practical guide on everything you need to know for a fun day with the kids at the National Gallery Singapore!
Jump to these highlights at the National Gallery Singapore:
Exhibitions at National Gallery Singapore
Keppel Art Centre for Education
Gallery Children’s Biennale
Kids’ Activities at Keppel Art Centre for Education
Restaurants at the National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore Opening Hours
Getting to the National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore Carpark
Exhibitions at the National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore has six long-term exhibitions that portray the story of how art has evolved in Singapore over the years. Siapa Nama Kamu houses art pieces in Singapore since the 19th century, while Between Declarations & Dreams shares the stories of artists from Southeast Asia during the 19th century. Listening to Architecture features artefacts that were excavated from the National Gallery’s grounds and artwork that draws on the historical memories that were created within the walls of the National Gallery Singapore.
In addition to these year-round exhibitions, the National Gallery Singapore features special exhibitions for limited periods throughout the year, so that you can always come back for more and be awed by the talented artists from the past and the present. You can check out the full list of exhibitions at the National Gallery Singapore here for more information.
Family Tip: The immense 64,000 square metre venue makes the National Gallery Singapore very stroller friendly! Strollers are allowed in most parts of the gallery unless otherwise advised. If strollers are not allowed, there is a designated stroller parking bay. Just be sure to keep your valuables with you.
Guide to Keppel Art Centre for Education
The Keppel Art Centre for Education is the most exciting part of the National Gallery Singapore for little ones because it provides a fun space to explore art and unleash kids’ creativity. The immersive spaces and family-friendly workshops encourage kids to tap into their imagination and explore all they can create with the resources around them. The Keppel Art Centre for Education also provides a wide range of hands-on programmes and activities. Plus, entry is completely free! Just be sure to book a slot to visit online here so the kids won’t be disappointed if it gets too crowded!
Highlights at Keppel Art Centre for Education:
A Brush with Forest Fire
Do your little ones love exploring new places? A Brush with Forest Fire is a spacious forestscape inspired by Raden Saleh’s Boschbrand (Forest Fire). Step into a fantastical journey to learn more about the core elements of art.
Kids (and grown-ups!) can pick up a brush and unleash their inner Pablo Picasso to create digital art in this immersive experience.
Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore
Illuminate!
At Illuminate!, kids are invited to explore and experiment with shapes, colours, light and shadow to create stunning abstract art. This interactive exhibit is inspired by the National Gallery’s artworks and invites you to create your own!
Kids will love the opportunity to fill the room with their very own creations. Simply move around the shapes and colours on the table and watch it become projected onto the wall!
Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore
Makers Studio
Makers Studio is the perfect place for curious little ones to invent, tinker and create with a variety of materials, techniques and tools. Kids can choose their art tools and freely express themselves through art.
This collaborative learning space is sure to inspire kids of all ages to create 2D and 3D art through their eyes. Whether it’s experimenting with a 3D pen or building a wooden sculptures, kids will have a blast exploring art through play!
Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore
Portrait Gallery
Portraits are more than just a person’s photo. They convey emotions, stories and lives of the people they depict. At Portrait Gallery, kids can create portraits with different facial features, which can spark conversations about emotions and how we express them on a daily basis. Pick up a prop and strike a pose in the mirror and chat with the kids about how everyone is different and unique. And don’t forget to snap a selfie with the fam!
Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore
Calm Pod
For some kids, being in a new environment can be overwhelming. The Calm Pod at Keppel Art Centre for Education in the National Gallery Singapore allows kids and grown-ups to catch a breather when they are overstimulated and overwhelmed.
Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore
Expression Workshop
Drop in for parent-child bonding sessions at the Expression Workshop where there will be daily activities and facilitated workshops at Keppel Art Centre for Education. Explore, create, and imagine – the sky is the limit! Look out for exciting workshops you can join with the kids for a fun creative bonding experience!
Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore
Book Nook
We love this cosy space where little ones can flick through a range of inspiring stories. It’s also a comfy space where kids can rest and between each creative adventure at Keppel Art Centre.
Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore
Gallery Children’s Biennale at National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore’s Gallery Children’s Biennale began in 2017 with the mission to inspire young minds with art. Each edition features immersive and interactive artwork installations specially created by Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists to create spaces for kids to express their creativity and allow their imaginations to run wild and free.
The 4th edition of the Gallery Children’s Biennale, themed ‘Let’s Make a Better Place’ comes to National Gallery Singapore from 27 May 2023 to 31 March 2024 and showcases 11 art installations by international artists that spotlight four core values: Care, Collaborate, Imagine and Respect.
Get all the deets about this edition of Gallery Children’s Biennale here.
Kids’ Activities at the Keppel Art Centre
Drop-In Activity (FREE!)
There are plenty of drop-in creative activities at the Keppel Art Centre for little ones to create a portrait of themselves or become the next Picasso!
When: TBC
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Art Centre for Education, within the National Gallery Singapore
How much: Free!
Recommended Age: 3 years and above
Family Art Tour (FREE!)
If you want to dig deeper into the art displayed throughout the National Gallery Singapore, why not sign up for a Family Art tour? Enjoy engaging conversations about the stories behind each art piece and discuss how the themes are still relevant to us today.
When: 2:30pm – 3:20pm, 3:30pm – 4:20pm (Every 1st Saturday & Sunday of the month)
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Centre for Art Education, within the National Gallery Singapore
How much: Free! Click here for more and to register for an upcoming session.
Recommended Age: 5 years and up
Art Alive ($5 per pair)
Watch your favourite art pieces at National Gallery Singapore come to life with ART ALIVE! This interactive programme uses drama and storytelling to unveil the magic behind each stunning piece of art.
When: 10:30am – 11:10am, 11:30am – 12:10am (Saturday & Sunday on the 2nd weekend of every month)
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Centre for Art Education, within the National Gallery Singapore
How much: $5 per parent/child pair. Click here for more and to register for an upcoming session.
Recommended Age: 4 – 10 years old
GalleryBabies! ($10 per pair)
Tap into your baby’s curiosity to experience art together! Walk through facilitator-led conversations and bond with your little one through sensory activities inspired by art pieces from the National Gallery Singapore. For all the nursing mamas, there are nursing rooms available on each level of the National Gallery Singapore when your little one needs to eat!
When: 10:30am – 11:10am, 11:30am – 12:10pm (3rd Thursday of every month)
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Centre for Art Education, within the National Gallery Singapore
How much: $10 per parent-baby pair. Click here for more to register for an upcoming session.
Recommended Age: 9 – 18 months
GalleryToddlers! ($10 per pair)
Want to bond with your active little toddler through an artsy activity? Let your toddler’s imagination run wild and discover how they create art with the tools provided. Each activity is inspired by a different artwork from the National Gallery Singapore each month.
When: 10:30am – 11:10am & 11:30am – 12:10pm (first Saturday of every month)
Where: Supreme Court Foyer, Level 3, within the National Gallery Singapore
How much: $10 per parent-toddler pair
Recommended Age: 18 – 36 months
Family Art Workshop ($12 per pair)
Artist facilitator, Celeste, will take your family on a journey to discover the meaning behind selected artworks in the National Gallery Singapore. Then let your imagination run wild as you create your own visual language with an art-jamming session.
When: 2 – 3:30pm (every 4th Saturday of the month)
Where: Keppel Centre for Art Education, Expression Workshop
How much: $12 per parent/child pair
Recommended Age: Kids aged 7 – 12 years old and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to attend this workshop.
Where to Eat: National Gallery Singapore Restaurants
After exploring art and letting the kids immerse in artsy activities at the National Gallery Singapore, tummies will be grumbling! So, here is a list of restaurants that you can find at the National Gallery Singapore so you can recharge and unwind before you continue your journey of art exploration.
Courtyard Café & Lounge: Level 1, National Gallery Singapore
Kids will love the sweet treats at Courtyard Cafe & Lounge. From classic Singaporean kuehs, to the all-time favourite double chocolate muffin and local dishes like Hainanese Curry Chicken or Nasi Lemak, everyone in the family will be able to find something they want to eat. Their fuss-free, family-friendly dining space with natural lighting and high chairs make this a perfect spot for a family meal or afternoon snack.
Courtyard Cafe & Lounge, Supreme Court Wing, Level 1, National Gallery Singapore
The Great Mischief: Level 1, National Gallery Singapore
The Great Mischief is another family-friendly dining option at the National Gallery Singapore. With alfresco dining options available, you and your little ones can enjoy a hearty brunch or lunch after exploring the National Gallery. Or you could drop by in the evening with your special someone to experience Catalan romanticism with a selection of tapas and paella pans.
The Great Mischief, City Hall Wing, Level 1, Coleman Street Entrance, National Gallery Singapore
Gemma: Level 5, National Gallery Singapore
Looking for a place to have a fancy dinner date? GEMMA serves a contemporary Italian cuisine in a classy and sophisticated dining setting, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass (or two!) of fine wine. The food here is really excellent and the service is top-notch. Definitely one for date night, group dinners or impressing overseas guests (head to Smoke & Mirrors for a rooftop cocktail first).
GEMMA, City Hall Wing, Level 5, National Gallery Singapore
Art di Daniele Sperindio: Level 6, National Gallery Singapore
Fancy a meal with a stunning view? Art di Daniele Sperindio sits at the highest level of the National Gallery Singapore to offer you a view like no other. This spot offers Italian cuisine in an elegant setting while overlooking the Marina Bay skyline. Probably one best suited to couples or adults-only dinners rather than bringing the noisy little ones along!
Art di Daniele Sperindio, City Hall Wing, Level 6, National Gallery Singapore
Hachi Restaurant: Level 1, National Gallery Singapore
Hachi Restaurant is the pioneer of Omakase dining concept in Singapore, where customers entrust the chef to decide what Japanese dishes to serve. This means that there isn’t a fixed menu! So if you’re up for a unique Japanese dining experience, then head over to Hachi Restaurant. Simply sit back and allow the chefs to curate a menu just for you.
Hachi Restaurant, Supreme Court Wing, Level 1, National Gallery Singapore
National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore: Level 2, National Gallery Singapore
Fancy a Peranakan meal by a local celebrity chef? National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore celebrates local flavours in an elegant dining hall. This is a lovely restaurant to bring out of town guests to for a family meal with the kids after a visit to the National Gallery. Tuck into Chicken Satay, Beef Rendang, Dry Laksa, Chicken Curry or opt for the Peranakan high tea. It’s a gorgeous setting and the food is really delicious.
National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore, City Hall Wing, Level 2, National Gallery Singapore
Odette: Level 1, National Gallery Singapore
Three-Michelin Starred Odette is a minimalistic modern French restaurant with the finest artisanal produce specially curated by Chef-Owner Julien Royer. He uses classic French techniques to present the world’s finest seasonal ingredients to give you an exquisite dining experience like no other. You’ll need to book well ahead for this one (and probably best to go with adults)!
Odette, Supreme Court Wing, Level 1, National Gallery Singapore
Smoke & Mirrors: Level 6, National Gallery Singapore
Sitting on level 6 of the National Gallery Singapore, Smoke & Mirrors is a popular evening hotspot for drinks that features sweeping panoramic views of the Padang and Marina Bay. Sip on signature cocktails, your favourite wine or a glass of craft spirits as you take in the breathtaking view.
Smoke & Mirrors, City Hall Wing, Level 6, National Gallery Singapore
Yàn: Level 5, National Gallery Singapore
Yàn selectively curates a menu with the most delicious dishes from Cantonese cuisine. By pairing a range of ingredients with familiar flavours, you can look forward to a meal that promises to tantalise your taste buds.
Yàn, City Hall Wing, Level 5, National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore Opening Hours
The National Gallery Singapore is open daily from 10am to 7pm. Do note that admission and ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing time, so plan your time accordingly!
National Gallery Tickets
Singaporeans and PRs get to enjoy free general admission to the National Gallery Singapore. Tickets for non-Singaporean/PR kiddos aged 7 – 12 are $15, and tickets for non-Singaporean/PRs aged 13 and above are $20. Do book your tickets online ahead of time and print your National Gallery Passes at any Pass Dispenser at Level 1 of the National Gallery Singapore.
Getting to the National Gallery Singapore
- By Bus: There are more than 15 buses that you can take to the National Gallery. Find out the most convenient bus for you here.
- By MRT: The nearest station is City Hall MRT, and the National Gallery Singapore is about a 7-minute walk from the station. More deets here.
- By Taxi/Car: The taxi stand and drop-off point is at the Coleman Street entrance. If you’re driving, you will need to use Parliament Place and St Andrew’s Road to access the car park. More deets here.
National Gallery Singapore Carpark
Use Parliament Place to St. Andrew’s Road to access the National Gallery Singapore carpark. Rates are $1.40 per half hour (7am – 6pm) and $3.30 per entry. Explorer members get 1-hour free parking, while Insider members get 2-hour free parking. Membership is free (for Explorer membership only), plus you get some fab perks – click here to sign up!
We hope our guide has been helpful for you to plan your next day at the National Gallery Singapore with your family!
National Gallery Singapore, 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957, Tel: (+65) 6271 7000, website
