The building is old, with an impressive Greek revival of Palladian columned front. Like the national Gallery in London and town halls worldwide. You know the sort, with the triangular piece above and a flight of steps (designed for nimble young athletes, not people such as retired tourists in wheelchairs).
Inside a huge central entry hall and galleries up the side. But it has cost millions to renovate.
Even the escalator looks impressive. Typical of Singapore, the best of the old and the best of the new.
Go now while it's free.
Not just art, sculpture and photography. Singapore has a special gallery. But it's not just Singaporean artists. Philippines as well. The aim is to be a showcase and centrepiece for the region. Huge, wide paintings, reminding me of the Monet in France.
Admission to the museum's galleries and exhibitions is free during the opening fortnight, from Tuesday 24th November to Sunday 6th December.
The building is the old City Hall and Supreme Court, on the Padang.
The flagstone in the middle says the floor was laid/opened in the r e i g n (spellcheck changed this to right to I inserted spaces) of George VI.
(I remember who was who by the alliterative first letters,: George Five First world war, George Six Second world war.)
http://graphics.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/Interactives/2015/11/national-gallery-singapore-opening-interactive-feature/index.html
Visual tour of the gallery, starting with the foyer.
How to get there? City Hall MRT (mass transit which is the underground and overground railway). City Hall is a huge station and junction. A walk way leads from the station right to the gallery.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34909019
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/national-gallery/2288938.html
http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/eager-early-bird-visitors-check-out-national-gallery-singapore-on-first-day-of-public
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer
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