Did you know that little ones can create art through movement and hands-on activities at The Keppel Art Centre for Education within the National Gallery Singapore? Here’s our guide on what to do and see with kids at this art gallery!
You may assume that an art museum might be boring for kids, but that’s not the case at the National Gallery Singapore. This heritage building has witnessed many historic moments in Singapore and is now a historical landmark to spark curiosity and creativity for people of all ages. To inspire the little ones, they created The Keppel Art Centre for Education. And guess what? It’s 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. One of the exhibits has plenty of space for the little ones to jump around or clap their hands to create art on a screen. Another allows them to tap into their artsy side to transform ordinary objects like pipe cleaners or string into a masterpiece. The opportunities to unleash art and creativity are seemingly endless, and the little ones are sure to have a ton of fun! 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
Children’s Biennale
Kids’ Activities at Keppel Art Centre for Education
Restaurants at the National Gallery Singapore
Opening Hours
Getting to the National Gallery Singapore
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. Familiar Others features art from Emiria Sunassa, Eduardo Masferre and Yeh Chi Wei and explores what it means to represent people who are different from one’s own. Listening to Architecture features artefacts that were excavated from the the National Gallery’s grounds and artwork that draws on the historical memories that were created within the walls of the National Gallery Singapore. Finally, Law of the Land helps you journey through Singapore’s history from British settlement to its independence in 1965. Not only will you find art at each corner of the National Gallery Singapore but you will also be able to experience art through OUTBOUND, a series of unique commissions that artistically transforms transitional spaces.
In addition to these year-round exhibitions, the National Gallery 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.
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 their 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 also provides a wide range of hands-on programmes and activities.
My Ink-Credible Adventure: Level 1 of the Keppel Art Centre, National Gallery
Do your little ones love running and jumping around? My Ink-Credible Adventure is a spacious area that allows kids to create art by running, clapping, and jumping up and down.
Each movement creates swirling brushstrokes by artist Yeo Shih Yun and gives kids the chance to turn their energy into art!
Recommended Age: 4 years and above
Ink Studio: Level 1 of the Keppel Art Centre, National Gallery
At the Ink Studio, kids are invited to express their creativity and create art on a blank canvas by using ordinary craft items like pipe cleaners, string, tape, sponges and paint. These are the same tools that Singapore artist Yeo Shih Yun to create her ink paintings.
Or maybe experiment with different tools to create an ink painting using brushes or unconventional tools like robots!
Recommended Age: 5 years and above
Because It Makes Me Feel: Level 1 of the Keppel Art Centre, National Gallery
This year-long exhibition within the Keppel Art Centre, at the National Gallery gives little ones a way to explore different types of homes and what gives them a sense of belonging through beautiful tents.
Designed by Artist Nandita Mukand, Because It Makes Me Feel is a safe space with a variety of educational activities like magnetic tiles, wooden blocks, or even an origami station for little ones to create anything they choose.
Mural Play!: Level 1 of the Keppel Art Centre, National Gallery
With Mural Play! located throughout the National Gallery Singapore, kids can make stories come alive with magnetic pieces on the mural wall. The grown-ups will be intrigued by how kids interpret art and create stories with pieces on the wall.
Recommended Age: 5 years and above
Children’s Biennale at National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore’s 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 National Gallery’s Children’s Biennale is on until 26 February 2023 and includes a wide range of family-friendly programmes for kids to engage with art and grow their understanding of the world around them.
Calling for Rain at Children’s Biennale
This short film follows Kiri the Monkey and Kongkea the Fish as they battle against Aki the Fire Dragon to save their forest homes.
Little ones can immerse themselves in a performance room that was inspired by a traditional Cambodian play.
Where: City Hall Wing, Level B1, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium Anteroom, National Gallery Singapore
Head/Home at Children’s Biennale
Imagine a room filled with cardboard art from the floor to the ceiling! Little ones (and adults too) will marvel at this massive cardboard installation, each of which come with different back stories and experiences.
Explore what home means to you through these impressive cardboard art.
Where: Supreme Court Wing, Level B1, Koh Seow Chuan Concourse Gallery, National Gallery Singapore
Voices from the Centres at Children’s Biennale
From an intricate larger-than-life cardboard installation to an opportunity to respond to art through dance, kids can discover how they can create art with a variety of tools.
There is even a paper-weaving activity using old magazines to teach little ones that they can transform ordinary resources into beautiful art pieces.
Where: Supreme Court Wing, Level B1, Outside Koh Seow Chuan Concourse Gallery, National Gallery Singapore
A Day’s Book at Children’s Biennale
This cute little library of daily diaries shares intriguing stories written by children all over the world! Head over with your little one to read a story and see the world from a child’s perspective. You can also head over to a workstation with iPads available for your kids to share their thoughts or scribbles!
Where: Supreme Court Wing, Level 3, Supreme Court Foyer, National Gallery Singapore
Illuminated at Children’s Biennale
This magnetic wall has a unique selection of magnets inspired by X-rays and bones of corals.
Little ones can move the magnets around the wall to create a story and design an imaginative world.
Where: Supreme Court Wing, Level 1, Padang Atrium, National Gallery Singapore
Behome at Children’s Biennale
Get lost the interactive installation to explore the world of BB Cool Bee and his friends.
Or learn all about how bees make honey through a fun arcade game!
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, City Hall Foyer, National Gallery Singapore
Superstar at Children’s Biennale
This immersive animated universe stores objects of the past and speculative objects of the future.
Explore what used to be and imagine what the future will be with your little one.
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, City Hall Foyer, National Gallery Singapore
Conversations with an Octopus at Children’s Biennale
There are plenty of stories to uncover and larger-than-life art installations to explore like The Octopus!
Discover adventures with your little one and follow the stories of The Girl with the Red Shorts in The Enchanted Forest and The Undersea Library.
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, Opposite Keppel Centre for Art Education, National Gallery Singapore
There are plenty of activities, workshops, and immersive art experiences for little ones of all ages within the National Gallery. Click here to explore all that Children’s Biennale has to offer. Check out other kid-friendly exhibitions here.
Children’s Biennale
When: now until 26 February 2023
Where: Installations throughout the National Gallery Singapore
How much: Free!
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: 10am – 7pm daily
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Centre for Education, within the National Gallery Singapore
How much: Free!
Recommended Age: 3 years and above
Stories in Art (FREE!)
A picture is worth a thousand words, so why not explore the stories behind these art pieces? Kids will get the chance to hear a storyteller share stories inspired by the artwork found in the National Gallery.
When: 2:30pm – 3:15pm, 3:30p – 4:15pm (Every 2nd 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
Family Art Tours (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
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.
When: 10am – 10:40am (Every last Saturday of the 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: 6 – 12 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: 11am – 11:40am (every last Saturday of the month)
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Centre for Art Education, within the National Gallery Singapore
How much: $10 per parent-toddler pair
Recommended Age: 18 – 36 months
Restaurants at the National Gallery Singapore
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.
GEMMA, City Hall Wing, Level 5, National Gallery Singapore
Art di Danielle 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. You can feast to your heart’s content on delicious Italian cuisine in an elegant setting while overlooking the Marina Bay skyline.
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
The Public Eight: Level 1, National Gallery Singapore
If you’ve spent the day at the National Gallery, why not unwind at The Public Eight with a glass of fine wine or a Highball cocktail? From fresh beer on tap to a selection of Japanese whisky and spirits, The Public Eight has anything you may need to de-stress and complement a delicious Japanese dinner.
The Public Eight, Supreme Court Wing, Level 1, National Gallery Singapore
National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore: Level 2, National Gallery Singapore
Fancy a meal by a local celebrity chef? National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore celebrates local flavours in an elegant dining hall. Enjoy a delicious meal or high tea overlooking sweeping views of Singapore’s skyline with a local bar bites and sunset cocktails.
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!
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 destress and 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 the 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!
Is National Gallery Free to Enter?
Singaporeans and PRS get to enjoy free general admission to the National Gallery Singapore. Tickets for non-Singaporean/PR kiddos aged 7 – 12 are $12, and tickets for non-Singaporean/PRs aged 13 and above are $20. Do book your tickets online ahead of time and print your 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 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.
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, nationalgallery.sg
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