National Art Gallery to offer a new experience for visitors

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SINGAPORE MARCH 17 2009

The National Art Gallery slated to open in 2013 will be of a world-class standard incorporating many new and exciting galleries and functions. One will be the Singapore Art Gallery which will feature our local art and heritage as well as a unique Children’s Museum, possibly the first of its kind in South East Asia.

The National Art Gallery will span two historic buildings – City Hall and the former Supreme Court building. When renovations are completed, the buildings will be joined by a glass-covered rooftop piazza which will offer a vantage view of the Padang, Marina Bay and the city skyline. The gallery will also play host to a range of food and beverage outlets and shops to complete the experience.

Speaking at a media briefing earlier today, Senior Minister of State for Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA), Rear Admiral (NS) Lui Tuck Yew said the design will celebrate the rich architectural heritage, cultural and historical significance of these buildings. “At the same time we want to create a new institution – one that is distinct in its identity as a leading art gallery, a vibrant civic and creative space for all to enjoy.”

With approximately 12,000 sqm of gallery space, there will be a mix of free access areas as well as ticketed exhibition areas. Historically significant spaces including the Surrender Chambers and Chief Justice Courtroom along with the Singapore Art Gallery and the Children’s Museum, are some of the areas which will remain free to the public. There will also be space for adult learning, a virtual museum, real-time virtual conferencing and lots of open spaces for mingling and artistic expression.

SMS Lui also told the media that the National Art Gallery will be corporatised: “We established The National Art Gallery as a company limited by guarantee on January 16 2009.

“The Gallery will have full operational autonomy and its own board, to allow it the necessary flexibility to be a nimble and effective organisation and help fulfill its ambitions in becoming a world-class visual arts institution. The National Heritage Board (NHB) will have oversight of the National Art Gallery. This arrangement ensures accountability for its performance, financial discipline and responsible management. At the same time, the Gallery would also be able to tap on and contribute to the national collection, which is under NHB’s charge.”

He went on to disclose that Mr Michael Koh, the NHB’s chief executive officer will also be appointed CEO of the National Art Gallery. Mr Kwok Kian Chow, the director of the Singapore Art Museum will similarly also be holding the position of director of the National Art Gallery.