National Gallery Singapore - the refurbished pearl

Hi all! This post would be my visit to this National Gallery Singapore which was opened on Tuesday, 24 November 2015.

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

I have always wanted to go in to this place badly. Not because of its historical values or what, but it's just that my last visit around this area, I mean, the new Supreme Court open house was back then in 2011. Thus, when this former Supreme Court building and newly-refurbished City Hall opened its doors on this day, I tell myself that I must go in.

Few days before this date, I surf to this website: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/ to find out more, and especially when there will be an opening celebrations from this date until 6 December 2015 (for sure in Singapore, definitely there will be long queues), there's this link that you can book your tickets for free online first before admit in to this building. Hence, I don't waste my time, so to just book my ticket for this day.

Luckily, it was raining during my visit here, around noon. Hence, after showing my ticket to the officials, officially the moment of stepping in to this building becomes a reality. Walking in from Coleman St, these few pictures awaits me.

 National Gallery, former Supreme Court and also City Hall Singapore. Layout plan for this building.

 Majestic view of the courtyard from Coleman St entrance.

 Lifting up the angle.

Rooftop view from Coleman St entrance. Quite gloomy as it was raining heavily outside. So, since I decided to tour around myself, I decide to go down to the basement area. And, this is what I have to show to you all.

Retaining from its historical values, City Hall & Supreme Court is the merge buildings for National Gallery.

 Founders for this building, not to mention SingTel.

This is rare, or probably best part of all. There's an ATM in the museum. Only in Singapore, I believe.

I move on to Level 2 at City Hall wing. This level represents showcases from DBS Singapore Gallery. In total, there are 3 galleries, as shown below. Let the pictures do the talking, shall we?

 Look at this picture carefully, what does it represent?

 Batik painting by Singapore's batik maker, Sarkasi Said.

 A nicely-figured vase, specially made by Singapore's finest pottery maker, Iskandar Jalil.

 Singapore during the olden days.

 Reflective painting by Basoeki Abdullah.

 After visiting all galleries, there's this section, known as Social Circle where you can...

 ...interactively pick and select to put into your collection.

 Reflective painting by the famous Malay painter....

...Allahyarham Mohammed Din Muhammad, Nadiah M.Din's father.

Not only galleries sponsored by DBS, but there's also a dining area, which serves complementary fine dining, that suits your personality, as shown below.

Welcome to National Kitchen by Violet Oon. A perfect place to dine in for Singapore's rich culinary heritage by our own celebrity chef, Chef Violet Oon.

 Some information about City Hall building.

Last picture at Level 2. Moving on, going up to Level 3, there is this segment known as Singapore Courtyard, to reflect your mementos about Singapore's arts.

At City Hall wing, level 3, there is this section known as Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery. There are 3 galleries also, in total. However, for this opening day, there are no exhibit sponsors, so I just move towards City Hall Chamber.

 Facing the Padang, St. Andrew's Road.

 Facing new Supreme Court Lane.

 City Hall Chamber, a place to relax and reflect more about Singapore's art galleries and showcases.

 More information about this City Hall Chamber.

A permanent exhibit by the DBS Singapore Gallery, featuring 'Siapa Nama Kamu?' or 'What's your name?' in English. It reflects art that relates back to issues in the community and self, and looking through Singapore via arts perspective. 

Since, at this wing, there's nothing, so I move to the former Supreme Court wing. A lot of things for me to ponder over there, as shown below.

These pictures reflects the room that Chief Justice's Chambers and Office that was used before.

At this wing, in total, there are 15 galleries, to look upon. Each galleries, have their own theme, and it reflects the values as Singapore and the world began to prosper. I leave you with the picture exhibits.

 More information about the former Supreme Court building.

 Malaysia.

Actually, at this level (Level 3) on Supreme Court wing, there are 11 galleries. Gallery 12 is located at Level 4, whereas the remaining galleries are located at Level 5, which also houses a theatrette. Hence, these remaining pictures showcases the Rotunda, the circle where all law cases is strictly kept here (don't really know whether is it for real, or just for showcase purpose).

 Milestone inaugurated during early 20th century.

 In Singapore, there's only 2 Chief Justice that we know, famously known is Chief Justice Yong Pung How, who is currently still active, for several cases.

 Reflections of an actor mainly for film industry.

 Al-Fatihah from the Quran verse, behind a person's image.

 Wayang Kulit, originate from Malaysia, mainly at Kelantan & Terengganu state.

 More information about the Wayang Kulit folklore.

The remaining pictures are located at the former Supreme Court building, that also consists of a theatrette.

So, I decided to go back to City Hall wing, where you can go all the way to the rooftop.

 Both Wu Guanzhong & Chia Ek Kay gallery to open on Thursday, 26 November 2015.

 Sira Pisang, or glazed banana (or better known as banana caramel)

 What a lovely display.

And, my, what a magnificent view of Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum and Esplanade. I also record a video of myself at this area.

Almost all sectors of the building I have already covered, except at Level 1 the former Supreme Court wing. Hence, I complete that part, and also, as usual pictures, below.

The Gallery souvenirs. In the end, I spent almost 4 hours tour around the building.

What I learnt is not to be complacent, and be more appreciative towards the arts industry here in Singapore. At last, this is something worthwhile to visit, the reflections made by the artists have a great impact about the revolution of this industry here, locally and globally.

Hence, I urge all of you, where ever you are, during these fortnight, from 25 November to 6 December 2015, go and plan a visit here at the National Gallery Singapore. Easily accessible via MRT by exit B at City Hall MRT Station, and walk towards Coleman St.

Till then, sign off by me. Hope it helps.