studioMilou merges old with new in dynamic national gallery singapore transformation

studioMilou merges old with new in dynamic national gallery singapore transformation
image courtesy of national gallery singapore

due to open its doors to the public in november, the national gallery singapore has undergone a dynamic restoration led by studioMilou and CPG consultants. the heritage building will become a new visual arts institution housing the largest public collection of artwork dating back to the 19th century to present day from singapore and south east asia.

new suspended walkways are supported by tree-like columns which connect visitors to each gallery
image © national gallery singapore

the national gallery is based in a neoclassical building in the heart of the civic district where the minimal intervention symbolically unites the two landmark historical buildings. formerly a supreme court and city hall, they have been elegantly adapted to accommodate the galleries, and educational programs throughout and internally, the architects have re-imagined the circulation while conserving existing historical elements. in the atrium, new suspended ‘sky bridges’ walkways are suspended with beam and bable structural supports linking visitors to each gallery building and tree-like columns fill the space.

the design will transform the way visitors move through the galleries, introducing contemporary structures without detracting from the fabric of the original architecture. the rooftop of the former supreme court building will also now be accessible, revealing a view across the original rotunda domes.outside, a canopy of 15,000 golden aluminum panels gently floats between the two neoclassical structures and covers the entire roof, joining the buildings and providing a dappled sunlit central atrium.

the atrium
image © national gallery singapore

accentuated by the intervention which establishes a meaningful dialog between past and present. education is at the core of the museum’s ethos where the immersive exhibitions and experience aims to captivate and spark a curiosity in art for all ages. while promoting the visual culture of singapore, the new institution will give south-east asian art a platform.

dr. eugene tan the director of national gallery singapore comments: ‘by presenting co-curated international art exhibitions, the gallery will not only be able to portray the development of art around the region but also show southeast asian art in a global context. through our exhibitions, collaborative research and education, the museum will continually spark thoughtful and meaningful conversations about art from the region and the world. in essence, the gallery will be a place for everyone – singaporeans, our neighbours and visitors from all over the world – where they can be immersed in a unique experience of art and be inspired, engaged, and moved to share this experience with others,’

at 64,000 square metres, the national gallery will be the largest visual arts institution in singapore
image © darren soh and national gallery singapore