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Whitestone Gallery
Photograph: Whitestone GalleryWhitestone Gallery

The best contemporary art galleries and spaces in Singapore

Get ready to dive into the nooks and crannies of Singapore's art scene

Mingli Seet
Written by
Mingli Seet
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Seek and you shall uncover what this city's art landscape has to offer. Apart from the top museums that typically dominate itineraries, there are countless offbeat gems offering you a dive into the world of contemporary art. From small spaces tucked away at the most unexpected corners, to internationally-prominent galleries that have found a home right here on our sunny island, there's lots to discover. Switch up your weekend plans and check these places out. Who knows? You just might stumble across your next favourite artist. 

RECOMMENDED: The best museums in Singapore and the best music concerts and festivals in Singapore

Mega Galleries

STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery
  • Art
  • Chinatown

STPI is part of the Visual Arts Cluster, alongside other leading institutions such as National Gallery Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum. At this non-profit contemporary gallery, you can find regular artist collaboration programmes and creative workshops. What’s special about STPI is its very own creative production workshop run by professional printmakers that pushes the boundaries of various print and papermaking techniques, focusing on artistic experimentation in the medium of print and paper. 

  • Art
  • Galleries
  • Harbourfront

Whitestone Gallery, all the way from the vibrant streets of Tokyo, has descended upon Tanjong Pagar District Park (TPD) in Singapore, marking its sixth and latest home. It is also the largest, boasting a space of 20,000 square feet and ceilings 5 metres in height. With a history dating back to 1967, this illustrious establishment proudly wears the crown of being the pioneer in the realm of Japanese art. Their contemporary art galleries include Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, Beijing, Seoul, and now, Singapore.

 

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  • Art
  • Bukit Merah

Mizuma Gallery is a contemporary art gallery founded by Sueo Mizuma in Tokyo in 1994. The gallery expanded to Singapore in 2009, enriching the local art scene with its diverse exhibitions and artist showcases. The gallery is known for its commitment to promoting contemporary Asian artists alongside international talents, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue within the art community.

You'll be able to experience a wide range of art mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, photography, and new media. Its exhibitions often explore contemporary themes, cultural heritage, societal issues, and artistic experimentation. Mizuma Gallery frequently hosts solo and group exhibitions, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work and engage with audiences.

 

  • Art
  • Bukit Merah

Since its establishment in 2006, FOST Gallery has built a reputation as one of Singapore's most innovative galleries, presenting works by both established and emerging artists from Singapore and abroad. Housed at Gillman Barracks, the gallery represents artists such as John Clang (Singapore), Darren Soh (Singapore), Lavendar Chang (Taiwan), Kray Chen (Singapore), among several others.

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  • Art
  • Harbourfront

Gajah Gallery finds its home in an industrial warehouse space located in Tanjong Pagar, alongside their second space beyond our borders in Jakarta, Indonesia. Within each of these spaces, there is a distinctive atmosphere that beckons the interplay of contemporary aesthetics alongside engaging in critical discourse.

Since 1996, the gallery has been an active supporter of contemporary Asian art. Its collections and exhibitions by established artists from the region speak volumes of their expertise and knowledge of the area. Represented artists include Jane Lee (Singapore), Kayleigh Goh (Malaysia) and Uji “Hahan” Handoko Eko Saputro (Indonesia).

  • Art
  • City Hall

Located in the heart of Singapore's bustling art scene, Mulan Gallery aims to champion contemporary Southeast Asian creativity. From bold paintings that burst with color to intricate sculptures that invite closer inspection, each exhibition curated by Mulan Gallery offers a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Here, emerging talents and established artists alike find a platform to showcase their work and share their unique perspectives with the world.

Beyond its role as a gallery space, Mulan Gallery is also a hub for fostering connections and sparking dialogue within the art community. Through a diverse range of events, including artist talks, panel discussions, and workshops, Mulan Gallery creates opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts to engage directly with one another, exchange ideas, and delve deeper into the stories behind the artworks. 

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  • Art
  • Galleries
  • Rochor

Cuturi Gallery is housed in a beautiful conservation shophouse in the ethnic enclave of Kampong Gelam in the bigger Bugis area. The gallery space echoies its starting grounds on Scotts road, with streamlined and minimalistic interiors that don't take away from the main highlight: the artworks themselves. The gallery is known for its artist residencies and has an eye for picking out emerging local talent such as Vanessa Liem and Shen Jiaqi, and also represents international artists like Vincet Fournier and Louis Granet. 

  • Art
  • Galleries
  • Tanglin

Tucked away in Singapore's bustling art scene, Redsea Gallery is like a treasure trove waiting to be explored by art aficionados. From striking paintings that grab your attention to sculptures that make you pause and ponder, each piece in the gallery tells a story of its own. What sets Redsea apart is its eclectic mix of artworks from both established names and up-and-coming talents worldwide, ensuring there's always something fresh and exciting to discover.

 

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  • Art
  • Bukit Merah

Standing as a prominent fixture in Singapore's art landscape, Yavuz Gallery offers a refreshing perspective on contemporary creativity. With a diverse collection of artworks ranging from avant-garde installations to thought-provoking paintings, the gallery provides a space for both seasoned art enthusiasts and casual visitors to engage with the ever-evolving world of art.

Upon entering Yavuz Gallery, visitors are greeted by a curated selection of artworks that stimulate curiosity and invite contemplation. Through its exhibitions, artist talks, and community events, the gallery fosters a welcoming atmosphere where dialogue and exchange thrive. Yavuz Gallery's commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful connections makes it a notable destination for those seeking to explore the vibrant world of contemporary art in Singapore.

  • Art
  • Galleries
  • Outram

Art Porters Gallery is not your typical white-walled space. Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a whirlwind of color, texture, and emotion. From bold, abstract paintings that seem to leap off the canvas to immersive installations that transport you to another world, every corner of Art Porters Gallery holds a surprise waiting to be discovered.

But what truly sets this gallery apart is its commitment to showcasing emerging talents from Asia and beyond. Here, you won't just find established names; you'll also uncover hidden gems just waiting to be unearthed. 

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  • Art
  • Galleries
  • Kallang

Far from your typical art space, this dynamic hub of creativity is redefining the way art is presented to audiences in this digital age.

Picture this: a team of passionate creators, strategists, and designers coming together in a space where ideas flow freely and boundaries are non-existent. From brainstorming sessions that resemble artistic jam sessions to digital campaigns that defy convention, UltraSuperNew is where the unexpected happens. But it's not just about pushing creative limits – it's about fostering a community where collaboration thrives and inspiration strikes at every turn. 

  • Art
  • Contemporary art
  • City Hall

Think bold, and Art Now comes to mind – a state-of-the-art gallery space, lifestyle retail store, furnishing space and members' lounge all jam packed into one at the Raffles Arcade. The interior of the sophisticated gallery space was the brainchild of Milan and London based design practice Studio Milo. Inside, classical art masterpieces sit alongside contemporary furniture by Manfredi Style, as well as a curated selection of object d arts, accessories, ready to wear and other fine curios that are unique to the space.

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  • Art
  • Galleries
  • Tiong Bahru

Located in the heart of Tiong Bahru, the contemporary art gallery situated on the first floor of Asia Square Tower 1 injects life and colour both literally and figuratively to the trendy neighbourhood. Hatch Art Project prides itself in being a platform for emerging artists from the region through its various forms of exhibitions. Discover their wide offering of visual art mediums such as video, installation, sculptures, NFTs, and paintings. 

  • Art
  • Kent Ridge

Yeo Workshop is a project space that takes on a multi-disciplinary approach via its exhibitions, artist projects, and gallery-based programmes such as talks, symposiums and guided research. Priding itself on progressive engagement, you can find a diverse range of contemporary artists across different mediums and backgrounds sparking dialogues on current day issues.

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  • Art
  • Tanjong Pagar

With its locations in Hong Kong, Beijing, and the newest addition in Singapore (inaugurated in January 2023), is recognised as a significant presence in the art scene of the region. The gallery plays a pivotal role by introducing and fostering connections among diverse art communities globally, offering a comprehensive perspective on the practices of highly intriguing contemporary artists. Bringing the first exhibition of a Hong Kong architect/artist to Singapore aligns with WOAW Gallery's mission to strengthen the bonds between art hubs throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

  • Art
  • Raffles Place

Tucked away in the bustling streets of Singapore lies a hidden gem that's breaking the mold of traditional art galleries – Artcommune Gallery. Forget what you know about stuffy, high-brow spaces; this gallery is all about shaking things up and bringing art to life in the most unexpected ways.

Step through the doors of Artcommune Gallery, and you'll enter a world where creativity knows no bounds. But what really sets this place apart is its commitment to nurturing emerging talents and fostering a sense of community within the art scene. Through workshops, artist talks, and collaborative projects, Artcommune Gallery isn't just a place to admire art – it's a space where artists and art lovers come together to share ideas, inspire one another, and celebrate the boundless possibilities of creativity. 

Follow them on Instagram to keep up with their regular showcases of pioneering masters to current leading ones.

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  • Art
  • Orchard

Housing a wealth of pieces by some of the world’s most popular and revered artists, Opera Gallery is constantly presenting bigger pieces and shows to meet demand for the globally recognised. The new space will showcase a combination of contemporary art and masterworks from yesteryear by artists like Picasso. 

You'll be able to find a diverse range of artworks including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. Opera Gallery Singapore is part of the global Opera Gallery network, which has galleries in major cities worldwide.

  • Art
  • Bukit Merah

Mucciaccia Gallery, established by Massimiliano Mucciaccia, boasts a global presence, with locations spanning Rome, London, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Singapore.

As you step into Mucciaccia Gallery, prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the eclectic mix of artworks that greet you at every turn. From classical masterpieces that transport you to another era to bold contemporary pieces that challenge the status quo, there's something here to pique the curiosity of even the most discerning art aficionado.

Whether you're a seasoned art collector or simply someone who appreciates beauty in all its forms, Mucciaccia Gallery offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary and a chance to experience art in a whole new light.

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ION Art Gallery
  • Art
  • Orchard

Best known for being a shopping haven, one might overlook the space located on the fourth level of ION Orchard. The mall-integrated gallery focuses on showcasing a diverse range of visual arts such as photography, digital art, paintings, and more. Focusing on both emerging and established Singaporean and other Asian artists and designers, ION Art has notably showcased the works of local photographer Nguan, and also ran a Southeast Asian contemporary art show consisting of 16 different artists. 

Art Spaces

  • Film
  • Rochor

It’s almost impossible to miss Objectifs – a standalone yellow house along Waterloo Street dedicated to the visual arts. The gallery presents a year-round programme of exhibitions, screenings, workshops, talks, and more, aiming to advance the practice and appreciation of film and photography. This establishment also spearheads Objectif Films in partnership with Infinite Frameworks and Shooting Gallery Asia. Together, they distribute the largest number of short films in Southeast Asia and represent award-winning short films from our region.

  • Art
  • City Hall

Art lovers, this is your hint to look beyond the exterior of Excelsior Shopping Centre. Hidden at the basement is a small shopfront unit home to I_s_l_a_n_d_s, an experimental platform that encourages artists to reconsider the boundaries of their practise by testing novel concepts and alternative means of exhibition-making.

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  • Art
  • Ang Mo Kio

If you’re yearning for a fresh take on art indulgence, we recommend Starch. This artist-run gallery is a ground-up space for experimentation, conversations and re-orientations. The space seeks to support creative practitioners from all walks of life by providing a platform to showcase their art and hold dialogues around them. From presenting prize-winning works by LASALLE Alumnis to hosting a communal space that promotes wellness – there is definitely something for everyone. 

  • Art
  • Tiong Bahru

Artist Jason Wee flew his New York coop in 2008 and turned his apartment opposite the hulking Great World City into an intimate gallery, hoping to add fuel to the alternative scene by providing space for international and local artists, as well as aspiring curators. Today, Grey Projects has found a home in hipster enclave Tiong Bahru, serving as an all-in-one destination – merging a library, residency apartment, studio and two galleries. These spaces work hand in hand to present talks, residencies, reading groups and workshops.

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  • Art
  • Bishan

A breathing space between commas – Comma Space is an experimental artist-run hub tucked away in Jalan Pemimpin. Encouraging creativity and criticism, the space brings together people from different backgrounds. You’ll be able to find art and curated exhibitions that support contemporary artists locally, regionally and internationally.

What's on?

  • Art

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