Kid-Friendly Guide To The National Gallery Singapore & Keppel Centre For Art Education

Take the kids to explore the National Gallery Singapore! Here’s our guide on what to do and see with kids at this art gallery plus a special mention to the Keppel Art Centre for Education, the area dedicated to kids.

Have you taken the kids to admire the art at the National Gallery Singapore? There’s also a special building within the National Gallery called the Keppel Art Centre for Education dedicated to kids’ activities and art programmes! The National Gallery Singapore is a heritage building that has witnessed many historic moments and is now a historical landmark. And guess what? Entry to the National Gallery Singapore and the Keppel Art Centre for Education is FREE for Singaporeans and PRs! It’s filled with exciting immersive and interactive art exhibits for kids, so you may have to work your negotiating skills to convince them to go home. Here’s our practical guide on everything you need to know for a fun day with the kids at the National Gallery Singapore.

Read more: Guide To Kid-Friendly Museums & Exhibits In Singapore

Jump to these highlights at National Gallery Singapore:
– Exhibitions at National Gallery Singapore
– Keppel Art Centre for Education
– Gallery Children’s Biennale
– Kids’ Activities at Keppel Art Centre for Education
– Restaurants at the National Gallery Singapore
– National Gallery Singapore Opening Hours
– Getting to the National Gallery Singapore
– National Gallery Singapore Carpark

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Exhibitions at National Gallery Singapore

The National Gallery Singapore has a number of long-term exhibitions that portray the story of how art has evolved in Singapore and Southeast Asia over the years.

National Gallery Singapore also features special exhibitions for limited periods throughout the year, including kid-friendly exhibitions, 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: You’re going to do a lot of walking at National Gallery Singapore’s 64,000 square metre space. Thankfully, strollers are allowed in most parts of the gallery unless otherwise advised. If not, there is a designated stroller parking bay. Just be sure to keep your valuables with you.

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Guide to 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 kids’ 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 for Education also provides a wide range of hands-on programmes and activities. Plus, entry is completely free! Just be sure to book a slot to visit online here so the kids won’t be disappointed if it gets too crowded!

Highlights At Keppel Art Centre For Education:

A Brush with Forest Fire

Do your little ones love exploring new places? A Brush with Forest Fire is a spacious forestscape inspired by Raden Saleh’s Boschbrand (Forest Fire). Step into a fantastical journey to learn more about the core elements of art.

Kids (and grown-ups!) can pick up a brush and unleash their inner Pablo Picasso to create digital art in this immersive experience.

Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore

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Illuminate!

At Illuminate!, kids are invited to explore and experiment with shapes, colours, light and shadow to create stunning abstract art. This interactive exhibit is inspired by the National Gallery’s artworks and invites you to create your own!

Kids will love the opportunity to fill the room with their very own creations. Simply move around the shapes and colours on the table and watch it become projected onto the wall!

Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore

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Makers Studio

Makers Studio is the perfect place for curious little ones to invent, tinker and create with a variety of materials, techniques and tools. Kids can choose their art tools and freely express themselves through art.

This collaborative learning space is sure to inspire kids of all ages to create 2D and 3D art through their eyes. Whether it’s experimenting with a 3D pen or building wooden sculptures, kids will have a blast exploring art through play!

Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore

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Portrait Gallery

Portraits are more than just a person’s photo. They convey emotions, stories and lives of the people they depict. At Portrait Gallery, kids can create portraits with different facial features, which can spark conversations about emotions and how we express them on a daily basis. Pick up a prop and strike a pose in the mirror and chat with the kids about how everyone is different and unique. And don’t forget to snap a selfie with the fam!

Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore

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Calm Pod

For some kids, being in a new environment can be overwhelming. The Calm Pod at Keppel Art Centre for Education in the National Gallery Singapore allows kids and grown-ups to catch a breather when they are overstimulated and overwhelmed.

Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore

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Expression Workshop

Drop in for parent-child bonding sessions at the Expression Workshop where there will be daily activities and facilitated workshops at Keppel Art Centre for Education. Explore, create, and imagine – the sky is the limit! Look out for exciting workshops you can join with the kids for a fun creative bonding experience!

Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore

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Book Nook

We love this cosy space where little ones can flick through a range of inspiring stories. It’s also a comfy space where kids can rest and between each creative adventure at Keppel Art Centre.

Where: Keppel Art Centre for Education within National Gallery Singapore

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Gallery Children’s Biennale at National Gallery Singapore

The National Gallery Singapore’s Gallery 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 fifth edition of the Gallery Children’s Biennale, celebrates both Singapore’s 60th birthday and the gallery’s 10th anniversary! With the theme “Tommorow We’ll Be…”, children will be invited to imagine the limitless possibilities of their future. Eight multi-sensorial artwork installations will spotlight four core values: Joy, Kindness, Dream and Love.

Get all the deets about this edition of Gallery Children’s Biennale here.

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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 Art Centre for Education, within the National Gallery Singapore
How much: Free!
Recommended Age: 3 years and above

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Art Alive ($5 per pair)

Watch your favourite art pieces at National Gallery Singapore come to life with ART ALIVE! This interactive programme uses drama and storytelling to unveil the magic behind each stunning piece of art.

When: 10:30am – 11:10am, 11:30am – 12:10am (Saturday & Sunday on the 2nd weekend of every month)
Where: City Hall Wing, Level 1, Keppel Centre for Art Education, within the National Gallery Singapore
How much: $5 per parent/child pair. Click here for more and to register for an upcoming session.
Recommended Age: 4 – 10 years old

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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: First Saturday of every month
Where: Supreme Court Foyer, Level 3, within the National Gallery Singapore
How much: $10 per parent-toddler pair
Recommended Age: 18 – 36 months

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Where to Eat: National Gallery Singapore Restaurants

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, www.facebook.com/CourtyardCafeAndLounge

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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, www.thegreatmischief.sg

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Art di Daniele 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. This spot offers Italian cuisine in an elegant setting while overlooking the Marina Bay skyline. Probably one best suited to couples or adults-only dinners rather than bringing the noisy little ones along!

Art di Daniele Sperindio, City Hall Wing, Level 6, National Gallery Singapore, www.artdidanielesperindio.com

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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, www.hachirestaurant.com

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National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore: Level 2, National Gallery Singapore

Fancy a Peranakan meal by a local celebrity chef? National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore celebrates local flavours in an elegant dining hall. This is a lovely restaurant to bring out of town guests to for a family meal with the kids after a visit to the National Gallery. Tuck into Chicken Satay, Beef Rendang, Dry Laksa, Chicken Curry or opt for the Peranakan high tea. It’s a gorgeous setting and the food is really delicious.

National Kitchen by Violet Oon Singapore, City Hall Wing, Level 2, National Gallery Singapore, www.violetoon.com

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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 (and probably best to go with adults)!

Odette, Supreme Court Wing, Level 1, National Gallery Singapore, www.odetterestaurant.com

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Yàn: Level 5, National Gallery Singapore

Yàn selectively curates a menu with the most delicious dishes from 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, www.yan.com.sg

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Smoke & Mirrors: Level 6, National Gallery Singapore (Temporarily Closed)

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 take in the breathtaking view.

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Gemma: Level 5, National Gallery Singapore (Closed)

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. The food here is really excellent and the service is top-notch. Definitely one for date night, group dinners or impressing overseas guests (head to Smoke & Mirrors for a rooftop cocktail first).

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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!

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National Gallery tickets

Singaporeans and PRs get to enjoy free general admission to the National Gallery Singapore. Tickets for non-Singaporean/PR kiddos aged 7 – 12 are $15, and tickets for non-Singaporean/PRs aged 13 and above are $20.

Do book your tickets online ahead of time and print your National Gallery Passes at any Pass Dispenser at Level 1 of the National Gallery Singapore.

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Getting to the National Gallery Singapore

• By Bus: There are more than 15 buses that you can take to the National 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.

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National Gallery Singapore carpark

Use Parliament Place to St. Andrew’s Road to access the National Gallery Singapore carpark. Rates are $1.40 per half hour (7am – 6pm) and $3.30 per entry. Explorer members get 1-hour free parking, while Insider members get 2-hour free parking. Membership is free (for Explorer membership only), plus you get some fab perks – click here to sign up!

National Gallery Singapore, 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957, Tel: (+65) 6271 7000, website

We hope our guide has been helpful for you to plan your next day at the National Gallery Singapore with your family!

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