I’ve been to Singapore a couple of times already and, if I’m being honest, it’s never been my favourite city. I appreciate the modern architecture, and there’s definitely a lot to do, especially if it’s your first visit. It’s just not somewhere I actively plan to return to unless there’s a reason.

This time, that reason was a concert. Since I was already flying in, I set aside a couple of days for sightseeing. One place I hadn’t visited yet was the National Gallery Singapore. 

national gallery singapore

I’ll admit, one of my main motivations was the BTS connection. Parts of Jin’s 'Don’t Say You Love Me' music video were filmed here, and there’s even an online trail you can follow to find the exact filming spots. That definitely pushed it higher up my list. But I also genuinely enjoy museums, so it wasn’t just for that.


How to Get to National Gallery Singapore

The National Gallery Singapore is located in the Civic District, right beside Padang. The easiest way to get there is by MRT. City Hall MRT Station is the closest stop, and from there it’s just a short walk.

If you’re already around Marina Bay or Clarke Quay, you can also walk. Singapore is very pedestrian-friendly, and Google Maps was accurate as usual.

national gallery singapore
the exteriors of National Gallery Singapore

What to Expect at National Gallery Singapore

The gallery focuses mainly on Southeast Asian art, alongside Singaporean works. It’s not just one or two rooms. It’s a large complex made up of two historic buildings, the former Supreme Court and City Hall.

The Architecture

Before even looking at the exhibitions, the architecture stands out. The old courtrooms, columns, and large halls have been preserved, but modern elements like glass walkways connect the spaces. Walking through it doesn’t feel like a typical museum. There’s a mix of old and new that makes the building itself part of the experience.

Southeast Asian Art Collections

The main galleries showcase modern and contemporary Southeast Asian art. Some pieces are abstract, some political, some rooted in regional history. 

national gallery singapore
one of my favorite galleries here

Even if you’re not an art expert, you can appreciate the variety. I didn’t rush through every room. I just took my time and focused on pieces that caught my attention.

The 'Don’t Say You Love Me' Trail

If you’re a BTS fan, you can actually follow an online trail that maps out where Jin filmed parts of the music. I had that open on my phone while walking around and it was quite easy to follow. It was fun seeing the actual spaces in person and recognising certain shots from the music video. It added another layer to the visit without taking away from the museum experience itself.

national gallery singapore
the iconic escalator from Jin's 'Don't Say You Love Me' music video

Views and Open Spaces

There are also areas inside with high ceilings and open viewpoints that overlook parts of the Civic District. The layout allows a lot of natural light in, so it never feels cramped. It’s easy to spend two to three hours here without noticing.

Where to Get Tickets for National Gallery Singapore

General admission to the National Gallery Singapore costs SGD20, which is roughly around PHP912, and this includes access to the permanent exhibitions. Special exhibitions are not included in the standard ticket, but you can opt for an all-access pass if you’re interested in seeing everything.

national gallery singapore
stunning interiors of the National Gallery Singapore

You can purchase tickets onsite or directly from the National Gallery Singapore website, but I booked mine through Klook and got it slightly cheaper. The process was straightforward, and I just showed the voucher on my phone upon entry. If you’re already using Klook for other activities, it’s worth checking the price there before buying directly.


The National Gallery Singapore ended up being a solid addition to my short trip. The BTS connection was what initially got me there, but I’m glad I went for more than just that.

Even though Singapore still isn’t my favourite city, this visit gave me a different appreciation for it. If you enjoy museums or want to see a different side of Singapore beyond malls and skyline views, this is worth adding to your itinerary.