Singapore Arts Museum | Central Region

Singapore Art Museum (SAM)

The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is a leading contemporary art institution in Singapore, dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, and promoting contemporary art from Singapore, Southeast Asia, and beyond. It is known for its focus on experimental, thought-provoking, and cutting-edge artworks.

1. General Information

• Abbreviation: SAM
• Established: 1996
• Specialty: Contemporary art
• Operator: National Arts Council (previously), now independent
• Main Venue: 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore (currently under renovation)
• Satellite Venues:
  • SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark (temporary exhibition space)
  • SAM Residencies (artist-in-residence programs)

SAM is part of Singapore’s Museum Roundtable and plays a key role in promoting regional and international contemporary art.

2. Location & Accessibility

Main Building (Under Renovation)

• Address: 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555
• Nearby Landmarks: Near National Museum of Singapore, School of the Arts (SOTA), and the Esplanade
• Public Transport:
  • MRT: Bras Basah Station (CC2) – 1-minute walk
  • Bus: Several bus routes stop near Bras Basah Road and Victoria Street

Temporary Venue – SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark

• Address: 39 Keppel Road, Singapore 089065
• Function: Hosts exhibitions and events while the main building is being redeveloped
• MRT Access: Tanjong Pagar Station (EW15)

3. History & Development

• 1996: SAM opened in the restored St. Joseph’s Institution, a historic Catholic boys’ school.
• 2011: National Gallery Singapore took over its classical and modern art collections, allowing SAM to focus exclusively on contemporary art.
• 2019: The Bras Basah site closed for extensive renovations to modernize exhibition spaces.
• 2022-Present: Operations shifted to SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark as a temporary venue.

4. Collections & Exhibitions

SAM’s collection focuses on contemporary art from Singapore and Southeast Asia, including:

• Paintings & Sculptures
• New Media Art (Digital, Video, VR)
• Installations & Performance Art
• Experimental & Conceptual Art

Notable Artists in SAM’s Collection

• Tang Da Wu (Singapore) – Conceptual and performance artist
• Heri Dono (Indonesia) – Political and satirical installations
• FX Harsono (Indonesia) – Social commentary on Indonesian history
• Navin Rawanchaikul (Thailand) – Community-based and interactive art

Key Exhibitions & Programs

• Singapore Biennale – SAM is the main organizer of this major contemporary art event.
• SAM Residencies – A program for local and international artists, curators, and researchers.
• Interactive & Digital Art Shows – Featuring cutting-edge installations and VR experiences.

5. Unique Features & Architecture

Bras Basah Building (Historical Venue, Under Renovation)

• Originally St. Joseph’s Institution, built in 1855
• European-style architecture, preserved heritage facade
• Will reopen with modernized galleries, flexible exhibition spaces, and digital art capabilities

Tanjong Pagar Distripark (Temporary Venue)

• Located in a warehouse-style building
• Offers industrial, open-concept gallery spaces suitable for large-scale installations

6. Nearby Attractions

• National Museum of Singapore – Singapore’s main history museum
• National Gallery Singapore – Classical and modern Southeast Asian art
• Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay – Performing arts center
• Fort Canning Park – Historical park and events space

7. Region & Planning Area

• Region: Central Region of Singapore
• Planning Area: Museum Planning Area (Bras Basah)
• Nearby Districts: Civic District, Bugis, Orchard Road

8. Why Visit SAM?

✅ Cutting-edge contemporary art from Singapore & Southeast Asia
✅ Innovative exhibitions with digital, interactive, and conceptual art
✅ Organizes the Singapore Biennale, a major international art event
✅ Historic & modern venues, offering unique art experiences

The Singapore Art Museum is a must-visit for art lovers, researchers, and those interested in contemporary culture.