Art has always been integral to a city’s cultural identity, and Singapore is fast emerging as Southeast Asia’s premier art destination with a scene that’s both vibrant and sophisticated.
Beyond celebrated institutions like the Singapore Art Museum and National Gallery Singapore, a diverse selection of private galleries is gaining momentum.
Supported by passionate collectors and foundations, these intimate spaces present thoughtfully curated exhibitions that highlight local and regional talent, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary and emerging artists. And to truly experience Singapore’s art scene, there’s no better way than diving into its bustling array of exhibitions. Here’s your curated guide to the city’s private art shows and galleries.
Art galleries & shows in Singapore
1. Gajah Gallery
Tiw Tiwong: Tales and Turns in the Art of Baguio and the Cordilleras.
Image: Gajah Gallery
Since its establishment in 1996, Gajah Gallery has become a cornerstone for Southeast Asian art, representing both established and rising artists from Singapore, Indonesia, and beyond. With branches in Singapore, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta, the gallery is committed to promoting the historical significance and cultural legacies of Southeast Asian artists.
This dedication is evident in its exhibitions, such as “Tiw Tiwong: Tales and Turns in the Art of Baguio and the Cordilleras” – a recent show co-curated by Joyce Toh and Kawayan de Guia. The exhibition highlighted the depth and diversity of Baguio and Cordillera artistry, bringing together pioneering figures and emerging talents to showcase the region’s rich and evolving creative traditions.
Art Jakarta 2024.
Image: Gajah Gallery
Gajah Gallery has also carved out a significant presence in the international art circuit, with annual appearances at Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Fair Philippines, and S.E.A. Focus. It’s also participated in shows like Taipei Dangdai, West Bund Art & Design, and Art Jakarta, positioning itself as a leading platform for Southeast Asian art in major art fairs worldwide.
Upcoming exhibition: “Perpetual Shift”, a solo exhibition by Mahalakshmi Kannappan
Dates: 21 November to 15 December 2024
Gajah Gallery website
2. Cuturi Gallery
Image: Cuturi Gallery
Nestled within a beautifully restored shophouse in Kampong Glam, Cuturi Gallery has been a dynamic force in Singapore’s art scene since its founding in 2019. The gallery’s ethos centres on making art both accessible and impactful, and it achieves this by championing young Singaporean artists while collaborating with a diverse roster of international talent. Whether showcasing the expressive pieces of emerging local talents or long-time international collaborators like French artist Hubert Le Gall, Cuturi Gallery provides a compelling platform for boundary-pushing, contemporary works.
Image: Cuturi Gallery
The gallery’s minimalist interiors are designed with a sense of intentional restraint, ensuring that the art remains the focal point. The main exhibition area on the ground floor presents a constantly evolving array of works, while the second and third floors house versatile spaces dedicated to workshops, artist residencies, and intimate art events.
Cuturi Gallery’s influence extends beyond Singapore’s borders. Recently, the gallery participated in the prestigious AsiaNOW Paris Asian Art Fair 2024, featuring works by Singaporean artists Faris Heizer and Khairulddin Wahab. Through such international showcases, Cuturi Gallery not only highlights local talent but also solidifies Singapore’s place within the global art landscape.
Upcoming exhibition: A solo show by German artist Jochen Mühlenbrink
Dates: From 30 November 2024
Cuturi Gallery website
3. STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery
Image: STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery
STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery stands out as a dynamic space in Singapore’s art scene, renowned for its experimental approach to print and paper-based art. Established as a creative workshop and gallery, STPI offers artists a unique platform to push the boundaries of traditional printmaking and papermaking through collaborative residencies.
As part of Singapore’s National Visual Arts Cluster, alongside the National Gallery Singapore and Singapore Art Museum, STPI plays a significant role in promoting contemporary art in the region. Its exhibitions showcase pieces crafted within its workshop, often presented in carefully curated solo and group shows. Notably, STPI’s presence extends beyond Singapore; its participation in prestigious international fairs like Art Basel Miami Beach and Frieze London strengthens global appreciation for the fine art of print and paper, drawing attention to its residency artists.
Image: Natee Utarit & STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery, Singapore
Beyond exhibitions, STPI actively engages the public with artist talks, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and guided tours, providing insights into contemporary practices in print and paper art. Further cementing its role in Southeast Asia’s art ecosystem, STPI spearheads S.E.A. Focus, an annual art event during Singapore Art Week that champions present-day Southeast Asian art and serves as a meeting point for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts alike.
Upcoming exhibition: “Déjà vu: Buddha is Hiding”, by leading Thai artist, Natee Utarit
Dates: 8 September to 1 December 2024
STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery website
4. Richard Koh Fine Art
Richard Koh Fine Art (RKFA) is one of the few art galleries in Singapore that call Gillman Barracks home. Since its establishment in 2005, RKFA has expanded with locations in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, amplifying its role in the region’s art scene. The gallery is known for curating diverse exhibitions, presenting works that span the spectrum from emerging to established artists, with a strong emphasis on works that provoke thought and resonate with contemporary issues.
Image: Richard Koh Fine Art
For collectors, RKFA offers a sophisticated selection of artworks that reflect evolving practices and perspectives in Southeast Asia. The gallery’s programming includes solo showcases, group exhibitions, and thematic projects, each designed to cultivate the careers of promising artists by providing exposure to an international audience. With frequent partnerships with independent art spaces across Southeast Asia, Richard Koh Fine Art champions creativity and dialogue in a rapidly developing art market.
In addition to exhibitions, RKFA engages the art community through publications, collaborations, and cross-border initiatives.
Upcoming exhibition: “Suburbia Moon” by Justin Lim
Dates: 9 November to 14 December 2024
Richard Koh Fine Art website
5. Sundaram Tagore Gallery
Sundaram Tagore Gallery first opened its doors in New York City’s SoHo district in 2000, a pioneering effort by Calcutta-born art historian and filmmaker Sundaram Tagore to shift the art world’s focus beyond Western narratives. With a commitment to cultural exchange and cross-cultural dialogue, the gallery quickly distinguished itself by championing artists from underrepresented regions and backgrounds, with particular attention to female artists. This ethos of inclusivity and boundary-pushing perspectives remains core to the gallery’s mission.
“Eruption” by Kenny Nguyen.
Image: Sundaram Tagore Gallery
With locations in New York, Singapore, and London, Sundaram Tagore Gallery presents a wide range of contemporary works, from paintings and sculptures to large-scale installations, often with a strong focus on materiality. The gallery’s programming features museum-quality exhibitions that highlight the depth and global influence of artists from Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Additionally, Sundaram Tagore Gallery offers art consulting and collection development services, providing expertise in both private and corporate collecting.
Upcoming exhibition: –
Dates: –
Sundaram Tagore Gallery website
6. Ota Fine Arts
Art installation by Singaporean artist Zai Kuning.
Image: Ota Fine Arts
Ota Fine Arts has been a dynamic presence in the art world since its founding in 1994. The art gallery has locations in Singapore, Tokyo, and Shanghai. Known for its commitment to showcasing Japanese contemporary art, the gallery fosters a cross-cultural dialogue through a thoughtfully curated programme of exhibitions.
The gallery’s stomping grounds in Gillman Barracks.
Image: Ota Fine Arts
Its Singapore branch, opened in 2012 in Gillman Barracks, serves as a bridge for expanding the influence of Japanese art across Southeast Asia and beyond, with a particular focus on connecting regional and global audiences.
Ota Fine Arts has long-standing relationships with some of Japan’s most influential artists–one of which is Yayoi Kusama. Kusama’s immersive installations and signature polka dot motifs have captivated audiences worldwide, and the gallery has been instrumental in showcasing her evolving works. In a recent highlight, Ota Fine Arts presented “Every Day I Pray for Love”, a travelling exhibition featuring Kusama’s latest creations, aligning with Singapore Gallery Month.
Image: Ota Fine Arts
Through its diverse programming and focus on influential artists like Kusama, Ota Fine Arts continues to enrich Singapore’s art scene, making it an essential destination for collectors and art enthusiasts seeking contemporary Japanese and Asian art.
Upcoming exhibition: “En Route: Southeast Asia”, featuring artists from Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand
Dates: 9 November to 21 December 2024
Ota Fine Arts website
7. Whitestone Gallery
Whitestone Gallery, hidden on the fifth floor of Keppel Distripark, offers a stunning art experience amidst Singapore’s industrial port area. The gallery’s entrance is marked by a striking floor-to-ceiling installation by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, immediately captivating visitors with its harmonious blend of modern architecture and art.
The gallery, which opened its Singapore location in January 2023, specialises in post-war and contemporary art, with a significant focus on showcasing Japanese art movements across several eras.
Image: Whitestone Gallery
Though new to Singapore, Whitestone Gallery has deep roots dating back to its establishment in 1967 in Tokyo, where it played a pivotal role in Tokyo’s post-war artistic resurgence. Over the decades, it has grown into a key player in East Asia, with additional galleries in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, Beijing, Seoul, and Karuizawa.
The gallery represents an impressive roster of Japanese artists, spanning generations. It is especially known for championing the iconic Gutai movement (1954–1972), featuring foundational figures like Jiro Yoshihara and pioneering artists such as Kazuo Shiraga and Atsuko Tanaka, whose Electric Dress (1956) remains an enduring symbol of post-war Japanese avant-garde.
Demos Chiang’s solo exhibition, “Season Changes”.
Image: Whitestone Gallery
And while the gallery is dedicated to Japanese artistry, its international outposts also aim to promote regional talents such as Taiwanese-Canadian artist Demos Chiang, who recently showcased his solo exhibition in Singapore.
Upcoming exhibition: “千の夜 – Thousand Nights”: Karen Shiozawa Solo Exhibition
Dates: 16 November to 29 December 2024
Whitestone Gallery website
8. Supperhouse
Image: Supperhouse
Supperhouse is not an ordinary art gallery—it’s an experimental design studio that transcends traditional gallery formats. Founded by designer and curator Ashley Chiam, the independent arts platform is committed to showcasing a thoughtful mix of art and fashion exhibitions that connect the local arts scene with broader audiences. With a mission to bridge the gap between art and the public, it reintroduces local artists through immersive, unconventional settings.
Image: Supperhouse
After departing its original Tagore Lane location, Supperhouse has embraced a nomadic approach, staging pop-ups across Singapore. These include diverse venues like GR.iD and Ann Siang House’s rooftop, each transformed to spotlight emerging talents and innovative themes.
Its latest pop-up, a lunar-inspired showcase, brings together an eclectic mix of local artists—visual creators like Ching Kai, Supassara Ho, Finbarr Fallon, and Claire Goh, as well as media artist Owen Tee and poet Alexander.
Upcoming exhibition: –
Dates: –
Supperhouse Instagram
9. The Private Museum
Déjà Vu: When the Sun Rises in the West by Natee Utarit.
Image: The Private Museum
Déjà Vu: When the Sun Rises in the West by Natee Utarit.
Image: The Private Museum
Nestled within a heritage bungalow on Mount Emily, The Private Museum offers an intimate art experience. Founded in 2010 by Singaporean philanthropist and art collector Daniel Teo and his daughter Rachel Teo, it aims to bridge the gap between private collections and public art appreciation. The museum provides a platform for collectors to share their treasured pieces in a thoughtfully curated space.
Image: The Private Museum
The museum’s collection spans works by notable Singaporean artists like Suzann Victor and Kumari Nahappan, alongside pieces by internationally recognised artists. In addition to showcasing private collections, it also fosters an environment where artists are encouraged to explore diverse and boundary-pushing forms of artistic expression.
Upcoming exhibition: “Déjà Vu: When the Sun Rises in the West”, by Natee Utarit
Dates: 18 October to 8 December 2024
The Private Museum website
Art events in Singapore
Beyond gallery visits, Singapore’s annual art events provide fantastic avenues for discovering both emerging and international talent for your collection. At the heart of the calendar is Singapore Art Week (SAW), held every January, featuring over 150 events across the city, from large-scale exhibitions and guided tours to immersive art experiences.
For collectors, the highlights are ART SG and S.E.A. Focus, both showcasing Southeast Asian contemporary art. S.E.A. Focus, in particular, brings together a thoughtfully curated mix of established and emerging artists, promoting cross-cultural connections and offering a platform for regional talent to meet global collectors.
Throughout the year, events like Singapore Gallery Month and exclusive programs such as the Patron Pass extend access to the art scene. The Patron Pass, for example, provides collectors with privileged tours of private collections, often inaccessible to the public, offering a rare opportunity for serious art enthusiasts to engage with distinctive, personal curations.
Your essential guide to Singapore’s private art galleries
Singapore’s art scene is alive with a vibrant mix of galleries, offering a compelling blend of local and regional talent. These venues not only celebrate renowned artists but also champion emerging voices, nurturing a vibrant, inclusive art community. Whether you’re an avid collector or a casual enthusiast, these galleries offer a unique perspective on the city’s creative pulse, making them ideal for those looking to connect with, explore, and invest in Singapore’s most promising artistic talent.
Subscribe to be the first one to receive latest news, exclusive updates and member-only offers and promotions.