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 Originally designed to house the St.
Joseph’s Institution Catholic School for boys, the classically styled
building is now host to a fascinating showcase of modern Asian Art and
sculptures.
Visitors are greeted by the bronze statue of 17th century saint John
Baptist de la Salle with two school boy charges stands above the porch
of the Singapore Art Museum, an indication of its use as a boy’s school
until 1987.
Since the museum’s opening in January 1996, its permanent collection has
grown from just under 2,000 art works to over 4,000, making it the
largest cataloged collection of 20th century Southeast Asian art in the
region to date.
The museum’s collection ranges from sculptures to architectural
elements, installations and paintings. The core collection is
supplemented by travelling exhibitions from outside Asia, that usually
features 20th century art from either American or European collections.
Some artists whose work is represented at the museum include Affandi
from Indonesia, Georgette Chan, Chua Mia Tee and Tan Swie Hian from
Singapore, Wong Hoy Cheong from Malaysia and Tran Trong Vu from Vietnam.
The original room used as the school’s chapel is now used as an
auditorium where the paraphernalia used in Catholic worship, including
the stations of the cross, the baptismal font and the mosaic floor, has
been retained.
The chapel’s central window has been replaced and now boasts of a modern
stained-glass work made by the Filipino sculptor Ramon Orlina.
The building’s two courtyards are now exhibition spaces arranged on
either side of the Glass Hall, a converted verandah used as a function
room beautifully decorated with blown-glass installations by the
American artist Dale Chihuly.
The Emage Multimedia Gallery provides information on the background and
historical development and techniques of contemporary art in Southeast
Asia. There are 12 exhibition galleries (including the new Queen Street
wing), amounting to 3,000 sq m (9,900 sq ft) of gallery space. The
museum provides regular educational programs.
After a leisurely exploration of the museum’s art treasures, take a
break and have a snack at the Dome Café which may be found ensconced in
one of the naves of the museums. The Café serves sandwiches, cakes and a
range of coffee and blended drinks.
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