The S$530-million National Gallery Singapore (nationalgallery.sg; adult/child S$20/15) occupies the beautifully restored former City Hall and Old Supreme Court buildings, housing the world's largest public collection of Southeast Asian modern art with over 8000 artworks within two national monuments.
Permanent exhibition "Between Declarations and Dreams" showcases 300 artworks that trace the art history of Southeast Asia from the mid-19th century. Those traveling with kids shouldn't miss the gallery's Keppel Centre for Art Education, where kids are encouraged to interact with artworks and create their own masterpieces. There are various themed guided tours held regularly; the Back-of-House tour takes you to parts of the Old Supreme Court that are usually out of bounds to the public.
Much of the National Gallery premises are free to explore – an excellent viewpoint can be found at the sheltered open-air Padang Deck on Level 6 overlooking the Padang. The exhibitions and tours require a gallery pass; prebook online or buy tickets at the Coleman Street & Padang Visitor Services Counters on Level 1.
