As the demand for art in Singapore grows in leaps and bounds, the Singapore Art Museum is looking to keep up with the crowds with its first major makeover since it opened its doors more than twenty years ago.
The contemporary art museum is looking to grow its exhibit space so it can more easily display large-scale works. For a recent show, one such installation was forced to be shown off-campus, at National Gallery Singapore, because it was too big for the Singapore Art Museum’s display space. Other improvements include connecting the two historic buildings that currently house the museum with a bridge. They are currently separated by a small road, which confuses some visitors, and deters other in rainy weather. The new bridge would make it easier to traverse both buildings, and the construction would adhere to the principles guiding revamps of historic buildings. Both of the Singapore Art Museum’s existing buildings used to be Catholic schools. The challenge is to honor the former facilities and preserve their atmosphere while bringing the art improvements to the museum. Further additions will better support art aficionados with special considerations, including handicapped-accessible entrances.
Many agree that it is past time for the Singapore Art Museum to receive a makeover, particularly with the impressive nearby National Gallery Singapore. The hope is that Singapore Art Museum officials can take a page from the book of National Gallery Singapore improvements to see how to best utilize the space and attract new visitors at the same time. Since museum officials have had a chance to better understand the demands of both contemporary art and what people want to see at art museums, they know exactly what they need to do to take the museum to the next level. Looking at the functionality of the facility, officials will also consider boosting opportunities for interactive art displays, and seeing about using existing space like the courtyards for art.
The project will cost about S$90 million, with much of the funding coming from the government. What the government doesn’t pay for will be covered by sponsors and donors. It is expected to be fully completed within four years.
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To see more about the improvements at the Singapore Art Museum, including a rendering of the plans for the facelift, go to http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-art-museum-to-get-s-90-million-facelift/3643884.html.