A gallery of old and new

The National Gallery Singapore opens on Nov 24. Visitors will be able to explore previously inaccessible areas such as the Chief Justice’s chamber and prisoner holding cells. This Straits Times interactive panoramas takes you through the highlights of the best conserved and re-designed spaces in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings.

The National Gallery Singapore opens on Nov 24. Visitors will be able to explore previously inaccessible areas such as the Chief Justice’s chamber and prisoner holding cells. This Straits Times interactive panoramas takes you through the highlights of the best conserved and re-designed spaces in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings.

The buildings last opened their doors to the public in 2008 when they hosted the Singapore Biennale. The Gallery, comprising two separate pre-war structures - namely, the former Supreme Court and City Hall - has been undergoing refurbishment and re-construction work for the past five years.

Architectural firm studioMilou singapore and partnering architects CPG Consultants were awarded the task of adapting the two national monuments for its new function as an art gallery. The new design had to preserve the raw historical characters of both buildings, as well as to re-purpose the spaces to showcase works from the National Collection.

LEVEL 1

Supreme Court Foyer, Supreme Court Foyer steps and Holding Cells

Move your device for a 360 view of the room

LEVEL 2

DBS Singapore Gallery 1, Supreme Court Foyer and Singapore Courtyard

Behind the scenes: How the ceiling restoration works for the courtrooms are carried out

There are about 120 octagonal ceiling panels in each courtroom. Each panel is made up of several timber elements that are joined together using elaborate and detailed carpentry.

These decorative panels require detailed survey before they are taken down for repair and reinstatement.

Cracks in the octagonal ceiling panels to be repaired

Cracks in the octagonal ceiling panels to be repaired. Photo: Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou singapore

The ceiling panels are restored in situ by subcontractor Foo Wood work

The ceiling panels are restored in situ by subcontractor Foo Wood. Photo: Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou singapore

Dismantling works are kept minimal to avoid damage to joinery

Dismantling works are kept minimal to avoid damage to joinery. Photo: Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou singapore

The timber is sanded and new varnish is applied. Localised missing portions or damaged areas are replaced with new wood.

Services such as lighting, air-conditioning and fire protection are carefully coordinated to allow these modern fixtures to be introduced without damaging the ceiling.

LEVEL 3

ROTUNDA, CHIEF JUSTICE’S CHAMBER & OFFICE AND CITY HALL CHAMBER

Behind the scenes: Installing a new roof

The Supreme Court Terrace was once an inaccessible rooftop space. But French architect Jean­-Francois Milou has introduced two new mezzanine levels, 4M and 5, which allow visitors walk around the demure Rotunda dome.

Taking inspiration from local culture, Milou added a patterned metal filigree roof inspired by rattan as a shelter for visitors to the mezzanine levels. On sunny days, dynamic shadows spill across the floor, creating playful and lyrical effects.

The undulating roof continues through the new atrium. It connects, shelters and drapes over the formerly open and unconnected space between the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings.

Archival photo of the smaller Rotunda dome

Archival photo of the smaller Rotunda dome. Photo: Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou singapore

Installation of one of the tree structures to support the new roof

Installation of one of the tree structures to support the new roof in 2013. Photo: Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou singapore

Varying shades of gold-coloured filigree screens were used to add visual interest to the new roof

Varying shades of gold-coloured filigree screens were used to add visual interest to the new roof. Photo: Fernando Javier Urquijo/studioMilou singapore

The new roof stretching across the two monuments will not affect the architectural integrity of the two buildings. By constructing a new air-conditioned atrium and new basement between the formerly separate buildings, the spaces are now unified with extra room on its roof terraces. Source: studioMilou Singapore
The new roof stretching across the two monuments will not affect the architectural integrity of the two buildings. By constructing a new air-conditioned atrium and new basement between the formerly separate buildings, the spaces are now unified with extra room on its roof terraces.

LEVEL 5

Supreme Court Terrace

A Gallery Gala

To celebrate the re­opening of Singapore’s historical icons, the gallery will host two weeks of festivities from Nov 24 to Dec 6. Highlights include an Art Carnival on the Padang, live performances and a stunning display of light, sound and visuals set against the backdrop of the newly­ transformed Gallery.

More information can be found here.

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