A former British military camp, the sprawling grounds of Gillman Barracks is now a visual art enclave in Singapore. Here, the old black-and-white blocks are turned into contemporary art galleries and modern eateries. With a total of 14 blocks for you to explore, there’s a lot to cover.
To help you plan a day’s outing, here’s everything you need to know from what to do and eat, to how to get to Gillman Barracks.
Image credit: @fostgallery
You’ll love this if: #SupportLocal isn’t just a slogan on a T-shirt for you.
If you feel clueless on how to view and appreciate art (spoiler: there’s no right way), FOST Gallery often holds artist walkthroughs for their exhibitions where the artist showcases his art and tells the story behind them.
Opening hours: Tues – Sat 11AM-7PM | Sun 11AM-6PM
Telephone: 6694 3080
You’ll love this if: You wish you could move to Japan.
Established in Tokyo, this gallery promotes Japanese artists in the region and introduces new young talents from Southeast Asia. An upcoming exhibition to look forward to: The Seeds We Sow from 4th April – 10th May 2020, will show the relationship between humans and nature in Singapore and the impact we have on it.
Opening hours: Tues – Sat 11AM-7PM | Sun 11AM-6PM*
Telephone: 6570 2505
*Do note that due to COVID-19, Mizuma Gallery will be open for appointments only. Do contact them for more information.
You’ll love this if: You’re a globetrotter who’s been to museums all over the world and is looking for another to check off your list.
With galleries in Rome, London, New York, Cortina and Singapore, you can expect to find an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. Find works by iconic photographer, artist and director, David Lachapelle here.
Fun fact: He abandoned his career in high fashion to pursue his interest in contemporary art.
Opening hours: Tues – Fri 12PM-7PM | Sat 11AM-7PM | Sun 11AM-6PM
Telephone: 6694 3777
Image credit: @jingweiiiiii
You’ll love this if: Your favourite artist is internationally-acclaimed Yayoi Kusama.
Ota Fine Arts considers themselves a pioneer of Japanese contemporary art and there’s only one way to describe their exhibitions – out of this world. Even so, many of the artists featured take inspiration from everyday life, creating art that’s definitely relatable.
Opening hours: Tues – Sat 11AM-7PM | Sun 11AM-6PM
Telephone: 6694 3071
You’ll love this if: You like your art with a touch of history and tradition.
Promoting contemporary art from Southeast Asia in Singapore, Bangkok and KL, the gallery gives promising artists a platform to flourish through regular exhibition cycles. You can also expect various art fairs and pop ups that will take place at Gillman Barracks throughout the year.
Opening hours: Tues – Sat 11AM-7PM
Telephone: 6513 2640
You’ll love this if: You take inspiration from everyday life.
One of China’s most influential art institutions, this is its first overseas foray in Singapore. From selfies with face masks to artists chasing chickens, they prove that just about anything can be considered art.
Opening hours: Weds – Sun 11AM-7PM*
Telephone: 6734 9537
*Do note that due to COVID-19, ShanghART Gallery will be open for appointments only. Do contact them for more information.
VISUAL AND PERCEPTION by Kim Jaeil
Image credit: @sundaramtagore
You’ll love this if: You’re about that inner peace, yogi life.Established in New York, this gallery showcases artists and works that are a fusion between Western and non-Western cultures. Till 11th April 2020, get tripped out by Kim Jaeil’s works that look similar to cells in the human body or stars in the night sky.
Opening hours: Tues – Sat 11AM-7PM
Telephone: 6694 3378
You’ll love this if: You love the minimalist aesthetic.
Their aim is to introduce up-and-coming and established Korean artists to the international art scene, but you’ll still find a mix of Southeast Asian works at this gallery. For a dose of history, you can expect exhibitions of works that date back to the 1970s.
Opening hours: Tues – Fri 11AM-7PM | Sat 11AM-6PM
Telephone: 9030 7647
Image credit: @yavuzgallery
You’ll love this if: You frequently question the nature of things.
Based in Singapore, Yavuz Gallery predominantly promotes art from the Asia-Pacific region, but also hosts installations from their sister gallery in Sydney from time to time. You can also catch them at various art fairs globally.
Opening hours: Tues – Sat 11AM-7PM | Sun 1PM-5PM*
Telephone: 6734 3262
*Do note that due to COVID-19, Yavuz Gallery will be open for appointments only. Do contact them for more information.
Image credit: @yeoworkshop_sg
You’ll love this if: You enjoy a good behind-the-scenes look.
Not only can you find exhibitions here, this gallery also frequently holds workshops and symposiums. They recently ended a huge project, the Arnoldii Arts Club that was held in 2019 which saw them having a slew of events like artist talks, art history lectures, and gallery tours.
Opening hours: Tues – Sat 11AM-7PM | Sun 12PM-6PM
Telephone: 6734 5168
Image credit: @alecianeo
You’ll love this if: You want to get a look into Singapore’s art eco-system.
A national research centre of Nanyang Technological University, you can expect exhibitions, screenings and talks from international artists and researchers.
Opening hours: Tues – Sun 12PM-7PM
Telephone: 6339 6503
Image credit: @culinivary
Rated as the Best Burger of 2019 in a blind taste-test by Straits Times Food, this is one of the best places in Singapore to satisfy your burger cravings.
What to get: The Basic Burger ($18/25) with a side of Truffle Fries (+$3), and their Naked Chendol ($13), a take on the classic Singaporean dessert.
Opening hours: Tues – Thurs 5PM-11PM | Fri – Sat 5PM-2AM
Telephone: 6694 0940
Image credit: @creamier_sg
Sit at the alfresco area and enjoy a scoop or two of this locally handcrafted ice cream while you enjoy the cool evening breeze.
What to get: Pistachio ($4.50), Sea Salt Gula Melaka ($3.50) and Peanut Butter & Jelly ($4.50), and add on crisp, fluffy waffles from $6.
Opening hours: Tues – Thurs 4PM-10PM | Fri – Sat 12PM-11PM | Sun 12PM-10PM
Telephone: 6221 1076
Expect American classics in Singapore’s first and only biker bar that’s filled with biker paraphernalia and photo-worthy spots.
What to get: Blossom Onion ($12), a cross between fries and onion rings, Cocaine Wings ($14) and the Mixed Grilled Platter ($108), that’s great for a big group.
Opening hours: Tues – Weds, Sat – Sun 12PM-12AM | Thurs – Fri 12PM-1AM
Telephone: 6268 5550
Image credit: @yongweikai
One of Singapore’s top cocktail bars, you can expect innovative and wacky drinks here along with grilled food to munch on.
What to get: Skewers – Pork Belly ($3.50), Wagyu Meat Balls ($3.90), King Oyster Mushrooms ($2.90). Pair it with a speciality cocktail like White Sands ($25) – a refreshing, dry-frozen treat, or Sing To The Dawn ($23) – an homage to our daily coffee shop trips.
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 5PM-1AM
Telephone: 6339 0633
Image credit: @masons.gillmanbarracks
Housed in a colonial-style building, this restaurant is a popular wedding venue and serves up Asian and Western dishes – perfect when you can’t decide what to eat for dinner.
What to get: Enzo ($28) – their signature thin-crust pizza topped with Peking duck and its usual fixins’, or Vongole ($22) with handmade pasta, white wine and clams.
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Telephone: 6694 2216
Image credit: @lolleroll
Praised for their quality seafood, you can expect a no-frills style of cooking that brings out the freshness of the dish.
What to get: Hae Mee Tng ($25) – prawn noodles with giant tiger prawns, pork collar, and a stock that’s made with 9 varieties of prawns or Lobster Roll ($38), made with 90g of American lobster and served with truffle fries.
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-11PM
Telephone: 6694 0807
Nearest MRT: Labrador Park
Directions:
Buses: 51, 57, 61, 83, 97, 97e, 100, 166, 175, 408, 963 or 963E
Nearest bus stop: Opposite Alexandra Point (15059)
Directions:
Main entrance: Malan Road
Side entrance: Lock Road
Carpark A: Beside Masons
Carpark B: Beside The Columns Gallery
Carpark C: Beside NTU CCA Singapore
Weekday rate (8.30AM-5PM):
| Cars | $0.60 per 30 mins, for first 2 hours $3.00 per hour, 3rd hour onwards |
| Motorbikes | $0.20/hr cap $0.65 |
Free parking: Mon – Fri 5PM-8.30AM | Sat – Sun, Whole day
With free admission to all the art galleries, a wide range of F&B outlets to choose from and events and pop-ups happening throughout the year, Gillman Barracks is great for a weekend family outing or for a romantic date with your SO.
For more things to do in Singapore:
Original article published on 14th November 2020 by Clarice Chua. Last updated by Josiah Neo on 23rd December 2020.
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): @jingweiiiiii, @creamier_sg, Gillman Barracks, @playeum
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