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Bras Basah.Bugis: An Art Walk

PUBLISHED June 18th, 2014 12:36 am | UPDATED January 20th, 2016 02:36 pm

Bras Basah.Bugis, Singapore’s arts and and cultural precinct is absolutely stuffed full of arts and heritage finds, and with everything located within convenient walking distance, it makes for a perfect weekend ramble. Here at City Nomads, we’ve outlined a day of arts mooching around the district – the perfect solution to when you’re next stuck at a weekend loose end.

National Museum of Singapore

Start with our oldest museum for an introduction to Singapore’s history and culture, with permanent galleries and changing exhibitions on both world heritage and popular culture. First established in 1887, this national monument is also the largest museum in Singapore and holds exhibitions, festivals and events all year round.

The National Museum of Singapore is located at 93 Stamford Road, 178897. Opening Hours: Open Daily – 10am to 6pm. Last admission at 5.30pm.

Peranakan Museum Singapore Armenian Street

Peranakan Museum

Learn about the community that came to the shores of Singapore and lived as mostly traders and merchants, who amassed great wealth and influence. Their heritage is a unique mix of Chinese and Malay along with British influence, and Peranakan cuisine and culture remains a distinct part of Singapore till today. This museum explores the Peranakan culture and visual arts in Southeast Asia with one of the largest collections of Peranakan objects.

The Peranakan Museum is located at 39 Armenian Street, 179941. Opening Hours: Open Daily – 10am to 7pm. Friday – 10am to 9pm.

Singapore Art Museum (SAM)

This contemporary arts space has one of the world’s largest public collections of modern and contemporary Southeast Asian artworks along with a growing collection of international contemporary art. The museum has collaborated with leading international names like Centre Pompidou and the Guggenheim Museum, and presents a diverse range of contemporary art practices in a beautiful 19th century building. Check out their guided tours and programmes for a more in-depth learning experience.

The Singapore Art Museum is located at 71 Bras Basah Road, 189555. Opening Hours: Open Daily –  10am to 7pm. Friday – 10am to 9pm.

Bras Basah Complex

Look beyond its aged exterior and you’ll find a treasure trove of second-hand books, arts supplies, services and creative lifestyle stores. There are also music and instrument shops along with multiple opticians – this rather psychedelic store catalogue is often accompanied by book and stationery fairs selling a wide array of merchandise at low, low prices.

Bras Basah Complex is at 231 Bain Street, 180231. Most shops are open from 10am.

Chijmes

Once a Catholic convent, this beautiful chapel has been restored to now house numerous restaurants and bars along with a function hall. Its courtyard is the perfect setting for cosy alfresco dining or a beer, and an extensive selection of dining choices with both international and local fare will please any rumbling tummy from all the museum visits.

Chjimes is located at 30 Victoria Street, Singapore, 187996.

Sculpture Square Singapore LaSalle McNally Street Singapore

LaSalle College of the Arts

This art campus’ open grounds and award winning architecture will wow you with immaculate green lawns and huge polygonal glass buildings. Visitors are invited to explore the grounds and the school, which also has seven free galleries used for both exhibitions and education in contemporary art. If you’re lucky, you may also chance upon flea markets or three-dimensional art displays and performances.

LaSalle College of the Arts is located at 1 McNally Street, 187940.

SOTA

The vast stratified steps in front of SOTA’s podium are often populated by locals and tourists alike for a rest, hang out session and a spot of people watching. Its towering buildings provide shade from the sun, making the space perfect for a pleasant picnic as well. Unfortunately, the school grounds of this independent pre-tertiary arts school are not open to the public, but do check out their website for they often hold music and dance performances within.

SOTA is located at 1 Zubir Said Drive, Singapore, 227968.


Contributor

Xiangyun gravitates towards ideas, aesthetics, and the written word. She requires music, coffee, and wine to function, along with regular swimming and baking sessions. She is also unreasonably suspicious about linear time and conformity.