Gallery view of the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery, Between Declarations and Dreams_ Art of Southeast Asia since  the 19th Century.

                                  Image courtesy of National Gallery Singapore                                                    

(Singapore, 9 February 2026) National Gallery Singapore will be undertaking a major revamp of its UOB Southeast Asia Gallery, marking the first comprehensive renewal of the Gallery’s inaugural exhibition on Southeast Asian art, Between Declarations and Dreams: Art of Southeast Asia since the 19th Century. 

From 1 April 2026, all galleries on Levels 3, 4 and 5 of the Former Supreme Court Wing will be closed to the public for the revamp, including the UOB Discovery Space on Level 4 and the UOB Theatrette on Level 5. The revamp reflects the Gallery’s long-term commitment to refreshing its permanent galleries, in response to evolving scholarship, new acquisitions, and changing perspectives on Southeast Asian art histories. 

The renewed UOB Southeast Asia Gallery is slated to reopen at the end of 2027. 

Patrick Flores, Chief Curator, National Gallery Singapore says, “Southeast Asia is not just a geographical region, but a space shaped by shared histories, movements, and ideas. This revamp draws on years of research and curatorial work that have deepened our understanding of art in the region and reflects how these perspectives have evolved over the past decade. It builds on the Gallery’s ongoing renewal of its long-term exhibitions and looks ahead to how we can better serve audiences in the years to come.” 

The renewed UOB Southeast Asia Gallery will feature a reconfigured physical layout and exhibition approach, moving away from a strictly chronological presentation towards thematic and zonal narratives. This new structure is designed to enable multiple entry points into Southeast Asian art, allowing visitors to encounter artworks from different starting points and perspectives, and to navigate the galleries in a more intuitive and accessible way. 

The revamped exhibition will present modern and contemporary Southeast Asian art through a refreshed curatorial approach. It will bring together familiar works seen in new ways alongside new artist commissions. 

The Rotunda Library and Archive on Level 3 will close earlier on 14 February 2026, ahead of the revamp works. Access to library and archival materials will continue throughout the closure period by appointment only. 

More information can be found on the Rotunda Library and Archive’s webpage. Other spaces in the Former Supreme Court Wing, including the Former Supreme Court Foyer at Level 1, and Historical Lobby at Level 3, at National Gallery Singapore will remain open during this period. More information on the closure and revamp of UOB Southeast Gallery can be found at the Gallery’s website.  

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