Hey, Party People and Art Lovers!
You know me, I am always on the hunt for the coolest, most unique experiences in Singapore. Whether it’s a massive pop-culture convention or a hidden café gem, I’m there! Recently, we were invited to check out something that sounded like a perfect mix of fun and feelings: the collaboration between National Gallery Singapore and Disney/Pixar’s massive hit, Inside Out 2.
But honestly? Don’t say I never share! What started as a hunt for movie characters turned into a deep dive into history, jaw-dropping sculptures, and a sneak peek at the Singapore Biennale. It was absolutely awesome, and I’m here to spill all the tea (and emotions).
Entering the Gallery: A Grand Start
We entered through the Parliament Place Entrance. If you haven’t been this way, you have to check it out. The vibe is instantly majestic. Against the light grey stone façade, the bold text reads “NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE” and reminds you that the exhibition opening hours are Daily 10am-7pm.
Framed by a glass door and metal structure, it feels like stepping into a different world. It sets the perfect tone for an afternoon of exploration.
Feeling Our Way Through (With Swag!)
First things first: the goodies! The collaboration is titled “Feel Your Way Through the Gallery,” and it’s all about connecting the complex emotions from Inside Out 2 (hello, Anxiety!) with the art on the walls.
We grabbed the exclusive orange tote bag with those cool teal and orange handles—super sturdy and perfect for carrying your haul. Inside, we found the “Feel Your Way Through the Gallery Activity Booklet INSIDE OUT 2” and some merchandise tucked in a black plastic bag.
Check it out! This booklet isn’t just paper; it’s your roadmap. It guides you to specific artworks and asks you to reflect on what you feel. It’s such a brilliant way to make a museum visit interactive, especially if you’re bringing the little ones (or if you’re just a big kid like me).
From Joy to Justice: The Holding Cells
Okay, things got real for a second. We wandered into a space that isn’t just an exhibit; it’s a real historical site. This area was once a holding area where people waited before going to trial in the Supreme Court.
The heavy metal doors and tight cells make the atmosphere feel tense even now. Seriously, you can almost feel that the walls still remember the fear and uncertainty of the people who sat there, wondering what their fate would be.
However, there was this striking contrast that I just loved. There is a sign politely asking visitors to “handle the holding cell doors with care,” which adds such an oddly gentle touch to a serious spot. And right next to it? A little Inside Out 2 character on a plaque! It created a surprising contrast—a playful image in a place filled with such intense history. It really makes you think about how emotions like Fear and Anxiety have always been part of this building’s DNA.
A Sneak Peek: Singapore Biennale 2025 🌍
Moving on to the art, we were treated to a massive highlight from the upcoming Singapore Biennale 2025.
We saw Seung-taek Lee’s Earth Play. It is a giant inflatable Earth! Inspired by the surge of environmental awareness in the 1970s, Lee painted this huge PVC balloon as a playful but pointed reminder of Earth’s fragility.
Known as an early pioneer of “eco-art,” Lee urged viewers to pause and think about the environment while the world raced toward industrial growth. Today, this iconic piece is part of the KAIST collection—a big, bouncy planet carrying a big message. It is visually stunning and super Instagrammable, but it also makes you stop and think.
Heroes, Leaps, and Labourers: The Art Collection 🎨
The permanent galleries were just as impressive. Trust me on this one, you need to take your time here.
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The Bronze Hero: We saw Hero on a Horse—Vietnamese Saint Giong by Nguyen Hai (1979). This bronze sculpture reimagines a Vietnamese folk hero in a modern, semi-abstract form. The shape even hints at a rifle, nodding to the Second Indochina War. It stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and pride.
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Taking the Leap: Then there was Chua Boon Kee’s Achieving the Impossible (2007). It shows a tiny figure leaping boldly off a long, sweeping arc. It captures that electrifying moment of taking a leap of faith. The sleek black form against the white pedestal makes it feel full of momentum—a total mood booster!
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Social Reality: We also stopped by a dramatic painting, likely from an Indonesian master. It depicted labourers struggling with a heavy cart under a stormy sky, while supervisors stood apart in clean clothes. The contrast between the workers and overseers was stark and powerful, highlighted by the lush, ornate frame.
Bold Colors and Hidden Gems 🌈
I have to mention Liu Kang’s A Little Ferry Boat (Bidadari). He turns a simple scene into a bold, geometric composition with blocks of white, black, red, and green. It’s almost Cubist!
And for something truly unique, I Gusti Ayu Kadek Murniasih’s Semangat (1994) was a showstopper. It features a woman with a burst of pink roses blooming from her neck instead of a head! With a patch resembling the American flag and a heart pendant, the image radiates bold confidence and energy.
We also wandered through a grand, historic-looking hall lined with dark wooden paneling and deep red walls. High above hung four large, formal portraits, giving the room a serious museum-like feel. In contrast, another wall featured a grid of small, unframed color photographs, arranged loosely like casual snapshots. It was amazing to see how the gallery mixes the formal with the informal!
Selfie Time! 📸
Finally, I couldn’t leave without a photo op. Check this out: there was a mirror decorated with artificial flowers, including pink roses and large orange blossoms. Naturally, I had to take a selfie! It’s these little interactive touches that make the gallery feel so welcoming.
Final Thoughts 💭
Whether you are there for the Inside Out 2 fun, the history of the holding cells, or the incredible Southeast Asian art, the National Gallery Singapore is absolutely killing it right now. It’s rare to find a place that can make you feel joy, reflection, and awe all in one afternoon.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, get your orange tote bag, and go feel your way through the gallery!
