The Singapore City Gallery is an interactive, child-friendly showcase of Singapore’s architectural development from a semi-rural fishing village into the modern city that it is today.
It boasts one of the world’s largest architectural models, a 3D bird’s eye view of Singapore’s central district built to scale.
In addition to this impressive model, the other exhibits at the gallery offer visitors a greater understanding and appreciation of the challenges faced by city planners and architects as they seek to make optimal use of Singapore’s limited land space whilst preserving its architectural heritage.
There are models of historically significant buildings, such as the ‘five-foot way’ shophouses that have been preserved in the Bugis and Chinatown areas.
The art and science of constructing the buildings that form Singapore’s memorable skyline is also explained in great detail, accompanied by a wealth of photographs and videos that contrast the differing structures along Orchard Road, the Singapore River, Marina Bay, and Bras Basah/Bugis.
Although not a conventional ‘art’ gallery by any measure, the Singapore City Gallery offers a fascinating insight into the mechanics of creating a city that is both beautiful and functional, and it is certain to interest those with a keen interest in architecture.
The Singapore City Gallery is a short walk away from Tanjong Pagar MRT station along the East-West (Green) line. Admission to the gallery is free-of-charge.
More information about the Singapore City Gallery can be found here: http://www.singaporecitygallery.sg/.