Kindling The Arts In Sunny Singapore With Far East Hospitality

Singapore is an alluring place that forever piques my curiosity. Over the years, I’ve stopped by the iconic landmarks and hotspots recommended, shopped till I’ve dropped repeatedly, discovered and concurred that Singapore indeed does certain foods better, and I’ve even got to do a fair bit of exploring in the city’s charming nooks and crannies. Yet, never once have I truly immersed into its rich history and culture.. until recently.

Thanks to Far East Hospitality, my latest visit to Singapore has been an absolutely gratifying experience; one that I’d always hold dear to my heart. It really opened my eyes to the abundant heritage beneath this vibrant capital’s ultramodern individuality, and being acquainted with the chronicle of events that make up the Singapore of today was fulfilling in ways I never would have expected.

Alongside enjoying my stay at the art-inspired Rendezvous Hotel which is located strategically in the heart of the Arts & Heritage District of Singapore, I took the opportunity to discover the thriving local arts and cultural scene as many notable museums and galleries were located within walking distance from the hotel, some of which included National Gallery Singapore, the National Museum of Singapore, Pinacothèque de Paris, and more.

Albeit temporarily ceasing access to its main feature due to a revamp, my visit to Pinacothèque de Paris at the Fort Canning Arts Centre was still very much enlightening. This private museum marks the first expansion outside Europe of the renowned Pinacothèque de Paris and it takes centre stage with its distinctive savviness in international fine art, history and culture in the region’s visual arts landscape.

The Heritage Gallery carries a collection of historical relics and artefacts that display a whirlwind visual tale of Singapore and Southeast Asia from the Neolithic period to the arrival of Hindu-Buddhism, Sufi Islam and Peranakan Chinese influences. At the other end of the spectrum, there was the Pressionism feature that spotlights the art movement of graffiti by global artists who fuse a broad range of aesthetics, techniques and mediums into extensive, outstanding masterpieces.

Newly opened in November 2015, National Gallery Singapore is a visual arts institution that bridges the past and present, and features an impressive 64,000 square metre space with the largest collection of modern art in Southeast Asia. Its iconic vicinity seamlessly integrates two national monuments – the City Hall and former Supreme Court – that have been exquisitely transformed and restored whilst retaining quintessential structures as many pivotal events in Singapore’s history occurred in these esteemed buildings.

It was at the City Hall that Lee Kuan Yew was sworn as Singapore’s first Prime Minister in 1959, and the Courtroom, Chief Justice’s Office and Chamber, as well as the holding cells at the Supreme Court are still in tact for the public to view. Before even stepping into the gallery, its elegant and extraordinary contemporary architecture that cleverly showcases a harmony between strong heritage and modernity was enough to leave me in awe.

Amidst its sculptural canopy that forms a marquee providing protective shelter and filtered sunlight, and the stunning neoclassical touches with evident testaments to Singapore’s past economic wealth, all the artwork displayed expresses the compelling influences, circumstances and developments which has shaped the Singapore of today. Admittedly, the volume of which was exhibited was overwhelming, but I now view Singapore in a completely different light.

If you haven’t already checked out my review for Rendezvous Hotel, you can do so by clicking here. I’d highly recommend choosing Rendezvous as a preferred accommodation for ease of accessibility as it is located right in the prime hotspot of Singapore nearby the Bras Basah MRT station, and even more so assuming that you’re interested to immerse in an invigorating artistic and cultural experience by appreciating the multi-sensory sights and sounds within this artistic enclave.

Once again, I’d like to thank Far East Hospitality for my insightful visit to Singapore!