Where to see traditional art in Singapore

National Gallery Singapore is home to more than 9,000 artworks across Southeast Asia spanning the 19th century to the present. In fact, the gallery is home to a part of Singapore's National Collection, managed by the National Heritage Board. The collection has borne witness to the changing landscape of art institutions in Singapore, encapsulating their complex histories and contributions made by artists, artists' estates and private individuals through donations. 

You can find a large selection of works in two long-term exhibitions, Siapa Nama Kamu? and Between Declarations and Dreams, which showcases the influences and practices that have shaped and transformed Singapore art. Don't miss the works of a pioneer artist at the eponymous Liu Kang Gallery, which commemorates his role in the development of modern art in Singapore.

Delve into Malay culture at the Malay Heritage Centre. Located in the former Istana Kampong Gelam, it houses six permanent galleries showcasing stories and artefacts drawn from the National Collection and contributions from the community. Peep the fifth instalment in MHC's 'Se-Nusantara' series of community co-curated exhibition and programmes on the ethnic culture and diversity of the Malay community in Singapore at the centre's latest exhibition, Urang Banjar: Heritage and Culture of the Banjar.  

With a wealth of collection that showcases the rich culture and heritage of Asia, you've come to the right place. The Asian Civilisations Museum is home to seven galleries showcasing more than 2,000 artefacts from the civilisations of China, South-East Asia, South Asia and West Asia. Start from the first floor, which charts the story of trade across the region, before heading to the second floor, which presents systems of faith and belief. Finally, the third features materials and design used in Chinese ceramics from the Han to Qing dynasty. If you're interested in ukiyo-e, a traditional Japanese art that flourished from the 17th through 19th centuries, head to the museum's latest exhibition Life in Edo x Russel Wong in Kyoto. 

With a glowing glass façade inspired by step-wells that are commonly found in South Asia, the Indian Heritage Centre has a wealth of artefacts that are dotted around five galleries. They document and explore the history and culture of Indians, especially in relation to Singapore, all the way from the 1st century to the present day. 

From March 27 to September 30, uncover the lesser-known stories, and celebrate the rich heritage and culture of the Sikh community in Singapore with the Indian Heritage Centre's second community co-created exhibition: Sikhs in Singapore – A Story Untold. It's also the centre's first-ever exhibition on Sikh heritage.

Check out the Chinese Heritage Centre, housed in a structurally stunning Administration Building of the former Nanyang University, which has been designated a national monument. Explore the questions of ethnic identity in a 6,000-square-foot permanent exhibition called Chinese More Or Less: An Exhibition on Overseas Chinese Identity. Conceptualised by Lynn Pan, author of Sons of the Yellow Emperor, this exhibition showcases the Chinese people from different eras and places and their influence on the world during the diaspora, with a special look at the identities of the Straits and Peranakan Chinese, who were much influenced by the Europeans in Asia.

You've probably heard of an important protagonist of the Nanyang aesthetic, Chen Wen Hsi. Famed for his avant-garde Chinese paintings, his works often depict the nature and animals and include abstract and figurative Chinese ink paintings. While his former residence is sometimes open to the public, you can also see his illustrious works with your own eyes at Merlin Gallery.