national gallery singapore

The National Gallery opened to much fanfare last November. To celebrate its first anniversary, they’re throwing the inaugural Light to Night Festival, which runs over two weekends (Nov 25-27 and Dec 2-4).

A mega-extravaganza incorporating over 60 art installations, music performances by the likes of Nathan Hartono and Charlie Lim (and many more), film screenings, an artisans’ market and a food street, it can get a little overwhelming. So we’ve done the work for you and highlighted the ones you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

#1: Shimmering Treetops

national gallery singapore

A collaboration between Lasalle College of the Arts and Swarovski, this installation takes inspiration from the tree-like sculptures in the Gallery’s Atrium. Light falling on a multitude of suspended Swarovski crystals creates a glittering light show, hence the name. Pretty? Yes. Instagrammable? You bet it will be. Supreme Court Atrium Balcony, Level 4, free admission

 

#2: Façade Show

national gallery singaporeA perennial crowd-pleaser, the entire façade of the National Gallery will be turned into a canvas for light projection displays by Spinifex Group, which hails from Down Under. Expect the Gallery to be transformed into a science laboratory, a paintbrush set, the insides of a music instrument and more. Gallery Façade, Nov 25–26 and Dec 2–3, 8pm onwards, free admission

 

#3: Affinity

national gallery singapore

Conceptualised by Australian creative technology studio S1T2, this giant molecule-esque installation allows the audience to get up close and personal. The orbs change colour through touch and movement. City Hall Chamber, level 3, free admission.

#4: Disco Ball Pit

national gallery singapore

Who says adults can’t indulge the child within us? You can do so at the Disco Ball Pit, which is basically a fun pit filled with reportedly 178,957 balls, the exact number of the Gallery’s postal code. Go ahead and dive in, we won’t judge. Glass Room, various dates and times, free admission

 

#5: Homecoming

national gallery singaporeOne of celebrated film-maker Royston Tan’s latest films, Homecoming is an endearing documentary which focuses on the personal stories of Pulau Ubin residents and their relationship with the “mainland” aka Singapore. Screening for free at the Padang this Saturday, it’ll be an idyllic way to combine a picnic and a beautiful film. If you aren’t inclined to pack your own food, there’ll be plenty by way of the official Festival Food Street along St.Andrew’s Road, which will be closed to cars on both weekends. Padang, Nov 26, 9pm, free admission

 

Images: National Gallery Singapore

Like this? Check out K+’s very first Artisans market this weekend at Scotts Square, all the best highlights from the Neon Lights Festival and the most stylish local heritage hotels to spend your staycation.