Singapore Art Museum
Connecting Southeast Asian Contemporary Art with the World.
Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is a leading contemporary art institution dedicated to collecting, researching, and presenting contemporary art from Singapore, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Established in 1996 as Singapore’s first art museum, SAM has played a significant role in promoting contemporary artistic practices and fostering cultural dialogue across the region.
With a strong emphasis on Southeast Asian perspectives, the museum presents multidisciplinary exhibitions encompassing painting, sculpture, photography, moving image, installation, and experimental art. Its growing collection reflects the diversity of contemporary artistic practices and their connections to broader global developments.
Operating across multiple locations, including its principal exhibition venue at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, SAM explores new approaches to public engagement through exhibitions, educational initiatives, research, and collaborations with artists and communities.
History
Singapore Art Museum was established in January 1996 in the former St. Joseph's Institution building on Bras Basah Road, becoming Singapore's first art museum. Initially focused on modern and contemporary art from Singapore and Southeast Asia, the museum gradually evolved into an institution dedicated primarily to contemporary art. Over the following decades, SAM expanded its collections, exhibitions, and international collaborations, contributing to the growing recognition of Southeast Asian contemporary art. In 2019, SAM's historic museum buildings closed for redevelopment, prompting the institution to expand its exhibitions and public programs beyond traditional museum spaces. In January 2022, SAM opened a new contemporary art venue at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, a former industrial warehouse complex near Singapore's historic port. The new location provides flexible spaces for large-scale installations, experimental exhibitions, and interdisciplinary artistic practices. Today, SAM continues to develop its international presence while serving as the organizer of the Singapore Biennale, one of Southeast Asia's most significant contemporary art events.
Mission
SAM will present contemporary art from a Southeast Asian perspective in active dialogue, discovery and collaboration with its constituents, through its collection, research, exhibitions and programmes.
