Calling all art lovers! Come January 2026, Singapore is all set to showcase some of the most creative minds in the world. Once the hullabaloo of the New Year ebbs away, and it feels like the festivities have ended, Singapore quietly transforms into a host for a spectacular, 10-day art show. Singapore Art Week is coming soon, and if you find this a fascinating, not-to-miss event, then check out this Singapore Art Week Guide to get all the details related to it.
What Is It About?
Singapore Art Week is all about letting the world get a glimpse into artists’ minds through their creations. Its advent turns the everyday streets and galleries of Singapore into spaces where art thrives. These installations encourage people with a passion for art to stop, pause, wonder, and get inspired. The event doesn’t stick only to traditional stuff like sculptures or canvases. It also includes virtual and digital art, highlighting its foray into evolving artforms of the modern era.
Started way back in 2013 by the National Arts Council to boost the artwork and craftsmanship of local artists, Singapore Art Week quickly garnered appreciation. It offers a podium to showcase a comprehensive range of art, bringing together various art and cultural institutions, museums, galleries, independent art spaces, and many talented artists to showcase work from various genres. True to its slogan, ‘Art Takes Over’, for ten days in January, you step into a vibrant Singapore where illuminated light projections splash over building facades at night, while in the morning, streets and galleries flourish with artistic flair. In short, Singapore becomes a colossal art gallery. During this period, over 100 art events take place all around Singapore. Some of the art exhibitions have been ongoing since 2025 and extend into 2026, seamlessly blending with Singapore Art Week.
When is it?
In 2026, this event takes place over ten days, starting from the 22nd to the 31st of January.
Where is it?
What’s exciting is that SG Art Week is not an exhibition in just one of Singapore’s venues. Singapore is the venue! Yes, the whole of Singapore becomes the grand arena for these magnificent art shows. Jet into Singapore during the last couple of weeks of January to explore this mind-blowing display of art. Many popular spots, the Marina Bay area in particular, transform into a hub of creativity, featuring stunning light installations, fascinating exhibits, and performances. Furthermore, visitors can explore art in unexpected places, from the bustling streets of Joo Chiat or Little India to serene parks across Singapore. This accessibility makes this art event a vivid, unforgettable journey for tourists visiting the destination during this time frame.
Why should you visit Singapore Art Week?
- Singapore Art Week opens its arms to a wide crowd, from seasoned collectors to those simply visiting to see what the event is all about. Art lovers are definitely the key visitors. If you have a passion for art of any kind, be it sculptures, portraits, or installations, you must absolutely not miss it for the world!
- Nevertheless, the activities vary but suit everyone. Even those on family or honeymoon Singapore packages unknowingly add a few aspects of this event when they wander through the streets of the city and inadvertently come across fascinating outdoor installations and street art.
- Singapore Art Week adds a layer of creative touches to an already stunning destination. In fact, Singapore is like a canvas. On any day, you will find yourself in a collage of fascinating modern structures that nestle into green spaces, with touches from the cultural heritage of the destination. Singapore Art Week simply adds extra colours and texture to this beautiful city.
- The organisers run this event on a large scale, roping in many art galleries and even event venues to showcase the creative world. Hence, there is a hybrid admission system. Some venues offer free entry, while some are ticketed events, and others offer a mix of both. On average, you can explore more free-of-cost events than ticketed events during Singapore Art Week.
- Singapore Art Week is one of the best activities to do in Singapore for art lovers to connect with like-minded people.
What Does It Feature This Year?
The Singapore Art Week takes place all over Singapore, particularly in the areas of Marina Bay, Kampong Glam, Little India, Chinatown, Civic District, Bugis, River Valley, and Tanjong Pagar. As the event sprawls across Singapore, choosing where to go and which shows to add to your Singapore itinerary can feel a bit overwhelming. Focus on these key highlights from this year’s Singapore Art Week to make your planning easier:
Marina Bay Sands’ ‘Art Takes Shape’
Among the top places to visit in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands definitely features in the top ranks. This is especially true since this luxury hotel dominates the city skyline and offers a spectacular spot to view it as well. However, in January, the hotel adopts the theme ‘Imagination Has No Limits’ and opens its doors to connoisseurs and enthusiasts of art, culture, music, and cuisine, becoming a pivotal part of Singapore Art Week. Visit from the 23rd to the 25th of January to exclusively explore Southeast Asia’s global contemporary art fair – ART SG 2026.
Art Science Museum
Art Science museum is lotus-shaped, contemporary landmark in Singapore join hands with Marina Bay Sands to further elevate the essence of the ‘Where Art Takes Shape’ event, with the addition of a futuristic event: ‘Another World is Possible’. Step into a Singapore where the future will be incredibly forward and brighter than what is usually depicted in Western cinema as a futuristic city: a dystopian version with a gloomy ambience. This exhibit imagines Singapore as a futuristic city that cares for the environment, is greener than it is today, and is more advanced in technology, creating a space for floating farms and biodiverse, vertical cities. It is a way to say, ‘Dream big and make it happen, and Singapore is certainly on that path.
Marina Bay Art Trail
While Marina Bay Sands stands as the star of the event, the surrounding areas along Marina Bay also offer an insight into the city’s love for art. This is the perfect time to explore the Marina Bay Art Trail, which takes you through some of the most beautiful art installations, sculptures, murals, and digital art in the area. Notable highlights include Fernando Botero’s Bird and Salvador Dali’s Homage to Newton at UOB Plaza, Marc Quinn’s Planet at Gardens by the Bay, and Lee Lee Nam’s Fantasia in the lobby of JW Marriott Singapore South Beach.
Art Galleries Across Singapore
Beyond the opulent venues, the city nurtures many galleries in alleys and shophouses. Head out to Singapore’s quaint galleries, such as Maya Gallery, SCAPE, ART Again, and Opera Gallery, which showcase independent exhibitions featuring various artistic media, including paintings, photography, and woodwork. The displays convey creative visions and explore diverse subjects through the artists’ perspectives. These venues highlight the creative outlook of local and upcoming talents through their brushstrokes, chisel tools, cameras, or computers.
Conclusion
For someone who has a spark of wonder about life, Singapore bewitches them naturally. Even so, visiting during Art Week truly turns their focus towards how much this destination leans into art and culture. For art aficionados, Singapore speaks to them tête-à-tête, connecting with their wavelength and inviting them into a variety of galleries where they can interpret other artists’ thoughts. If you are that person who pauses, taking a step back to genuinely see a piece of art, then understand what it means to be fully absorbed in an artist’s silent work, Singapore would love to have you there during Singapore Art Week.
