A place for art lovers, art collectors, and those curious about art, Gillman Barracks is one of the main points of Singapore’s arts landscape with a numerous collection of art galleries. Beyond the art galleries, there are also a mix of dining outlets and there are plans to rejuvenate it into a creative lifestyle enclave.
Gillman Barracks is a former military barracks that dates back to 1936. Since September 2012, it has become known as a hub of different local and international art galleries. There are 10+ galleries to explore, all within walking distance to each other.
But there is more.
There are also restaurants and even a bike showcase at Gillman Barracks.
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Here is a guide to the art galleries, restaurants and other exciting things that you can do at Gillman Barracks.
Art Galleries in Gillman Barracks
Do note that the exhibitions swap out every two months or so to ensure that the content stays fresh each time. You may view the gallery etiquette guide for the art galleries at Gillman Barracks here.
FOST Gallery
Founded in 2006, FOST Gallery generally showcases contemporary art and has built a reputation as one of Singapore’s leading art galleries. Its artists have been included in international biennales and institutional exhibitions.
Where: 1 Lock Road, #01-02, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108932
FOST Gallery website
Mizuma Gallery
Named after Executive Director Sueo Mizuma, this gallery has been in Singapore since 2012.
The gallery aims for the promotion of East Asian artists in the region as well as the introduction of Southeast Asian artists to the international art scene.
Mizuma Gallery participates annually in international art fairs including Art Basel Hong Kong and The Armory Show New York, promoting Asian artists on an international art scale.
Where: 22 Lock Road #01-34, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108939
Mizuma Gallery website
Mucciaccia Gallery
Founded in Rome, Mucciaccia Gallery is one of the top galleries in Europe and a leading art gallery specialising in modern masters and established contemporary artists.
It connects prominent artists with international collectors. The gallery also has branches in Cortina d’ Ampezzo, London and New York.
Where: Blk 6 Lock Road, #02-10, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108934
Mucciaccia Gallery Website
Ota Fine Arts
Ota Fine Arts was established in 1994 in Tokyo and opened a gallery space in Gillman Barracks in 2012. For over 20 years, the gallery has defined itself as being a pioneer of Japanese contemporary and has promoted various Japanese artists, including internationally-acclaimed artist Yayoi Kusama.
Where: 7 Lock Road, #02-13 Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108935
Ota Fine Arts website
Richard Koh Fine Art
Richard Koh Fine Art has been in operation since 2005 and is regarded as a pioneer for introducing contemporary art to Malaysia and the region.
The gallery promotes an adventurous roster of emerging and established artists. Past exhibits include Exhibition Merdeka, The Lonesome Club, Clouds By Wah Nu and more.
Where: Blk 47 Malan Road, #01-26 Gillman Barracks, Singapore 109444
Richard Koh Fine Art website
ShanghART Singapore
ShanghART Gallery was established in Shanghai in 1996 and has represented over 60 pioneering and emerging artists.
ShanghART Singapore was established in 2012 and is the gallery’s first overseas space serves as a platform to introduce Chinese contemporary art to the region while developing collaborations with Southeast Asian artists and bringing them to the international art scene.
The ShanghART Gallery is one of China’s most influential art institutions and a vital player in the development of contemporary art in China.
Where: 9 Lock Rd, #02-22, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108937
ShanghART Gallery website
Sundaram Tagore Gallery
Sundaram Tagore Gallery has been representing established and emerging artists from around the world, particularly women and those from underrepresented cultures, whose work exemplifies our interconnectedness.
The gallery specialises in work that is aesthetically and intellectually rigorous, infused with humanism and art historically significant. The artists featured produce museum-quality paintings, drawings, sculptures and installations.
Where: 5 Lock Road 01-05, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108933
Sundaram Tagore Gallery website
The Columns Gallery
The Columns Gallery is one of the most prominent galleries in Korea. Here you can find numerous international exhibitions and the occasional talk. The Columns aims to introduce both emerging and established artists to the Korean art scene. They have participated in art fairs and biennials worldwide.
Where: 22 Lock Road #01-35, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108939
The Columns Gallery website
Yavuz Gallery
Yavuz Gallery was inaugurated in 2010 in Singapore. It has since been established as a key destination for showcasing a diverse group of both established and emerging artists with a strong curatorial programme. They are dedicated to promoting contemporary art predominantly from the Asia-Pacific region.
Where: 9 Lock Road, #02-23, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108937
Yavuz Gallery website
Yeo Workshop
Yeo Workshop is a contemporary art gallery and has been based in Gillman Barracks since 2013. They showcase various exhibitions, represented artists projects, and gallery-based programmes such as talks, symposiums and guiding research.
The gallery aims to promote the work of contemporary local and international artists.
Where: 47 Malan Road, #01-25 Gillman Barracks, Singapore 109444
Yeo Workshop website
Art Outreach Singapore
Not exactly a gallery, Art Outreach Singapore is a non-profit arts intermediary that is dedicated to promoting art appreciation in Singapore and strengthening networks in the local art ecosystem.
They increase visual art literacy and to promote art appreciation in Singapore by offering an art education programme for primary and secondary school students, art events and presentations in the community and art tours for the public.
Where: 5 Lock Rd, #01-06 Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108933
Art Outreach website
NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore
Not a gallery either, NTU CCA Singapore positions itself as a space for critical discourse and encourages new ways of thinking about Spaces of the Curatorial in Southeast Asia and beyond. Located within Singapore’s visual arts precinct Gillman Barracks, the Centre’s public programmes serve to engage with various audiences through lectures, workshops and more.
Where: Blk 6 Lock Road, Gillman Barracks, Singapore, Singapore, 108934
NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore website
Restaurants in Gillman Barracks
Black Bird
Nestled in the heart of Gillman Barracks, Black Bird is a live music bar and restaurant that offers mains such as pastas, along with Cod Fish & Chips, burgers, chops and more.
Where: 8 Lock Road Singapore, Singapore 108936
Black Bird website
Creamier
Best known for their crispy waffles and smooth ice cream, Creamier started in Toa Payoh. In 2016, they opened up their doors to those in Gillman Barracks.
They have a rotating selection of tantalising ice cream flavours that are produced in small batches on site using premium ingredients from around the world. Coffee lovers can also enjoy its custom espresso blend developed with Papa Palheta.
Where: 5A Lock Road, Singapore 108927
Creamier website
Hopscotch Bar
Hopscotch at Gillman Barracks is the second iteration of Hopscotch Bar which was famously known for its local flavoured cocktails.
At Gillman Barracks, the focus on local flavoured cocktails is now paired with a food menu focusing on grilled cuisine such as poultry and seafood. Here you can enjoy skewered meats and vegetables as bar snacks while getting a drink or two.
Where: 45 Malan Road, Singapore 109455
Hopscotch Bar website
The Naked Finn
The Naked Finn is a seafood specialist and a great place for seafood lovers to dine. Its signature dishes include lobster rolls, prawn noodles and grilled seafood dishes. It stays true to its philosophy of sourcing and importing top quality seafood internationally.
Where: Block 39 Malan Road, Singapore 109442
The Naked Finn website
Handlebar
A wonderland for bikers, Handlebar serves up a hearty Western meal with dishes such as spicy buffalo wings, steaks, burgers, ribs and more. This edgy diner and bar have quirky décor and tables as well as a random rare guitar collection.
Where: 10 Lock Road Singapore, Singapore 108938
Handlebar website
Wheeler’s Tropikana
Inspired by tropical islands, Wheeler’s Tropikana offers a serene setting amidst lush greenery. The food is presented as “Australasian” and created by Australian Head Chef Jayd Kitt.
It is also a spot where you can chill out and enjoy live music on certain evenings. Plus, you can find a Balinese-style gateway next to the dining area – a nice photo spot!
Where: 9A Lock Road, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108926
Wheeler’s Tropikana website
The Southern Depot
Located around the southern end of Gillman Barracks is a lifestyle hub centred around the three Cs – Cycles, Craft and Community.
Run by Didi Lifestyle, it encompasses 47 Malan Road and a standalone building at 43 Malan Road.
Didi Lifestyle is the dealer for Triumph motorcycles, as well as Italian brands Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa. Step into the building to view a showroom of different motorbikes.
Kaffa Bella
There is also a cafe, Kaffa Bella, within the premises.
Little Island Brewing Co
Other tenants at The Southern Depot include Little Island Brewing Co, you can sip on stouts and pale ales paired with a contemporary menu. One unique feature at this outlet is that they have created an audiophile haven where music lovers can enjoy the analog sounds of vinyl.
Where: 43 and 47 Malan Rd, Singapore 109443
The Southern Depot website
Gillman Barracks Playground
The Gillman Barracks playground is located in front of Block 9 at the arts hub.
The main feature of the Gillman Barracks playground is the brown-coloured play tower. The tower is a spot where kids can have an adventurous climb on the inside and also enjoy brightly-coloured slides.
There is also mini obstacle course – most likely inspired by the playground’s location in a former army barracks.
Learn more about the Gillman Barracks playground.
Gillman Barracks Heritage Trail
With a history dating back almost 100 years, Gillman Barracks and its buildings have many stories to tell.
You can take a walk around the premises and read about the history of the building at the numerous National Heritage Board signboards around the campus.
If you enjoyed this story, you may also enjoy reading about the Alexandra Arch and the Forest Walk.
