In a startling turn of events, a fire broke out at the National Gallery Singapore on the morning of September 9th, prompting immediate action.

Quick Response Averted Disaster

The blaze sparked in a small, contained office area of the iconic museum, fortunately leaving the priceless artworks unscathed. The Singapore Civil Defence Force received an alert at approximately 9:05 AM, and thanks to the swift efforts of the Company Emergency Response Team, the fire was extinguished using a dry powder fire extinguisher before firefighters even arrived.

Safety First: Museum's Partial Reopening Announced

Following thorough safety checks, the museum announced some areas, specifically the City Hall Wing and the Padang Atrium, would reopen to the public at noon on the same day. However, the former Supreme Court Wing will remain closed until September 10th. A spokesperson emphasized, "The safety of our visitors, staff, and collections remains our highest priority."

What's at Stake? The Gallery's Rich Offerings

Located in the historic former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings, the National Gallery Singapore boasts the largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art in the world. With 13 ongoing exhibitions, including the much-anticipated Gallery Children’s Biennale 2025, visitors can dive into a vibrant artistic experience.

Film Festival Hit by Fire Incident

Adding to the disruption, scheduled screenings of the international film festival "Painting With Light" have been canceled for September 9th, including the 12:30 PM screening of Southeast Asia Shorts. Official updates on the 8 PM screenings will follow.

Community Support and Continuous Updates

The museum's management has expressed gratitude for the public's understanding during this incident. As the situation develops, the National Gallery Singapore remains committed to keeping visitors informed and safe as they continue to celebrate the rich tapestry of art in the region.

Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story!