8Q SAM, Singapore Overview

SAM at 8Q - which stands for Singapore Art Museum - is the extension of the Museum’s main building, named so because of its location on 8 Queen Street. The experimental art gallery is located 88 steps away from the main building, adding to its quirky charm. The youngest annex of the Art Museum, SAM at 8Q houses the most diverse and unconventional art exhibits – the contemporary paintings, sculptures, photographs, performance art, sound art, and other new media interactive exhibits here are a favourite among art connoisseurs, the hip crowd, and tourists alike.

Built atop the former ground of Singapore’s Catholic High School, this four-storeyed building boasts of six galleries full of art pieces by some of the world’s most promising contemporary experimental artists, set up through temporary exhibitions. The annual installation series called Imaginarium returns every year with hip new themes that are bound to get patrons excited. SAM at 8Q also has two restaurants to grab a quick bite while appreciating the stunning art around. The building also hosts two diners to quench your hunger- The Standing Sushi Bar and The Love Pal Cafe.

Note: The Singapore Art Museum's Buildings (located at Bras Basah Road and Queen Street) are closed for renovation from 2019.

SAM At 8Q Collections

The collection and aesthetic display at the SAM at 8Q can be broadly divided into the works of three groups of focus- The pioneering contemporary artists, The mid-career artists, and The emerging practitioners. The collections and exhibits in the six galleries are continually changing and evolving. The museum encourages young minds that find unique ways to express themselves to come and share their story with others.

SAM at 8Q also includes a unique Moving Art Gallery that is used for film screenings. The collection named- Imaginarium: Into the Space of Time, is the eight edition of the annual exhibition. The exhibition is told to enthral individuals of all ages and promises the curious, a mind-boggling journey involving the mysteries of time and space as well as the past, present and future.

Guided Tour of 8Q SAM

SAM at 8Q offers guided tours that cater to individuals, community groups and corporate groups. Curator-led tours are offered for new exhibitions.

English tour timings (subject to change)
Tuesday- 3:15 PM
Thursday- 12:15 PM
Saturday- 12:30 PM
No tours to be held on public holidays.

The Singapore Art Museum at 8Q also provides wheelchair accessibility.

How to Reach 8Q SAM

Bus- The following buses stop at 8Q SAM: 7, 14, 16, 36, 77, 111, 131, 162, 167, 171, 175, 502, 518, 700

MRT- A 2-minute walk from Bras Basah MRT station. A 10-minute walk from Bugis, Dhobi Ghaut or City Hall MRT station.

Car- The museum does not offer public parking, but there are several car parks nearby.