Former Saint Joseph's Institution

Former Saint Joseph's Institution, Singapore Overview

The Former Saint Joseph's Institution is a historic building in Singapore located at Bras Basah Road in the Museum Planning Area, within the Central Area. Currently, it is also known as the Singapore Art Museum as it houses the same. It was designated as one of the National monuments of Singapore in 1992.

History of Former Saint Joseph's Institution

The building was earlier Saint Joseph’s Institution, a Catholic boys' school. It was set up by Father Jean-Marie Beurel in 1852 as a wood and atta chapel building. A need for a better structure was felt, and it was a couple of years later, in 1867, that the new school was built. As the number of students enrolled grew, an extension to the building was made by 1903. Further extensions were made till 1911. The building was gazetted as a national monument in 1992. In 2009, the present Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports announced that the National Museum Art Gallery would occupy the space. Since then, it is known as the Singapore Art Museum.

Architecture of Former Saint Joseph's Institution

The Former Saint Joseph's Institution beautifully exhibits French architecture. The first version of the new school was built in 1867 comprised a two-storey rectangular block with a pitched roof. The 2 new wings added in 1903 were semi-circular in shape. In the further extensions made around 1911, verandahs running along the whole length of the building and a large dome lined with teak were constructed. The cross at the top of the dome was also built around the same time. A hall, gymnasium and the chapel were added by 1912.

Present Day Singapore Art Museum

Currently, the building is the Singapore Art Museum and hosts contemporary artwork of many famous artists from Singapore and Southeast Asia. It is one of the most famous and important centres of art. Exhibitions are held throughout the year that varies in their art form, ranging from paintings to sculptured and installations. Given its rich history, a day at the museum is an enriching experience not only for lovers of art but also for lovers of architecture

The museum holds regular exhibitions throughout the year. These have thought-provoking, interesting themes and vary in the type of artwork displayed. The current exhibit is themed Imaginarium: Into the Space of Time, that is about time travel and the correlation between time and space.

How To Reach Former Saint Joseph's Institution

The buses that stop at SAM are 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 130, 131, 133, 145, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 174, 175, 197, 851, 960

Nearest MRT (Mass Rapid Transit):
1-minute walk from Bras Basah MRT station (Circle Line)
7-minute walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station (Circle, North East and North-South Lines)
8-minute walk from City Hall MRT station (East-West and North-South Lines)