artLIVE – To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the National Gallery Singapore – the largest museum of modern and contemporary art in Southeast Asia – will host Gala 2025 under the theme ‘A Decade of Imagination’ on September 13, 2025.
National Gallery Singapore – A decade of connecting art with the community
Founded with the mission of bringing art closer to the public, the National Gallery Singapore has grown into a vibrant cultural destination, attracting audiences of all ages through diverse exhibitions, festivals, and educational programs.
Situated in the heart of the Civic District and housed within two national monuments – the former City Hall and Supreme Court – the Gallery holds both architectural and historical significance.
It is home to the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian art, rewriting the region’s art history through research, curatorial strategies, and landmark exhibitions.
Since 2019, the Gallery has consistently ranked among the Top 10 most-visited museums in Asia by ‘The Art Newspaper’ and has been honored multiple times at the Singapore Tourism Awards, notably for the 2020 Light to Night Festival and 2021 Gallery Biennale.
For nearly a decade, the Gallery Gala has been a biennial highlight, serving as a vital fundraising platform to expand collections, bring art closer to the public, and support educational and community initiatives.
Each edition is themed, offering guests a memorable evening where art, cuisine, and creativity converge, highlighted by a live auction of exceptional artworks and exclusive experiences.
Gala 2025 – A bold step forward with ‘A Decade of Imagination’
Unlike previous years, Gala 2025 themed ‘A Decade of Imagination’, will take place on 13 September 2025, promising a refreshing evening of art and celebration.
For the first time, guests will enjoy an exquisite dinner inside the exhibition galleries, elevated by a menu crafted by three of Singapore’s culinary icons: Michelin starred chef Julien Royer of Odette, heritage cuisine master Damian D’Silva, and Peranakan food legend Violet Oon.
The event will also be graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Gan Kim Yong, as Guest of Honor.
Behind Gala 2025 stands the dedication of 11 individuals from the fields of art, business, philanthropy, and culture, who have spent nearly a year shaping ideas, curating auction items, engaging donors, and amplifying the Gala’s vision.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, Dr. Eugene Tan, Director of the National Gallery, shared: “A Decade of Imagination embodies our aspiration to reimagine how we connect with audiences while reaffirming our mission to make art more accessible. Proceeds from the Gala will go towards research, international exhibitions, and community outreach. We hope to set a new fundraising record that strengthens our position as Singapore’s leading art institution and promotes Southeast Asian art on the world stage.”
The Gala 2025 Steering Committee includes Albert Lee, Willabelle Ong, Celeste Basapa, Lee Woon Shiu, Wendy Long, Aun Koh, Jazz Chong, Layla Pi, Jason Ong, Ho Kheng Lian, and Vir Kotak.
This year’s auction, organized by Sotheby’s, will feature over 70 artworks and rare luxury experiences, showcasing renowned artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Fernando Zóbel, Liu Kang, and Heman Chong. With this edition, the Gallery aims to achieve its highest fundraising milestone in a decade to further expand exhibitions, festivals, and impactful programs for children, seniors, and underserved communities.
Mr. Lee Woon Shiu, Gala Co-Chair, remarked: “I am particularly inspired by this year’s theme – ‘A Decade of Imagination’ Singapore’s greatest strength lies in its ability to transcend boundaries and turn bold visions into reality. Imagination, exemplified through art, fuels innovation, anticipates challenges, and harnesses multicultural creativity to build a more inclusive society.”
He further emphasized that Gala 2025 reflects Singapore’s spirit of daring to dream differently – transforming pioneering ideas into competitive advantages in an ever changing world.
Photo: National Gallery Team
