Tucked within the historic Supreme Court wing of the National Gallery Singapore, the Rotunda Library & Archive is now open to the public — offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich artistic legacy. Designed as a non-lending reference library, the space houses an extensive collection of artist monographs, exhibition catalogues, journals, and archival materials spanning the 19th to 21st centuries. Scholars, students, and art lovers alike will find it a quiet haven for research and discovery in the fields of modern and contemporary art from Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Architecturally, the library is a hidden gem. With its towering Roman columns, circular formation of curved wooden desks, and high domed ceiling lined with arched windows, the two-storey space feels straight out of a European fairytale. A sliding ladder, rare in Singapore libraries, completes the picture, while sunlit reading nooks and serene interiors offer a contemplative contrast to the vibrant energy of the National Gallery.
Best of all, entry to the Rotunda Library & Archive is free, and you won’t need a museum ticket to step inside. Open only on weekdays from 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm (excluding public holidays), the library offers limited visiting hours—perfect for those with a day to spare. Visitors under 16 must register if unaccompanied, but all are welcome to explore this beautifully preserved cultural space that blends research, history, and architectural charm.


