A Guide to Selegie Arts Centre, Singapore’s Hub of Artistic Expression
I stumbled upon Selegie Arts Centre one lazy afternoon, thinking I’d just pop in for a quick look. Two hours later, I was still admiring brushstrokes and chatting with artists!
Selegie Arts Centre has something to spark your imagination, whether you’re an art enthusiast or just someone needing weekend plans. With this guide, get to know everything from its interactive workshops to rotating exhibitions.
Background and History
Selegie Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural hub and home to the Singapore Art Society, promoting local and regional art. Originally built as an Indian coffee shop with residential units, the building was later conserved in 1994 to preserve its heritage charm.
The arts centre officially opened its doors in 1996, offering exhibition spaces, galleries, and art programs aimed at fostering creativity and appreciation.
It has since become a key venue for art events and exhibitions, including recent highlights like the “School of Tomorrow” and “Turning Points,” which emphasise education, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Things to Know
Location: 30 Selegie Road
Contact: +6563343361
Hours:
Monday to Friday, noon–8 PM
Saturday to Sunday, 1–6 PM
Admission fee: Free entry
Accessibility: Selegie Arts Centre is PWD-accessible and promotes inclusivity through exhibitions like “Turning Points,” showcasing artists with disabilities. It offers sign language interpretation and designs tours and activities to meet diverse needs.
Amenities: Exhibition spaces, curatorial tours, workshop areas, sign language interpretation services, gallery shop, interactive exhibits
Rules and restrictions:
✖ No food or drinks
✖ No non-service animals
✖ No touching artwork
✖ No loud noises and voices
How to Get There
Closest MRT: To get to the Selegie Arts Centre by train, take the Downtown Line or North-East Line to Little India MRT Station. From Exit A, it’s a short 5-7 minute walk along Bukit Timah Road towards Selegie Road, with the centre located at 30 Selegie Road.
Closest bus station: Alight at the Peace Centre bus stop (Bus Stop No. 07011) along Selegie Road. Buses like 64, 65, 131, 139, and 147 stop here, and the centre is just a 2–3 minute walk from the bus stop.
By car: Visitors driving to Selegie Arts Centre can park at nearby facilities like Peace Centre or Wilkie Edge, both offering paid parking options. Limited street parking along Selegie Road is also available, but spaces can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours.
Things to Do
View rotating art exhibitions
– Media from soubily
I swung by Selegie Arts Centre expecting a quick peek, but the rotating exhibitions had me glued longer than I planned. Each visit feels like a fresh dive into a new world. One week, it’s contemporary paintings; the next, thought-provoking installations on sustainability.
What’s great is that these exhibitions don’t just showcase local talent but often feature regional artists too, giving you a taste of diverse perspectives.
You never really know what you’ll stumble upon, which makes popping in a bit like unwrapping a surprise gift every time.
Browse collections of the Singapore Art Society’s Gallery
– Media from samantharedfern.fineart
The Singapore Art Society’s Gallery at Selegie Arts Centre feels like a treasure trove of artistic gems. I found myself wandering through collections that beautifully blend traditional Asian styles with bold, modern expressions—each piece telling a story rooted in culture and creativity.
What I love most is how the gallery offers more than just art—it’s a glimpse into Singapore’s evolving art scene. Something is captivating about seeing how local talents push boundaries while staying true to their roots.
Join workshops and art classes
– Media from brasbasahbugis
I once signed up for a painting workshop at Selegie Arts Centre, thinking it would be a chill afternoon, but it turned out to be a surprisingly immersive experience.
What’s fun about these workshops is the variety—one week it’s watercolours, the next it’s clay modelling or calligraphy. The instructors were passionate, guiding us through different techniques while making sure everyone, from beginners to pros, felt right at home.
Attend artist networking events
– Media from art.dis.singapore
My friend and I popped by an artist networking event at Selegie Arts Centre, thinking we’d just mingle a little, but the energy in the room had us hooked.
It wasn’t just artists showing off their portfolios; everyone was swapping ideas, stories, and inspiration, making it feel more like a creative jam session than a formal meetup.
The best part? I met people from all walks of life—photographers, painters, even digital artists—who were just as excited to collaborate as they were to share a drink!
Participate in cultural programs and talks
– Media from baeyyamkeng
A cultural talk I attended at Selegie Arts Centre felt more like an intimate conversation among passionate individuals. The speakers shared personal stories and deep insights into their art journeys, making the whole experience both enriching and relatable.
What stood out to me was how interactive the session became, with the audience chiming in and shaping the discussion.
Witness live painting demonstrations
– Media from weekend.sketchers
A live painting session at Selegie Arts Centre is nothing short of mesmerising. Something is captivating about seeing every brushstroke in real time—like being part of the creative process without lifting a finger.
I also got to chat with the artists as they worked, gaining insight into their techniques and inspiration. It’s an inspiring experience that left me itching to grab a paintbrush myself, even if I’ve never painted seriously before.
Buy art merchandise and souvenirs
– Media from purringcatco
I couldn’t resist checking out the little corner of art merchandise at Selegie Arts Centre, and before I knew it, I had a handful of postcards and mini prints in my bag.
It’s the perfect place to snag unique souvenirs. Everything feels thoughtfully curated, from tote bags with artsy designs to handmade crafts by local artists.