Explore the rich artistic histories of Singapore and Southeast Asia at our Rotunda Library and Archive! Boasting an extensive collection of artist monographs, exhibition catalogues, art journals, and art archives from the 19th to 21st centuries, we are a reference collection and space, nestled in the historic Supreme Court wing and open to all. Attracting researchers, students and general art lovers alike, the Rotunda Library & Archive aims to be a leading centre for the research of modern and contemporary art of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Georgette Chen's exhibition photo
Georgette Chen's Archives
Opening of the "Bali" exhibition, British Council Hall, Stamford Road
Chen Chong Swee's Archives
Photographic documentation of Artists Investigating Monuments
Ken Cheong's Archives
Pameran Grafis Bandung
Mochtar Apin's Archives
Photographic documentation of the construction process for the former Supreme Court
Frank Dorrington Ward's Archives
The Modern in Southeast Asian Art: A Reader
Kim Lim: Space, Rhythm, Light
The Artist Speaks: Lee Wen
In session: Supreme Court Singapore: the building, her heritage and her people
Exploding galaxies: the art of David Medalla
The library
The library collection consists mostly of print publications and exhibition catalogues focusing on Southeast Asian modern and contemporary art, as well as sections on Chinese art, Western modern art, general art history, and museum studies.
The library is arranged using the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system.
The archives collection
National Gallery Singapore’s archives collection consists of art archives (or fonds) built up by not just artists but also art writers, historians, collectors, organisations, societies and groups.
They range from photographs, letters, sketches, diaries, and manuscripts, rare Southeast Asian art catalogues and to publications from the 19th and 20th centuries. It also contains video documentation and experimental films, recorded interviews, and exhibition ephemera (invitation cards, posters, brochures, etc).
These rich materials provide a glimpse into the artistic process, practice, networks, and historical context in which Singapore and Southeast Asian artists lived and operated in.
Our archive materials tell the stories of individual artists and art collectives, mapping out the intricacies of relationships and connections across geographies, disciplines, and historical contexts. The Gallery’s archival records are catalogued based on the General International Standard Archival Description (ISADG) standard.
For library materials
We do not digitise the library collection for online access due to copyright restrictions. To locate the books in the Rotunda Library & Archive, you can browse and search our online catalogue for their call numbers.
For archive materials
We are unable to offer online access to some archival materials due to different copyright restrictions. However, you can view these materials with our digital viewing facility at the Gallery’s Rotunda Library & Archive.
Requesting to view original archival materials
The Gallery aims to preserve its archives collection through digitisation, thereby minimising wear and tear on the original physical copy. If you need to examine the original copy, please email us your request. All requests are subject to approval by the Gallery.
Permitted uses of requested archival materials
Archival materials may be used for personal research and educational purposes only. Commercial usage is strictly prohibited.
If additional clearances are required from the copyright owner, it is the responsibility of the user to secure permission from the appropriate copyright holder.
Accessing the Collection at the Rotunda Library & Archive
For walk-in visitors, our seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We seek your understanding if the seats are fully occupied during walk-in visits.
You can use the photocopying machine provided in the library, or fill out the Make a Request form if you wish to make reproductions of Library & Archive materials.
Requesting copies of archival materials
Please fill in the Make a Request form. Processing your request may take up to four weeks.
All requests are subject to approval by the Gallery and must follow our image use guidelines, which are available from our staff.
Fees for requesting copies:
Cash payment can be made at the Rotunda Library & Archive upon collection of the requested materials.
Requesting to view original archival materials
The Gallery aims to preserve its archives collection through digitisation, thereby minimising wear and tear on the original physical copy. If you need to examine the original copy, please email us your request. All requests are subject to approval by the Gallery.
Permitted uses of requested archival materials
Archival materials may be used for personal research and educational purposes only. Commercial usage is strictly prohibited.
If additional clearances are required from the copyright owner, it is the responsibility of the user to secure permission from the appropriate copyright holder.
Accessing the Collection at the Rotunda Library & Archive
For walk-in visitors, our seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis and prioritised for staff and registered researchers. We seek your understanding if the seats are fully occupied during walk-in visits.
You can use the photocopying machine provided in the library, or fill out our Image request form if you wish to make reproductions of Library & Archive materials.
Requesting copies of archival materials
Please fill in the Image Request form. Processing your request may take up to four weeks.
All requests are subject to approval by the Gallery and must follow our image use guidelines, which are available from our staff.
Fees for requesting copies:
Cash payment can be made at the Rotunda Library & Archive upon collection of the requested materials.
About additional information or errors
The Gallery is continually researching, checking, and updating its records. If you have additional information about artworks, archives and library materials in our Collection or find any errors, please email us.
About reporting personal or sensitive information
We are fully committed to respecting the intellectual property and privacy rights of others and always use our best efforts to obtain permissions for the materials on the Collection Search Portal.
Individuals whose personal and/or sensitive information are revealed without consent are welcome to email us the following information:
For enquiries or assistance, please email or call us.
Can't find the archival material you need? Submit an image request.
The Rotunda used to house the Supreme Court library. The curved columns and cabinets have been restored and now house archival materials that visitors may browse.
The Rotunda Dome is illuminated with natural light from fanlight casement windows in the dome itself and is visible from the Supreme Court Terrace.
The curved teak and glass bookcases lining the mezzanine floor of the Rotunda Library, as well as the quadrant-shaped cabinets and writing desks, were designed by William Henry Swaffield of the Public Works Department. The bookcase was fitted with curved plate glass cut in England.
The current Rotunda dome was designed to be viewed from the interior, contrary to the exterior copper dome overlooking the Padang. Within its concealed structure, visitors can look upwards at its inner plastered surface and the ring of arched skylights.
Wiliam Henry Swaffield who carefully designed the carved furniture in the Former Supreme Court Library, included vents underneath the library tables for ventilation.
According to archival drawings, the Rotunda dome’s clerestory windows were intended to be made with decorative grilles. The grilles were only installed during the construction and restoration process to respect its original design.
Curatorial Research
Our curatorial research connects art histories of Singapore and the region to global narratives through exhibitions and publications.
