The World’s Largest Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art of Southeast Asia

Besides the art collection, the Gallery also has an extensive library and archives collection.

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 artists’ primary archives (photographs, letters, sketches, diaries, and manuscripts), rare Southeast Asian art catalogues, and publications from the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

It also contains video documentation and experimental films, recorded interviews, and exhibition ephemera (invitation cards, posters, brochures, etc.) under the purview of the Gallery’s Library & Archive.

The Gallery’s archival records are based on the General International Standard Archival Description (ISADG).

Learn more about our Rotunda Library & Archive

For artworks

We are unable to share all the images of the artwork images in our Collection online due to specific copyright restrictions from artists and copyright owners.

For library materials

We do not digitise the library collection for online access due to copyright restrictions. You can browse our online catalogue to locate the books in the Rotunda Library & Archive using their call numbers.

For archive materials

We are unable to offer online access to some archival materials due to different copyright restrictions from the archive owners. However, you can view these materials with our digital viewing facility at the Gallery’s Rotunda Library & Archive.

Requesting artwork images requests

This service is free of charge. Please fill in the Make a Request form to provide these information:

• Your name and
• Organisation
• The artwork details, and
• Intended use of the image(s) being requested.

All of the information provided will be used solely to process your request. Processing your request may take up to four weeks.

Permitted uses of artwork images

Artwork images may only be used for personal research and educational purposes. Users must get permission from the copyright owner if additional clearances are is needed.

All requests are subject to approval by the Gallery and must follow our image use guidelines, which are available from our staff.

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 our 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:

• Digital copy (where permitted): Free
• Print copy only: S$1.00 per A4 page
• Photocopy only: S$0.20 per A4 page 

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 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 our Collection Search Portal.

Individuals whose personal and/or sensitive information are revealed without consent are welcome to email us the following information:

• Name and contact details
• Reference code and URL of the material concerned
• Detailed reason(s) for your concern