Thinking of what activities to occupy or engage your children over the weekends? Why not spend a day with them at the Keppel Centre for Art Education, at the National Gallery. Admission is free for all!
Located at Level 1 of the National Gallery’s City Hall Wing, the Keppel Centre for Art Education is the region’s first art education facility specially designed to expose young visitors to the arts. Since its launch in 2015, over 850,000 children, youths and families have enjoyed the exhibits which encourage imagination, creativity and self-led exploration.
The Centre comprises five spaces, namely, the Project Gallery, Children’s Museum, Art Corridor, Art Playscape and the Children’s Museum Workshop. The spaces and activities at the Centre were recently refreshed. Here’s what to expect in each of the spaces:
Project Gallery
If your child loves soft toys, he or she won’t want to miss this installation by mixed-media artist Betty Susiarjo, titled The Blue Who Swims All This Way. Imagine giant fluffy sculptures just calling out to be hugged. And all this, in a quiet, calm environment designed to mimic the great ocean. This is an immersive experience created for children as its primary audience, but parents will also enjoy the respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
For all ages.
Children's Museum
This is one of the two spaces in which children will be able to observe how artists work. The space here has been converted into a ceramics studio, with a display that shows visitors how ceramics are used in and around the house. There are also pottery wheels and tools available for curious minds to take a closer look. Best of all, children can try their hand at pottery-making using the studio’s virtual ceramics station.
Recommended for ages 5 years and up.
Art Corridor
Your child may not be able to pronounce the name of this installation, but never mind. Artist Han Sai Por’s Tetrahedron-tetrahedron Interpenetration sculpture will be sure to capture their imagination. The sculpture is a large interactive installation that invites children to play with its triangular and pyramid sculptures on the wall; and in the process, discover new shapes and forms.
For all ages.
Children’s Museum Workshop
This is where your child can really get their creative juices flowing – by creating their own artworks, inspired by the Gallery’s National Collection. At the workshop, children will learn about the different print-making techniques, processes and tools. Step-by-step instructions will also be provided, along with a variety of ready-cut blocks for visitors to create their own prints.
Recommended for ages 5 years and up.
Art Playscape
Themed ‘Wandering in Black and White’ by artist Tang Ling Nah, the new Art Playscape features a mysterious cityscape with unusual perspectives, hidden corridors and staircases. In this fantastical black and white city, children will discover miniature cities, create imaginative shadows and fill the space with sounds and echoes. The exhibit helps children develop an appreciation for the relationship between people and architectural spaces of a city, and discover form, space and depth through kinaesthetic play and imaginative play.
For all ages.
Did you know?
The Keppel Centre for Art Education was established with a $12 million contribution from Keppel Corporation, to nurture generations of creative and critical thinkers through art education.
Have you been to or taken your children to the Keppel Centre for Art Education at the National Gallery? Share with us your impressions and memories of your visit! And if you have other arts-related activities planned for your children, let us know too!