Private Museum
Singapore Learn more about what's on at Private Museum and the artists shaping its programme.A non-profit Singapore art museum bridging private collections and public audiences through experimental exhibitions.
Private Museum Overview
The Private Museum in Singapore is a non-profit art organisation and private museum founded by collector and philanthropist Daniel Teo and his daughter Rachel Teo in 2010. Now located at 11 Upper Wilkie Road, near Little India, it sits within Singapore’s central arts district and is part of the city’s wider network of cultural attractions and independent art spaces.
Conceived as an alternative platform to the large state museums, the institution focuses on projects that connect private collections, curators and artists with wider publics. As a registered Charity and Institution of a Public Character, it plays a civic role in Singapore’s cultural landscape while remaining nimble enough to support experimental formats and under-exposed perspectives in Southeast Asian and international contemporary art.
Private Museum Art and exhibitions
Visitors can expect curated exhibitions that range from focused historical surveys to collection-based shows and artist-led projects, often centred on Singapore and Southeast Asian modern and contemporary art. Programmes have included solos devoted to figures such as Lim Tze Peng and Kumari Nahappan, as well as thematic exhibitions drawing from private collections and regional networks.
The museum frequently collaborates with independent curators, designers, and writers, using its compact galleries to test new exhibition formats and cross-disciplinary dialogues. Recent and upcoming programmes engage subjects from national memory and the ‘Singapore Spirit’ to dance history and cross-cultural collecting, reinforcing its role as a space where private passions intersect with public discourse.
Visiting information
The Private Museum’s current premises at 11 Upper Wilkie Road are easily accessible from Little India MRT station, placing it within walking distance of other Singapore art museums and heritage institutions. Typical opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am–7pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am–5pm, with public holidays and special timings by appointment.
Admission to the museum is generally free, reflecting its charitable status and commitment to widening access to art. Short, focused exhibitions mean a visit usually takes under an hour, making the museum a natural stop for culturally engaged travellers seeking some of the best art exhibitions in Singapore beyond the major national museums.
Private Museum FAQs
What is The Private Museum in Singapore?
The Private Museum is a non-profit private museum and art organisation in Singapore dedicated to bridging the gap between private collections and the public through exhibitions, collaborations, and educational initiatives. Founded in 2010, it offers an independent platform within the city’s art museum landscape for collectors, artists, and curators to experiment.
What kind of art and exhibitions does the Private Museum in Singapore present?
The museum presents curated exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, often focusing on Singapore and Southeast Asia while also featuring international positions. Shows range from solo surveys and thematic collection displays to cross-disciplinary projects engaging painting, sculpture, installation, dance history, and design.
Where is The Private Museum located, and what are its opening hours?
The Private Museum is located at 11 Upper Wilkie Road, Singapore 228120, near Little India MRT station. Usual opening hours are Monday–Friday 10am–7pm and Saturday–Sunday 11am–5pm, though visitors should check current information for public holidays or special programmes.
Is admission to the Private Museum free?
Admission to The Private Museum is generally free, consistent with its role as a registered Charity and Institution of a Public Character. As there is no standard ticketing system, visitors typically do not need to book Singapore art museum tickets in advance for regular exhibitions, although special events or tours may require registration.
Does the Private Museum have guided tours or public programmes?
The museum organises public programmes such as artist talks, book launches, and occasional docent-led tours that deepen engagement with its exhibitions. These activities support its mission to foster art appreciation and build communities through art, and details are usually announced per exhibition on its website and social media.
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