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Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Gallop Extension

LocationSingapore
ClientSingapore Botanic Gardens
Surface area765 sq ft8234
Completion date2021

The Gallop Extension project at the Singapore Botanic Gardens invites visitors to discover forest biodiversity and botany through the twin lenses of art and science. Housed at 5 & 7 Gallop Road — two of Singapore’s oldest surviving colonial bungalows — the Botanical Art Gallery and Forest Discovery Centre offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the region’s impressive natural heritage.

    A garden like no other

    Welcoming over 4.5 million visitors annually, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the only tropical botanic garden in the world to be honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2021, the Gardens opened a new 8-hectare addition called the Gallop Extension, bringing the total area to 82 hectares.

    Learning about local nature

    The Forest Discovery Centre @OCBC Arboretum showcases the fascinating flora and fauna within Singapore’s flourishing ecosystems. The Centre also highlights the Garden City’s efforts to conserve forest biodiversity and protect this natural heritage for future generations.

    Spotlight on trees

    Trees are clearly critical to the balance of forest ecosystems. To convey this message in an impactful way, our team created a contemporary installation featuring elements from several tree species pieced together as one.

    Where art meets science

    The Botanical Art Gallery is Singapore’s first permanent display of botanical art. The exhibition highlights the important role art has played in the scientific documentation of local plant species, as well as its potential to inspire a renewed appreciation of our natural surroundings.

    Summary

    Handpicked by the National Parks Board to transform two of Singapore’s oldest colonial bungalows into new galleries, GSM was commissioned with the master planning of both historical buildings. We were also awarded the design and curatorial mandate for the permanent exhibition and three temporary exhibitions, including supervision of fitout.

    Redefine the visitor experience

    Move beyond traditional museum environments to create immersive, memorable journeys