Queen Street, which was in the spotlight this week with news of proposed sidewalk expansions and designated coach drop-off points, to help transfrom it into a pedestrian-friendly, artsy outdoor space. And that it should, with Singapore Art Museum anchoring the street. But it's not just the museum responsible for the neighborhood's hip, art-enclave vibe: there are plenty of other venues, from cool F&B establishments to offbeat galleries, that complete the feel of the area. Here's a guide to the cool spots to check out.
ArtSpace @ 222
This 1,500 sq. ft. pop-up art gallery specialises in serving independent galleries and art communities from around the world. In fact, they are hosting multi-disciplinary exhibition, “To Beat the Butterfly’s Wings,” in April.
Food for Thought
We all know SAM, and its ever-popular cafe that specialises in burgers and milkshakes (be prepared to wait for a table, especially during brunch hour). It also doubles as a pop-up community art museum.
2902 Gallery
2902’s regional focus showcases both local and Southeast Asian emerging contemporary artists who exclusively work with photography and lens art as a medium.
Switch
Acts playing at Timbre's live music joint are handpicked and bilingual, and performances alternates between English and Mandarin. Enjoy a drink (or two) and nosh on some fusion fare in this concrete-industrial space. We highly recommend the pizzas.
Supermama
A shop, gallery, and residency space rolled into one. This quirky multi-concept store has plenty of attitude that marches to its own beat. We want all the home decor that will up our coolness factor.
Standing Sushi Bar
The name says it all. Inspired by the quick-and-easy standing sushi bars in Japan, this outlet offers a more comprehensive menu and seats than its counterparts. Choose from sushi sets, robatayaki, tempura, and even sake. They claim to have one of the most extensive selections in Singapore!