One of the largest private museums in Paris – Pinacotheque – has opened a branch in Singapore. Known to be like a mini-Louvre given the breadth of its collection, the Paris museum’s Singapore arm is housing both a permanent collection as well as a rotating exhibit. The current feature is based on Cleopatra and her myth, which I think is the more interesting exhibit at the moment. The permanent collection is small and, alas, feels disjointed.

Firstly, if you’re going to visit and are driving, park at Car Park B – follow the signs to Fort Canning Hotel. We parked at Car Park A and walked up the hill to the back of the Fort Canning Arts Centre, which is where the museum is located. Needless to say, we were sweating buckets by the time we entered the museum – which is, thankfully, well air-conditioned. But the eateries are not ready yet so there is no food or drink available.

The permanent collection, which also includes a small gallery of heritage South East Asian artefacts, is located on the first floor. I quite enjoyed reading about the history of the region and how the cultures linked up. Did you know the indigenous Malays and Polynesians – known as Austronesians – originated from Taiwan and populated South East Asia, Polynesia, New Zealand and Madagascar?

The other part of the permanent collection comprises of 40 paintings and sculptures – mainly European – ranging from the high Renaissance to the contemporary era. Of the more famous names, there is painting each by Monet, Modigliani, Picasso, and Pollock. Singapore Pinacotheque calls this “The Cabinet of Curiosities” and I couldn’t help but feel that the collection was indeed a bit curious.

Although the underlying theme is that of primitivism’s influence in art and asks if there are similarities between Southeast Asian tribal art and international art, I didn’t think that the links were that apparent. Maybe I’m not reading enough into it, but I couldn’t see this in Tintoretto’s portrait of a Venetian man and Renoir’s portrait of a woman, among others (or maybe that’s the point).

My main gripe is that I think it’s a shame that some of the smaller artworks, including the one by Pollock, was set on a wall behind some sculptures which meant that you couldn’t get a closer look. There are a couple of nice paintings by fauvist artist Georges Rouault (here I can see the link to tribal art).

The rotating collection – called the Features Gallery on the second floor – is currently examining the myth of Cleopatra. There are a number of busts and artefacts from her era and also costumes that Elizabeth Taylor wore when she portrayed Cleopatra in her movie. I thought this was interesting and well done and something that most people would enjoy.

I think it’s a good thing for Pinacotheque to have opened a branch here. I, for one will look forward to more of their rotating exhibitions. I note they have one on Gustav Klimt at the moment in Paris and fingers crossed that that will make it here one day soon.

Last but not least, the museum shop in the basement carries a small but decent selection of art books. Pricing of the books didn’t scare me – so that’s a good sign. They also have other gift items.

All in, I was there for over one hour and it cost me SGD21 as I’m a resident. The standard price is SGD28 and there are various discounts for children, seniors and families. Or you could opt to just see either the Features Gallery or the permanent collection, which would be SGD11 for residents. Open daily from 10am.

For more info on Singapore Pinacotheque de Paris, their website is: http://www.pinacotheque.com.sg