Asian Civilisations Museum-Singapore
The Asian Civilisations Museum is devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. Founded in 1993 and in its present building by the Singapore River since 2003, the museum traces its roots to the Raffles Museum, founded in the middle of the 19th century. ACM focuses on the many historical connections between the cultures of Asia, and between Asia and the world. Singapore’s history as a port city that brought people together from all over the world is used as a means of examining the history of Asia. Special exhibitions bring magnificent objects from around the world to our Singapore audience. Programmes like the annual River Nights encourage visitors to connect more closely with culture and the arts.
With its mix of races and cultures, Singapore has rightfully earned a reputation for being the cultural melting pot of Asia. To showcase this diverse heritage, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) takes you on a grand exploration of the people from around the region that have settled on our shores over the past two centuries.
The ACM is the only museum in the region devoted to exploring the artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. Founded in 1993, and in its present building by the Singapore River since 2003, the ACM launched two new wings with new galleries in late 2015.
The ACM shines the spotlight on the historical connections between the cultures of Asia, and between Asia and the world. At the ground floor, you’ll find the Trade and the Exchange of Ideas gallery, which is home to artefacts and artworks that tell stories of Singapore’s history as an emporium for global trade.
In the ACM’s riverfront wing, resides the Khoo Teck Puat gallery, where visitors can find the famous Tang Shipwreck collection, a virtual time capsule of treasures from 9th-century China hidden from the world till its discovery in 1998.
Then, head to the Kwek Hong Png Wing to admire the museum’s first contemporary art space, located on the ground floor. The wing’s third floor also houses over 300 magnificent Chinese ceramics from the museum's collection. Other galleries in the ACM include the Ancient Religions Gallery and the Scholar in Chinese Culture gallery.
The ACM is far more than just a spectacular history lesson. Expect programmes like the annual River Nights, where you can connect closely with culture and the arts.
About Asian Civilisations Museum
Originally founded in 1997 in the former Tao Nan School Building on Armenian Street, Asian Civilisations Museum is an ode to the diverse heritage and culture of Singapore as well as the rest of the Asian continent. The museum initially featured 10 galleries comprising displays focused on China and other periodical exhibitions. However, after being relocated to its current location within the walls of Empress Place Building in 2003, the museum now houses several themed exhibitions spread across three levels.
Singapore's best museums comprise four major museums, namely the National Museum of Singapore, Peranakan Museum, Singapore Art Museum, and the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Of these four, ACM specializes in Pan- Asian civilisations and traditions. Interestingly, Peranakan Museum was once just a special exhibition at the old ACM premise, however, its successful appreciation among visitors led the Board to make it a permanent one, and later it was formed into a separate museum.
The regions vastly covered by ACM consists of Southeast Asia, China, and South and West Asia. The current building that ACM is located in dates back to 1867 when the neoclassical structure served as an office to several government departments.
Asian Civilisations Museum Pass Types
Singapore tours and offers for various kinds in the city as well as sightseeing passes for tourists are easily available. Some of these passes can also be customized according to your itinerary. In general, these are some of the admission rules for the Asian Civilisation Museum:
1. Citizens and Permanent Residents of Singapore enjoy a year-round free admission to eight national museums and heritage sites; however, they may need to pay an admission fee for special exhibitions.
2. Foreign visitors who fall under the category of senior citizens, as well as students (with valid ID proof), can avail a special concession of up to 50% on the admission fee.
3. For other visitors, obtaining a Singapore City Pass with selected attractions is a great option to save on admission charges as well as skip long queues and avail free guides (wherever applicable).
Things to do in Asian Civilisations Museum
There are several exhibitions and activities within ACM that can easily keep you occupied for an entire day. Here are a few things you can do at the museum:
1. Visit all the permanent galleries:
There are several permanent exhibitions on level 1,&3. The ones available to visitors comprise a huge section on trade in Asia starting from the 9th century and a section that is dedicated to age-old religious beliefs and rituals across the continent. Level 3 will soon be open to visitors and will be dedicated to textile traditions across the continent.
2. Visit temporary exhibitions:
The museum displays several temporary exhibitions, events, festivals, and lectures from time to time. It is a great idea to check their website or call them to get a complete rundown of what is happening so you can schedule your day accordingly.
3. Eat, Shop, Enjoy:
To make a great day out of your visit, indulge in some fine dining at one of the restaurants located within the premises. You can choose one of the two lively dining restaurants and relish some exquisite food experience. To take it a notch further, shop at one of the many Museum Label shops for memorabilia.
Places to visit near Asian Civilisations Museum
The area around the Asian Civilisations Museum is dotted with intriguing sights and attractions. While you are in the region, you could also pay a visit to:
1. National Gallery Singapore:
Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Asian Civilisations Museum is the highly popular National Gallery Singapore. Fairly new as compared to several other attractions in Singapore, the National Gallery Singapore opened its doors to the public in 2005 and boasts the largest public collection of Southeast Asian as well as Singaporean art in the world. The museum is free to the public barring a few exhibitions. It is open from Sunday to Thursday and public holidays from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
A 15 minutes’ easy drive from the museum, Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the oldest of its kind in Singapore and the only to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens has 47 Heritage Trees spread across its premises along with 1,200 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids and more than 10,000 species of flora. The Gardens are open from 5 AM till 12 midnight every day and are free to visit for all.
3. Fountain of Wealth:
Located in the heart of Suntec City in Temasek Boulevard, Fountain of Wealth is a 5 minutes’ drive and a 15 minutes’ walk from the Asian Civilisations Museum. The fountain was listed as the largest fountain in the world by Guinness World of Book Records in 1998. Totally Instagram Worthy, the Fountain is as unique in the day as it is in the night. Take a gentle stroll around the fountain and collect some coins or come late in the evening for a marvellous laser show. The spot is open to visitors every day of the week from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Places to Shop and Dine at Asian Civilisations Museum
The Asian Civilisations Museum comprises two restaurants in Singapore and a chain of Museum Label stores.
1. Privé ACM (restaurant):
A no-frills all-day dining restaurant, Privé is a good spot for breakfast as well as Lunch. Offering spectacular views of the CBD skyline as well as the Singapore River, the restaurant offers a 10% discount for museum visitors. Apart from their lavish a-la-carté menu and sweet treats, Privé is also famous for its ‘high tea’ spreads.
2. Empress (restaurant):
A delightful dining restaurant featuring a contemporary design and offering both alfresco and indoor dining facilities by the waterfront, Empress boasts a delectable Chinese cuisine specializing in roast meats and drinks. The restaurant also features a private dining space, Canton Room, that offers perfect intimacy and ambience. Check the website for restaurant timings.
3. Museum Label (chain of stores):
Shop at one of the many Museum label stores scattered around the museum and take back a slice of Singapore’s exquisite heritage and culture with you to cherish for years.
Essential Information:
Location: 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
Timings: The Museum is open from 10:00 AM till 7:00 PM from Saturday to Thursday. However, on Fridays, the Museum is open from 10:00 AM till 9:00 PM.
Tips for Visiting Asian Civilisations Museum
1. Offers and discounts:
If you are in a group of 20 persons or more, it is best to check for applicable discounts and promotions at the ticket counter. Group bookings require prior reservations. Sometimes, you can get tickets at half the price on Fridays between 7:00 Pm and 9:00 PM.
2. Museum Etiquette:
Refrain from touching any relics which are on open display. Also, ensure that you accompany any children visiting with you at all times. Do not eat and drink inside the museum and keep everything around you neat and clean.
3. Clothing:
Exploring the galleries requires you to walk extensively. It is important that you wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
4. Free Guided Tours:
Volunteers offer free guided tours of the museum at scheduled times. Please note that these tours are not available on Public Holidays.
5. For elderlies and Persons with disabilities:
The museum has ramp access at the front entrance as well as a river entrance that connects you to the museum lobby. Also, there are three wheelchair-friendly restrooms within the premises – near Empress restaurant on Level 1, outside River Room on Level 2, and near the lift and spiral staircase in the Basement. Manual wheelchairs can be rented at the museum.
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