National Museum of Singapore

With a history dating back to its inception in 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is the nation's oldest museum with a progressive mind. Its galleries adopt cutting-edge and multi-perspective ways of presenting history and culture to redefine conventional museum experience. A cultural and architectural landmark in Singapore, the Museum hosts innovative festivals and events all year round-the dynamic Night Festival, visually arresting art installations, as well as amazing performances and film screenings-in addition to presenting thought-provoking exhibitions involving critically important collections of artefacts. 

If you have time to visit only one place to learn about the history and culture of Singapore, this is probably it. The National Museum of Singapore tells you the intriguing story of this country in a manner that is both fun and rewarding.

Imagine standing in the midst of a vast darkened space surrounded by a massive video montage showing everyday life in Singapore while a rousing symphony plays in the background. That’s just a taste of the immersive experience you can expect here.

With its history dating back to 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest, and one of the city’s architectural icons. Its permanent offerings, the Singapore Gallery and Life in Singapore: The Past 100 Years galleries, piece together the past and present in a compelling narrative.

The building itself is a wondrous structure that has seamlessly fused the old with the new, enhancing the elegant neo-classical building with a new modernist extension of glass and metal.

The museum hosts a dynamic range of events throughout the year—from art installations and festivals to performances and film screenings—in addition to presenting exhibitions involving historically and culturally important collections of artefacts. One of the latest immersive art installations – Story of the Forest by teamLab allows visitors to experience the treasured collections of the Museum being brought to life through a spectacular digital presentation.

It is one of the most prominent national monuments housed in a neoclassical building renovated with modern architectural designs.

Home to numerous historical artifacts and permanent & living exhibits, it also hosts a diversity of temporary exhibitions, annual festivals, film screenings, workshops, lectures, and thought-provoking performances. Although the museum is the country's historical landmark, its architecture and exhibits impress with its latest cutting-edge arrangements and designs.

From a breathtaking 11 m high glass passage, the Glass Rotunda, the Canyon to the Concourse, every part offers an outstanding fusion of classic and modern perspectives.

The museum houses 6 distinct galleries, including the Goh Seng Choo Gallery, Singapore History Gallery, and four different living galleries that focus on fashion, food, film, and photography. While the Goh Seng Choo Gallery exhibits the William Farquhar Collection of more than 450 Natural History Drawings.

The Singapore History Gallery takes you on a storytelling journey of the country's beginnings in the 14th century to the present-day modern city. Here, you will learn about Singapore's rapid development in over 700 years of history.

The National Museum of Singapore is indeed the best place to get a deep insight into the intriguing saga of the nation. You can explore the museum on your own or through free guided tours (English, Japanese, and Mandarin).

None of the guided tours covers the whole museum, so you have to decide which exhibition you want to see before booking. The museum complex also houses a gift shop to buy souvenirs and cafes to try multi-cuisine recipes.

list of exhibitions at National Museum of Singapore:

1. A Voyage of Love and Longing: 

The permanent exhibition, A Voyage of Love and Longing, enables the visitors to view the 19th century drawings of William Farquahar. The drawings depicting the native flora and fauna of Malay Archipelago present a poetic representation of Singapore's history.

The exhibition is based on the practice of belayar or voyage and recreates the mixed emotions of seafarers that they felt at different points of their sea voyages. Now, several new digital activities are also introduced at this gallery to make it more interactive.

2. An Old New World: 

The An Old New World digital exhibition takes the visitors on an unforgettable journey of Sigaporeans from 1600s to 1819. It displays how Singapore developed from being a home of the East Indies to a successful trading port. You can explore this exhibition; on your own or with a guided tour.

On the guided tours, the curators explain the story through the displayed items in the themes of Knowledge & Power and Seeing the Indigenous. Now, this exhibition has become digital and you can see it from the comforts of your home.

3. Every Body Plays a Part: 

The Everybody Plays a Part digitally exhibits 39 artefacts and one family photograph depicting the journey of Singapore against deadly diseases. The photograph was clicked during a project commissioned to document Covid-19 experiences in Singapore.

This exhibit highlights the measures that the Singapore government has taken to stop the spread of contagious diseases like Covid 19 on its island. It is to make the residents believe that what they are experiencing now has been experienced in some form or other in the past as well. And, they will certainly win the war against this deadly virus, just as they did earlier.

4. Growing Up: 

This exhibition provides an insight into the lives of children that grew up during the 1950s and 1960s in Singapore and witnessed the most turbulent times of the country. It is believed that, however, the times were difficult, still, kids of that era enjoyed their childhood in kampongs, schools, and entertainment.

The exhibition features a range of photographs, artifacts, audio-visual footage, etc. It displays the image of retro Singapore through the visions and aspirations of the post-war period.

5. History of the National Museum of Singapore: 

A 19th-century landscape style mural, it represents the national museum’s rich history and collection. The lower part of the mural features the museum's origin as the Raffles Library and Museum, two gold coins donated by the Temenggong of Johor’s, and its shifting to the Town Hall and then to the Singapore Institution in 1876.

The middle tier features numerous pieces of the museum’s collection, like a stuffed Malayan tiger, etc. A few animals, featured in the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, are also displayed in this mural. 

6. Modern Colony: 

Installed in the 1920s black-and-white background, the Modern Colony exhibition portrays the cosmopolitan scenery of Singapore as a British Crown colony between 1925 and 1935. Providing a peek into the high society of that era, it presents the different roles that women portrayed at that time.

It features a wide range of personal belongings, such as lavishly embroidered cheongsams, beautifully crafted shoes, trinkets, and much more. It features the challenges faced by both affluent Straits-born and migrant Chinese women while proving their modern identities.

7. Moving Memories: 

This exhibition features Yip Yew Chong’s seven life-sized murals that depict different moments, places, sounds, tastes, etc. The murals that are featured in the Moving Memories installation include

- Barber (September 2015)

- Provision Shop (December 2015)

- Kampung (November 2015)

- Coffee Story (December 2016)

- Pasar (April 2016)

- Satay Club & the Kampung Scene from the Thian Hock Keng mural (July 2016 and April 2017) 

8. Singapore History Gallery: 

This gallery provides a deep insight into the development of the island from Singapore, a Crown Colony, Syonan-To, and finally to Singapore. 

- Singapura (1299 – 1818): This part of the gallery displays the 14th-century thriving port, trading with Siam (Thailand), China, and India.

- Crown Colony (1819 – 1941): It displays how Singapura transforms into a Crown Colony after the setting of a British port by Sir Stamford Raffles and Major William Farquhar.

- Syonan-To (1942 – 1945): It depicts the difficult life of Singaporeans under the Japanese Occupation during World War II. 

- Singapore (1945 – present): The artifacts displayed in this part showcase the developments after Singapore’s independence.

9. Singapore, Very Old Tree: 

An amazing exhibition, Very Old Tree illustrates 17 photographs of aged trees present around Singapore. All of these are clicked by the renowned artist Robert Zhao and are true treasures. Each of these pictures highlights a unique story and the importance of trees in Singapore's rich heritage and the life of the natives.

With the changing scenario of modernization, skyscrapers are replacing green spaces, but the significance of these trees can't be overlooked. These old trees are now serving as the living memoirs of Singapore’s bestowed heritage and must be taken care of.

10. Story of the Forest:

A marvelous creation of Japanese company teamLab, the Story of the forest is a three-dimensional animation representation of the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings.

Backed by the natural backdrop of Singapore's famous Fort Canning, the Glass Rotunda features the immersive transformation of 69 drawings from the treasured collection of the museum.

Using astonishing artistry and creative technologies, teamLab displayed Singapore’s colonial past fused with its present-day modernity and the 19th-century wildlife of the Malay Peninsula.

11. Surviving Syonan: 

From displaying the pain of Singaporeans during the Japanese Occupation to the stories and artifacts depicting the testament of bravery, faith, and love this exhibition is all about the dark period of World War II. Although the period was distinguished for living in fear, misfortune, and cruelty, the hope remained.

It glorifies the resilience and resourcefulness of Singaporeans that helped them come out of the situations and prove their valor. Several pictures of those times are displayed in the distinct settings of crumbled walls to make them more appealing and invigorating.

12. Voices of Singapore: 

As Singapore features diverse races, languages, and cultures, the natives, who designed original masterpieces, desired a national identity and belonging for their creativity. This gallery offers a collection of cultural artifacts, including music, performances, theatre, and television, forging the voices of Singaporeans. 

The gallery’s back room is another highlight, as it features a vintage drive-in theatre, where you can recline in mini cars and pick-up trucks seats and watch an exclusive film installation. The movie features different leisures that Singaporeans used to enjoy in the past.

13. Wings of a Rich Manoeuvre:

A rich representation of local artist Suzann Victor, it amuses the visitors with the swaying chorus of eight kinetic chandeliers. A melodious sound is produced as the chandeliers move with the dramatic mid-air choreography of light and presents a sight to behold and enjoy.

Each chandelier is made up of stainless steel and studded with Swarovski crystals that get accentuated by the LED light. When the light moves these chandeliers, breathtaking aerial calligraphy gets created high above the bridge that links the National Museum’s original 19th-century colonial building and the glass wing.

Programmes at National Museum of Singapore

1. #Doseofculture: 

From learning traditional Singaporean recipes from the celebrity chefs, finding out your capabilities and creativity, enjoying the cultural performances of the award-winning groups to get the taste of history through encounters with celebrities or migrants, the #Doseofculture is a unique way to interact and enrich the visitors.

The National Museum of Singapore also organises such programs and has made this available digitally so as to reach a wider audience throughout the world. With #Doseofculture, the museum wants to inspire the audience and visitors through unique ways of learning, relaxing and creativities.

2. Early Learning Resources: 

The National Museum of Singapore offers the Early Learning Resources Programmes for the kids of ages between 1 to 6 years. In these programmes, kids need to take a set of resource kit at a price of $8/set from the Museum Label shop situated on Level 1 and complete the task by visiting the museum's permanent galleries and spotting the right artefact.

The colourful booklet kits come in different themes and prove to be a great way to introduce preschoolers with numbers, colors, and English alphabets. Now, the museum has also introduced special online resource kits with Wigglepods to make parents and caregivers use the Early Learning Resources at home.

3. Family Fun at the National Museum: 

The National Museum of Singapore offers many interesting ways to help families discover the rich history of Singapore with their kids and elderly members.

From Lunar celebrations, Christmas Celebrations, Early Learning Resources, March Holidays, June Holidays to many more events, the planner is full of programmes that will certainly make your family time full of fun and excitement.

You can explore the galleries with the interactive Get Curious! Family Guide, or help your kids in spotting artefacts in the Early Learning Resources task, or keep yourself busy through intergenerational workshops and sensory playdates, etc. The choices are plenty and truly enthralling!

4. A Lighter Side Of History: 

Another interesting program organized by the National Museum of Singapore, the Lighter Side of History celebrates Singapore’s diverse culture. From heritage, foods, dresses, languages to customs belonging to Singaporeans and different communities living in the country, these programs let the visitors learn about each one of them.

The programs feature a variety of fun-filled and engaging hands-on workshops, lectures, performances, and demonstrations by experts and practitioners. These offer a deep insight into Singaporean history and are suitable for curious visitors to history enthusiasts.

5. #MuseumFromHome: 

A timeless treasure of online resources and programs, the #MuseumFromHome is developed by the National Museum of Singapore to make families enjoy a range of activities with their kids at home.

These programs require gathering materials available in and around the house to complete the task, engaging in musical and movement activities, or something else.

With mindfulness programs, kids also learn new exercises and breathing techniques, etc. for keeping themselves healthy and fit. Suitable for kids aged between 1 and 10 years, these activities are full of fun and entertainment and enhance the creativity and thinking levels of the kids.

Permanent Exhibitions 

The National Museum of Singapore is host to a number of exhibitions that offer important information to its visitors in a fun and unique way. While many of these exhibitions are permanent, some of them are also special exhibitions, which are only showcased at certain points of the year or keep changing from time to time. 

Art of the Rehearsal 

This video exhibit was installed by the famous artist Sarah Choo Jing, and serves to showcase the life of the Singaporean dancers who practice in the back lanes of the districts in the city. The video depicts the rigorous training and hard work that goes behind ensuring consistent performance by a performer each and every time. 

Venue: Gallery 10, Level 1

Timings: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM. 

Entry fee: Free 

Growing Up

Through personal anecdotes as well as modern interactive installation systems, this exhibition offers an insight into the lives of the children who grew up in Singapore in the tumultuous phase of the 1950s and the 1960s. Despite the social and political unrest that the country was witnessing, the children somehow managed to find friendships and develop a personal local identity, and this is precisely what the exhibition talks about.

Venue: Level 2, Growing Up Gallery

Timings: 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM

Entry fee: Free for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and visitors below 6 years of age 

History of the National Museum of Singapore

From the installation of the museum as the Raffles Library and Museum to the donation of the two gold coins that marked the start of the collection of the museum; and from the shifting of the museum to the Town Hall and then relocating yet again; the exhibition talks in detail about the number of events that took place before the National Museum of Singapore as we know it today was actually created. 

Venue: Grand Staircase, Level 1

Timings: 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM

Entry fee: Free 

Magic and Menace

This exhibition takes place at the Goh Seng Choo Gallery and takes visitors to the world of the supernatural beliefs that the traditional Southeast Asian societies practice. Visitors at this exhibition also get to learn how traditional healers make use of the curative powers of plants and animals to heal ailments and diseases. 

Venue: Level 2, Goh Seng Choo Gallery

Timings: 10:00 AM to 07:00 M 

Entry fee: Free for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and visitors below 6 years of age

Modern Colony

Through its extensive display of the personal belongings of both the affluent Straits-born and migrant Chinese women, the Modern Colony Exhibition strives to showcase how these women fought to establish their identity amidst a patriarchal background, and the various challenges that they faced in the process. 

Venue: Level 2, Modern Colony Gallery 

Timings: 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM

Entry fee: Free for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and visitors below 6 years of age

Surviving Syonan

The exhibition shows how the local residents of the country had to cope up with the massive changes that occurred in their life when they directly came under Japanese occupation in the year1942. Nevertheless, the Singaporeans responded with great resilience and self-reliance, and it is these values that the exhibition celebrates and honours. 

Venue: Level 2, Surviving Syonan Gallery 

Timings: 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM

Entry fee: Free for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and visitors below 6 years of age

There are other permanent exhibitions also that are held at the National Museum of Singapore, including Story of the Forest; Singapore, Very Old Tree; Singapore History Gallery, Voices of Singapore and Wings of a Rich Manoeuvre.

Guided Tours 

Singapore History Gallery:

English:

Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM,

Saturday, Sunday: 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM,

Mandarin:

Monday, Friday: 2:30 PM,

Saturday, Sunday: 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM,

Japanese:

Monday - Friday: 10:30 AM,

Every 1st Saturday of the month: 1:30 PM,

French: Every 1st Thursday of the month: 12:00 PM,

Korean: Every 2nd Thursday of the month: 11:30 AM,

The Farquhar Collection (Goh Seng Choo Gallery & Story of the Forest at the Glass Rotunda):

English: First Wednesday of the month: 1:00 PM,

Life in Singapore Galleries:

Goh Seng Choo Gallery:

2nd, 3rd, 4th Wednesday of the month: 1:00 PM,

Modern Colony Gallery:

2nd, 3rd, 4th Wednesday of the month: 1:00 PM,

Surviving Syonan Gallery:

3rd Wednesday of the month: 1:00 PM,

Growing up Gallery:

4th Wednesday of the month: 1:00 PM,

Voices of Singapore Gallery:

4th Wednesday of the month: 1:00 PM

• To assure the quality of service, only 20 people on a first come first serve basis are allowed to take part in the tour per day. 

• For groups which have more than 8 visitors, joining the daily guided tour is not allowed without having booked the group tour at least 4 weeks in advance. 

list of restaurants in National Museum of Singapore:

1. Flutes: 

With a promise of fine food, fine wine, and refined ambiance, the Flutes Restaurant serves a variety of contemporary to modern dishes with a twist. Listed at No 27 in Asia’s Best Restaurants List, the restaurant boasts of its culinary delights served in exclusive brunch, lunch, high-tea, and dinner menus.

The restaurant also arranges for corporate meetings, conferences, parties and even assures memorable weddings.

2. Food for Thought: 

Food for Thought Restaurant serves locally-inspired Southeast Asian food but with a globalized influence. Ranging from pastas, salads, fries, snacks to local main-course dishes, here you can enjoy a variety of multi-cuisine recipes.

For being housed in the heritage ambiance of the National Museum of Singapore, this restaurant provides an impressive and rich backdrop and ambiance for all special events like birthday parties, engagement ceremonies, weddings, or corporate events.

With a seating capacity of 170 guests and customizable services, it is a great location for intimate gatherings.

Places to Visit near National Museum of Singapore 

1. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum: 

Located at the National University of Singapore, this is the only natural history museum in the country. The museum is housed in an iconic rock-like building and is home to more than 2,000 specimens and interactive displays, including three real and gigantic sauropod dinosaurs.

It is a one-stop education, research, and exhibition facility offering a range of biodiversity activities in Singapore.

2. Gardens by the Bay: 

A paradise for nature lovers and horticulturalists, the Gardens by the Bay amuses the visitors for being an incredible oasis of lush greenery and artistic landscapes. Nestled by the Marina Bay Waterfront, its Flower Dome is one of the World’s Largest Glass Greenhouses.

Flower Fantasy and Cloud Forest cooled conservatories are home to a vast variety of plants and flowers. Whereas, Supertree Grove is an amazing architectural marvel featuring a 50-meter-high observation deck that offers unobstructed views of the magnificent Marina Bay district.

3. Asian Civilizations Museum: 

This museum is dedicated to the artistic heritage of Asia and lets the visitors discover the historical connections between different cultures of Asia and the world.

It features a great collection of artifacts and artworks associated with trade & exchange, the Tang Shipwreck collection, contemporary art pieces, magnificent Chinese ceramics, and much more. Special programs and events are also held here to connect visitors with rich culture and art.

4. Clarke Quay: 

A bustling nightlife hub, the Clarke Quay is located along the banks of the Singapore River. A historical place, it looks gorgeous with beautiful colonial-era architecture but transforms into a boisterous nightlife destination when it's popular nightclubs come alive.

Earlier, it was the center of commercial enterprise, now it is home to a range of restaurants, bars, entertainment points, and retail shops.

5. Peranakan Museum: 

Discover the rich heritage, art, and culture of the Peranakan community at this museum that is specifically dedicated to them. The museum houses the world’s finest collection of Peranakan artifacts, jewelry, furniture, textiles, etc. These are displayed here in ten permanent galleries spread over three floors.

6. Singapore Flyer: 

Situated in the heart of spectacular downtown Marina Bay, it is Asia's largest giant wheel. With a spin, it takes the passengers up to 165 m or approx. 42 storeys above ground. The experience is not only thrilling but magnificent as you get to see the panoramic views of iconic and historical sights of Singapore.

Things to Do near National Museum of Singapore  

1. Bowling And Ice Skating: 

Kallang is one of the world-class skating centers and Bowling Alleys located near the National Museum of Singapore, offering real fun and entertainment. Enjoy an unbeatable skating experience at the Kallang Ice World, offering a superior ice surface complete with quality finishes.

The place is perfect for beginners and amateurs as they can learn tips on skating here from professionals. Or, try your hands in bowling at the Kallang Bowl that features 22 competition standard lanes well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

2. Visit The Intan: 

Another interesting thing to do near the national museum is to visit the Intan or the Peranakan Museum. The place lets you learn about the history, life, art, and culture of these people, through its collection of artifacts and artworks. A 90-minute tour offers a great insight into the life of the hybrid community and is certainly a thing to learn something new and amazing.

3. Have Fun At Mega Adventure Park: 

A paradise for thrill-seekers and adventure lovers, this adventure park lets you test your adrenaline. With a variety of crazy rides and slides, you will have plenty of choices to try your hand and feel the thrills. The ambiance, food, and hair-raising activities must not be missed at this park if you are looking for some real fun near the National Museum.

4. Visit Merlion:

Visiting Merlion Park to get a glimpse of the national symbol of Singapore is really rewarding. The half-fish and half-lion statue, protruding water from its mouth, symbolizes Singapore's modest beginning as a fishing village and original name, Singapura or Lion City in Malay.

The Merlion statue is 8.6 m tall and weighs 70 tonnes and amazes everyone with its unique appeal and charm.

5. Explore Singapore Art Museum: 

Get lost in the world of contemporary art at the Singapore Art Museum that showcases a multitude of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, installation arts, and interactive media.

The major part of the museum is dedicated to the temporary exhibits displaying the artwork of Singaporean and Asian artists. The museum also conducts workshops, programs, and tours to make art available to all. 

Best Hotels to Stay Near National Museum of Singapore

1. Swissotel Merchant Court: 

This riverfront hotel is a luxury hotel with 2 in-house restaurants, a bar, a full service spa and several other amenities for a comfortable stay. Located next to an MRT station near the Boat Quay and overlooking the Clarke Quay Swissotel Merchant court is an ideal place to stay while in Singapore.

2. Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay: 

This is a comfortable hotel overlooking the Singapore River. The hotel offers a swimming pool, free wi-fi, bathtubs, fitness centre, air conditioning, business centre and play area. There are many attractions within walking distance of this hotel such as the Boat Quay, Peranakan Museum and many others.

3. Hipstercity: 

Ideally located near City Hall MRT station this comfortable hotel has all the basic amenities to make your stay in Singapore a comfortable and memorable one. The hotel offers free wi-fi, airport shuttle and air conditioned rooms.

4. Park Regis Singapore: 

Located within walking distance from Clarke Quay Central and Singapore River the hotel features an outdoor pool, free wi-fi in public areas, fitness centre, business centre and concierge services. Room amenities include a minibar, ensuite bathrooms, LCD TVs, etc.

5. Holiday Inn Express Singapore: 

The hotel features 442 rooms and within walking distance from Singapore River, Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay Central. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a 24-hour business centre, free wifi in public areas, rooftop terrace, in-house restaurant and designated smoking areas.

6. Heritage Apartments @ Clarke Quay: 

Located at about 10 minutes walking distance from Clarke Quay MRT Station and Raffles Place MRT Station, Heritage Apartments offers fully furnished, air-conditioned Service Apartments with free wi-fi, ensuite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchenette and a complimentary Handy phone.

7. Carlton Hotel Singapore: 

This is a luxury hotel in downtown Singapore offering 940 rooms, 4 in-house restaurants, a bar and lounge, a full service spa, an outdoor pool, a business centre and free wi-fi in public areas.

Tips for Visiting National Museum of Singapore:

• Keep at least three hours spare to explore the complete museum 

• Opt for a guided tour if you want to get a deep insight into Singaporean history

• Take baby strollers as allowed to all galleries and exhibits

• Keep your camera as personal photography is allowed, but no flash photography, videography, and no use of tripods and selfie sticks 

• Switch your mobile phone to silent and also maintain a low tone while talking

• Rent a locker located on Level 2 and deposit your backpacks and bulky items there