Museums in Singapore: A Journey Through Art, History, and Science

Singapore, a city-state known for its vibrant culture and modernity, is home to an impressive array of museums that offer a deep dive into its rich heritage, artistic innovations, and scientific achievements. From art and history to science and technology, the museums in Singapore cater to diverse interests and provide enriching experiences for visitors of all ages. In this article, we will explore some of the must-visit museums in Singapore, highlighting their unique exhibits and features.

National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore, the country’s oldest museum, is a treasure trove of Singaporean history and culture. Housed in a stunning neo-classical building, the museum offers a comprehensive look at Singapore’s journey from a small trading port to a bustling metropolis. The museum’s permanent galleries, such as the Singapore History Gallery, showcase artifacts, photographs, and multimedia displays that bring the past to life.

Highlights:

• Singapore History Gallery: This gallery provides a chronological journey through Singapore’s history, from its early days to its emergence as a global city.
• Story of the Forest: An immersive digital art installation that transforms historical images into a captivating 360-degree experience.
• Food: Kitchen Stories: An exhibition that explores Singapore’s culinary heritage and the role of food in shaping its cultural identity.

Asian Civilisations Museum

Situated by the Singapore River, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) focuses on the rich cultural heritage of Asia, particularly the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. The museum’s collection spans over 5,000 years and includes artifacts from China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Islamic world. The ACM’s exhibitions are designed to highlight the connections between cultures and the region’s historical trade routes.

Highlights:

• Tang Shipwreck Gallery: Featuring the remains of a 9th-century Arab dhow that sank off the coast of Indonesia, this gallery showcases a remarkable collection of Tang dynasty ceramics and gold artifacts.
• Ancestors and Rituals: This gallery explores the role of ancestors in various Asian cultures through artifacts such as ancestral tablets, ritual objects, and sculptures.
• Faith and Belief: An exhibition that delves into the diverse religious practices of Asia, featuring Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic art.

ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum, located at Marina Bay Sands, is an architectural marvel and a hub for cutting-edge exhibitions that blend art, science, technology, and culture. The museum’s distinctive lotus-shaped building houses a variety of thematic exhibitions that engage visitors through interactive displays and immersive experiences.

Highlights:

• Future World: This permanent exhibition, created in collaboration with teamLab, a renowned Japanese art collective, features digital art installations that respond to visitors’ movements and interactions.
• ArtScience Gallery: Showcasing the intersection of art and science, this gallery hosts rotating exhibitions that explore topics such as space exploration, environmental sustainability, and the human brain.
• Blockbuster Exhibitions: The ArtScience Museum frequently hosts international traveling exhibitions, featuring works by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Andy Warhol, and Vincent van Gogh.

To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing ArtScience Museum tickets in advance, especially for popular exhibitions.

Peranakan Museum

The Peranakan Museum, housed in a beautifully restored former school building, offers a deep dive into the unique culture of the Peranakans, descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay Archipelago. The museum’s exhibits highlight the rich traditions, clothing, cuisine, and rituals of the Peranakan community.

Highlights:

• Wedding Bed Chamber: A detailed recreation of a traditional Peranakan bridal chamber, showcasing the elaborate rituals and customs associated with Peranakan weddings.
• Beadwork and Embroidery: An exhibition of intricate Peranakan beadwork and embroidery, highlighting the craftsmanship and artistry of Peranakan women.
• Peranakan Cuisine: Displays featuring traditional Peranakan kitchenware and a look at the community’s unique culinary heritage.

National Gallery Singapore

The National Gallery Singapore, located in the historic City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings, is a leading visual arts institution in Southeast Asia. The gallery’s extensive collection includes over 8,000 works, focusing on Singaporean and Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present.

Highlights:

• Siapa Nama Kamu?: Art in Singapore since the 19th Century: This exhibition traces the development of Singaporean art, showcasing works by pioneers and contemporary artists.
• Between Declarations and Dreams: Featuring works from Southeast Asia, this exhibition explores themes of identity, colonialism, and independence.
• Keppel Centre for Art Education: An interactive space designed for children and families, offering hands-on activities and workshops that inspire creativity and learning.

Singapore Art Museum

The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is dedicated to contemporary art, with a focus on Southeast Asian artists. The museum’s innovative exhibitions and programs aim to engage the public and promote an appreciation for contemporary art.

Highlights:

• SAM Exhibitions: Rotating exhibitions that showcase cutting-edge works by emerging and established artists from Singapore and the region.
• Art Outreach: Educational programs and community initiatives that bring contemporary art to a wider audience.
• SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark: A satellite venue that hosts experimental and site-specific installations, expanding the museum’s reach and impact.

Science Centre Singapore

For those with a passion for science and technology, the Science Centre Singapore is a must-visit. The centre offers a range of interactive exhibits and demonstrations that make learning fun and engaging.

Highlights:

• Butterfly Park: An outdoor enclosure where visitors can observe and interact with a variety of butterfly species.
• The Mind’s Eye: An exhibition that explores the science of perception and illusion, featuring hands-on activities and optical illusions.
• Phobia: The Science of Fear: A fascinating look at the psychology and physiology of fear, with interactive exhibits that test your reactions to common phobias.