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Museum Singapore
If you’re looking for an interesting and educational activity to do in Singapore, look no further than the city’s many museums!
There are a variety of museums catering to different interests, so there’s something for everyone.
From the ArtScience Museum to the National Museum of Singapore, here are 10 of the best museums in Singapore (in no particular order)!
Key Consideration Factors
Before getting into the best museums in Singapore, here are some consideration factors to remember:
- Opening hours – Most museums in Singapore operate from 10am to 6pm, with extended hours during special events or exhibitions.
- Location – Some of the best museums are located in convenient locations for tourists, such as Orchard Road, Chinatown and Little India.
- Cost – Admission fees vary depending on the museum and special exhibitions, but most are relatively affordable.
- Age restriction – Some museums may have an age restriction for certain exhibits or activities, so check in advance if you’re bringing young children along.
- Rules – Be sure to follow the rules of each museum and respect the exhibits.
Best Museum Singapore
1) National Library of Singapore
| Key services: | The National Library is Singapore’s key knowledge repository, the ideal location for history fans looking to go deep into Singapore’s past. With over 600,000 freely accessible records in the main Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, it is the perfect place for history lovers looking to go deep into Singapore’s history. |
| Address: | 100 Victoria St, Singapore 188064 |
| Website: | www.nlb.gov.sg/ |
| Phone: | +65 6332 3255 |
| Email: | ref@nlb.gov.sg |
| Operating hours: | Sunday 10AM–9PM Monday 10AM–9PM Tuesday 10AM–9PM Wednesday 10AM–9PM Thursday 10AM–9PM Friday 10AM–9PM Saturday 10AM–9PM |
The National Library is Singapore’s key knowledge repository, the ideal location for history fans looking to go deep into Singapore’s past. With over 600,000 freely accessible records in the main Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, it is the perfect place for history lovers looking to go deep into Singapore’s history.
The library is located in the arts and culture area and has three glass lifts with a panoramic view of Singapore’s downtown from them – as well as a 10th-floor open-air garden called The Retreat with its own pebbled foot reflexology path.
Key differentiators:
- The National Library is Singapore’s key knowledge repository, the ideal location for history fans looking to go deep into Singapore’s past.
Client testimonials:
Had a great time with my family. Will visit again soon once the world gets better!
Jason Manuba
2) National Museum of Singapore
| Key services: | Within the walls of this Neo-Palladium-style 19th-century edifice, Singapore’s progression is chronicled through cutting-edge gallery exhibitions that are both immersive and interactive. |
| Address: | 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897 |
| Website: | https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/ |
| Phone: | +65 6332 3659 |
| Operating hours: | Sunday 10AM–7PM Monday 10AM–7PM Tuesday 10AM–7PM Wednesday 10AM–7PM Thursday 10AM–7PM Friday 10AM–7PM Saturday 10AM–7PM |
The National Museum of Singapore, which opened in 1887 as Raffles Library and Museum, is Singapore’s oldest museum.
Within the walls of this Neo-Palladium-style 19th-century edifice, Singapore’s progression is chronicled through cutting-edge gallery exhibitions that are both immersive and interactive.
For a fun introduction to Singapore’s history, from as early as the 13th century before the British arrival, check out the History Gallery.
Key differentiators:
- Within the walls of this Neo-Palladium-style 19th-century edifice, Singapore’s progression is chronicled through cutting-edge gallery exhibitions that are both immersive and interactive.
Client testimonials:
Nice place to visit to get a good sense of the history of Singapore.
K.A.
3) Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark
| Key services: | The Singapore Art Museum, located on Bras Basah Road, has a changing range of local and Southeast Asian contemporary artwork. |
| Address: | 39 Keppel Rd, #01-02, Singapore 089065 |
| Website: | https://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/ |
| Phone: | +65 6697 9730 |
| Operating hours: | 10am–7pm daily |
The Singapore Art Museum, located at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, has a changing range of local and Southeast Asian contemporary art work.
The grounds and structures formerly housed Singapore’s first Catholic school, St Joseph’s Institution.
The adjacent extension building, 8Q on Queen Street, was formerly the Catholic High School that has been entirely redone for the 21st century and is ready for film showings.
Check your calendar to see if you’ll be in Singapore for the Biennale, which displays the finest cutting-edge art from across Asia.
Key differentiators:
- The Singapore Art Museum, located on Bras Basah Road, has a changing range of local and Southeast Asian contemporary artwork.
Client testimonials:
Nice place ! If you’re a lover of the arts, you’ll like that they hold exhibitions with different themes and feature different artists quite regularly. Nice museum with many concurrently running exhibitions. Many are kids family friendly on the ground floor and more grown ups one on the upper floor.
Jek
4) National Gallery Singapore
| Key services: | This museum is known for its focus on early Singaporean artists who, like Georgette Chen, Cheong Soo Pieng, and Liu Kang, were pioneers of the Nanyang art style, which is rooted in traditional Chinese materials but influenced by Western oil painting techniques. |
| Address: | 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #01 – 01, Singapore 178957 |
| Website: | https://www.nationalgallery.sg/ |
| Phone: | +65 6271 7000 |
| Operating hours: | Sunday 10AM–7PM Monday 10AM–7PM Tuesday 10AM–7PM Wednesday 10AM–7PM Thursday 10AM–7PM Friday 10AM–7PM Saturday 10AM–7PM |
The National Gallery Singapore is home to almost 8,000 contemporary Southeast Asian art, making it one of the world’s greatest museums.
This museum is known for its focus on early Singaporean artists who, like Georgette Chen, Cheong Soo Pieng, and Liu Kang, were pioneers of the Nanyang art style, which is rooted in traditional Chinese materials but influenced by Western oil painting techniques.
Set within two important historical structures, the former City Hall and Supreme Court, a vast conservation area that is an architectural marvel in its own right, the museum is housed in.
Key differentiators:
- This museum is known for its focus on early Singaporean artists who, like Georgette Chen, Cheong Soo Pieng, and Liu Kang, were pioneers of the Nanyang art style, which is rooted in traditional Chinese materials but influenced by Western oil painting techniques.
Client testimonials:
A stunning building. Well worth a visit even if you’re not interested in art. The building itself is awe inspiring. The meld of old and new is sheer genius. There’s enough variety of art to have something for everyone.
Sian Wood
5) National Design Centre
| Key services: | The National Design Centre is the nexus for design. Designers, businesses, students and the public meet here to exchange ideas, use the amenities and attend design-focused exhibitions and programmes. |
| Address: | 111 Middle Rd, Singapore 188969 |
| Website: | https://www.designsingapore.org/national-design-centre.html |
| Phone: | +65 6333 3737 |
| Operating hours: | Monday – Sunday 9am to 9pm |
The National Design Centre’s vision is to become a world-class Design Centre and key Design Resource Hub that facilitates capability building, collaborations and marketing of designers and businesses.
Centrally located in Bras Basah.Bugis, Singapore’s arts, heritage and design precinct, it is also home to the DesignSingapore Council, the national agency for design.
The repurposed, award-winning conserved building is as much an emblem for outstanding Singaporean design and architecture, as it is a thriving venue for visitors to attend design-focused showcases and programmes. NDC adds to the pulse of the city’s district of arts, culture, design, heritage, learning and entertainment.
Key differentiators:
- Today, NDC’s development comprises the restoration and adaptive reuse of the existing buildings at 111 Middle Road. It consists of three pre-war art deco blocks and one post-war modern block which have been gazetted for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
Client testimonials:
Currently has some of the best exhibits in town! Wishing they had more exploration within the building but other than that, fantastic place to learn all about our rich design culture!
Nicholas
6) Singapore Science Centre
| Key services: | The Singapore Science Centre is a must-see for school excursions and families, with over 1,000 interactive science displays spread across 14 permanent galleries that are open throughout the day. |
| Address: | 15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore 609081 |
| Website: | https://www.science.edu.sg/ |
| Phone: | +65 6425 2500 |
| Operating hours: | Sunday 10AM–1PM, 2–5PM Monday Closed Tuesday Closed Wednesday Closed Thursday Closed Friday 10AM–1PM, 2–5PM Saturday 10AM–1PM, 2–5P |
The Singapore Science Centre is a must-see for school excursions and families, with over 1,000 interactive science displays spread across 14 galleries that are open throughout the day.
The Science Center also has the Omni-Theatre, Singapore’s only dome-shaped IMAX theater, which turns viewing nature documentaries into an odd experience.
For individuals who can’t bear the scorching heat, Snow City is Singapore’s only location where you may sled in the snow at temperatures below zero Fahrenheit.
Key differentiators:
- The Singapore Science Centre is a must-see for school excursions and families, with over 1,000 interactive science displays spread across 14 galleries that are open throughout the day.
Client testimonials:
5 Star for the kinetic playground outside the center. A lot of science based play structure and very fun and well maintained. Job well done. Kids can have a good time there.
Mikk
7) Peranakan Museum – Singapore
| Key services: | The museum is home to one of the world’s greatest Peranakan collections. |
| Address: | 39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941 |
| Website: | |
| Phone: | +65 6332 7591 |
| Email: | nhb_pm_vs@nhb.gov.sg |
The Peranakan Museum is dedicated to the unique hybrid culture of Singapore and the Malayan region.
The Peranakan culture resulted from the centuries-old merging of indigenous Malay people and immigrant Chinese traders; a community that is also well-known for its delectable cuisine.
The museum is home to one of the world’s greatest Peranakan collections.
The permanent exhibitions will explain the culture’s distinct customs, as well as tales of illustrious Peranaks in Singapore’s history, through interactive multimedia displays.
Key differentiators:
- The museum is home to one of the world’s greatest Peranakan collections.
Client testimonials:
This interesting museum has many collections around the Peranakan culture and history, such as marriage ceremony, birth ceremony, the typical food, religion, and many other side of the Peranakan culture.
Randy
8) ArtScience Museum
| Key services: | The ArtScience Museum hosts internationally acclaimed exhibitions that explore the fusion of technology and culture, working with a diverse range of partners from Dreamworks Animation to the Smithsonian Institute. |
| Address: | 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974 |
| Website: | |
| Phone: | +65 6688 8888 |
| Email: | museumenquiries@marinabaysands.com |
| Operating hours: | Sunday 10AM–7PM Monday 10AM–7PM Tuesday 10AM–7PM Wednesday 10AM–7PM Thursday 10AM–7PM Friday 10AM–7PM Saturday 10AM–7PM |
The ArtScience Museum, which overlooks Marina Bay next to the Helix Bridge and resembles a half-unfolded white lotus flower, has a prominent location overlooking the bay.
The ArtScience Museum hosts internationally acclaimed exhibitions that explore the fusion of technology and culture, working with a diverse range of partners from Dreamworks Animation to the Smithsonian Institute.
Their permanent exhibit, FutureWorld: The intersection of Art and Science, is designed by the Japanese collective team lab, an interactive multimedia extravaganza that has proven very popular with the Instagram generation.
Key differentiators:
- The ArtScience Museum hosts internationally acclaimed exhibitions that explore the fusion of technology and culture, working with a diverse range of partners from Dreamworks Animation to the Smithsonian Institute.
Client testimonials:
The only Art Science Museum with its very unique designs like the Flower. It’s a symbol of the palm of a hand, welcome to Singapore! Outside of the Unique building with its also very nice view.
Baru
9) Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
| Key services: | Singapore’s natural history museum houses an impressive collection of flora and fauna from around the Southeast Asia, with some specimens dating as far back as the late 1800s. |
| Address: | 2 Conservatory Dr, Singapore 117377 |
| Website: | https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/ |
| Phone: | +65 6601 3333 |
| Email: | nhmvisit@nus.edu.sg |
| Operating hours: | Sunday 10AM–6PM Monday Closed Tuesday 10AM–6PM Wednesday 10AM–6PM Thursday 10AM–6PM Friday 10AM–6PM Saturday 10AM–6PM |
Singapore’s natural history museum houses an impressive collection of flora and fauna from around the Southeast Asian region, with some specimens dating as far back as the late 1800s.
These days it is notable for the three towering diplodocid sauropod dinosaur skeletons in its main atrium, nicknamed ‘Prince’, ‘Apollonia’ and ‘Twinky’; as well as ‘Jubilee’, the skeleton of a sperm whale that caused a stir when it washed up on Singapore shores in 2015.
The building’s rocklike façade is like a living museum ornamented with plants that are typically found on Singapore’s coastal cliffs.
Key differentiators:
- Singapore’s natural history museum houses an impressive collection of flora and fauna from around the Southeast Asian region, with some specimens dating as far back as the late 1800s.
Client testimonials:
Super interesting museum, the place is not big, there are two floors where you can visit. Need to book tickets in advance. Very few people on weekdays. Various animal and plant specimens, which is a good place for education. Recommend!
Vienna
10) Asian Civilisations Museum
| Key services: | Discover how the many ethnicities we know in the city-state today relate to cultures from around the continent. |
| Address: | 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555 |
| Website: | |
| Phone: | +65 6332 7798 |
| Email: | nhb_acm_vs@nhb.gov.sg |
| Operating hours: | Sunday 10AM–7PM Monday 10AM–7PM Tuesday 10AM–7PM Wednesday 10AM–7PM Thursday 10AM–7PM Friday 10AM–9PM Saturday 10AM–7PM |
The Asian Civilisations Museum houses an outstanding collection of relics, including artifacts that highlight Singapore’s multiethnic history.
Discover how the many ethnicities we know in the city-state today relate to cultures from around the continent.
The museum is located on the mouth of the Singapore River, which was formerly a key trade thoroughfare for Asia.
Key differentiators:
- Discover how the many ethnicities we know in the city-state today relate to cultures from around the continent.
Client testimonials:
Learning different culture and different religion. The display of each religion very well exhibited with explained writings. Free for sgrean/pr and $20 for adult ticket. But $20 is of such worth. Only worry is u might not have enough time to finish all exhibit. It close at 7pm sharp.
Kuan
Museum Singapore
Singapore has a museum for every interest, from natural history to art and design.
The Asian Civilisations Museum holds an impressive collection of artifacts, shining a spotlight on Singapore’s multicultural roots.
Discover how the many ethnicities we know in the city-state today relate to cultures from around the continent.
The museum sits at the mouth of the Singapore River, a fitting location that was once the center of trade with the rest of the world!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you have any questions about museums in Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the best museums Singapore below:
What are the admission charges for museums in Singapore?
Singapore is home to a variety of museums, ranging from natural history to art and design. Admission charges for museums in Singapore vary depending on the type of museum and the age of the visitor.
For most national museums, admission is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. For foreign visitors and other non-residents, charges depends on which museum you go to.
How many museums are located in Singapore?
There are more than 20 museums located in Singapore, including the National Museum of Singapore, the Asian Civilisations Museum, and the Malay Heritage Centre. The majority of these museums focus on cultural history, with some focusing on natural history or art. Most of the museums in Singapore provide an educational experience through interactive exhibits and activities that showcase the country’s art, science, and culture.
What time do museums open and close in Singapore?
Most museums in Singapore are open from 10am-7pm on weekdays and 10am-9pm on weekends. The Asian Civilisations Museum is open from 10am-7pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 10am-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Opening hours are subject to change due to seasonal events or holidays so visitors should chekc first before going.
What are the other museums in Singapore?
Aside from the ones listed above, you can also check out Singapore Philatelic Museum, Singapore History Gallery, Red Dot Design Museum, Singapore Musical Box Museum, Indian Heritage Centre, and more!
Additional Useful Articles
If you are looking for other useful guides and articles about best museums in Singapore, check them out below:
