Singapore is a dynamic place, steeped in history and rich in art and culture. The best way to discover all of that and more, is at one of their incredible museums. Are you a science lover? Check! Art-buff in the making? Check! Do you adore history, culture or toys? Yep, you guessed it, there's a Singapore museum for that too.
Whether you’re heading out with friends or are going solo, Urban List has got you covered with the best Singapore museums.
National Museum Singapore
93 Stamford Road
Image credit: National Museum of Singapore | Website
National Museum Singapore opened back in 1849 and is housed in a stunning neo-classical building on the edge of Fort Canning Park. Open seven days a week, you can explore the permanent Singapore History Gallery or check out any of the museum’s amazing array of immersive experiences and pop-up exhibitions.
If you decide to stay a while, head to Flutes, the museum’s smart-casual eatery serving European dishes with a modern twist. Trust us, you’ll happily lose hours here.
Changi Chapel And Museum
1000 Upper Changi Road North
The Changi Chapel and Museum opened its doors in February 2001—a date that coincides with the anniversary of Singapore's fall to the Imperial Japanese Army. Since then, the museum has given visitors an insight to World War II and how the tumultuous era affected Singapore.
The museum recently underwent a major facelift and is now ready to welcome visitors with more stories from the past. Inside, you’ll find artefacts that tell the story of the prisoners of war and civilians interned at Changi prison camp during the Japanese occupation. The museum, which is partly housed in the old barracks, also features the original entrance gate and wall of the Changi Gaol.
Museum Of Ice Cream
100 Loewen Road
Image credit: Museum of Ice Cream | Supplied
Not a fan of traditional museums? Singapore’s Museum of Ice Cream was made for you. The bubblegum pink wonderland is home to more than 12 multisensory installations, but the now world-famous sprinkle pool is where it’s at for unforgettable frosty fun.
With Instagram worthy photo ops everywhere you turn, you’ll be sure to work up an appetite. Thankfully, your ticket includes a sweet spread of unlimited ice cream that spans global tastes, textures and toppings.
Indian Heritage Centre
5 Campbell Lane
Escape to Little India (which is a stone’s throw away from the city centre) to the Indian Heritage Centre—a magnificent building that seamlessly blends modern architecture with the old. Here you’ll learn about the rich history of Indian Singaporeans, discovering their vibrant food, culture, fashion, music and religious practices.
There are five permanent exhibitions to check outspread across four floors. The centre is also the first museum in Asia to use SMARTIFY, which allows visitors to discover the stories behind over 500 artefacts. Post-visit, be sure to meander around Little India, exploring the colourful shops and restaurants that line the streets surrounding the Indian Heritage Centre.
Asian Civilisations Museum
1 Empress Place
Image credit: Asian Civilisations Museum | Website
Housed in a historical building on the edge of the Singapore River, the Asian Civilisations Museum celebrates the nation’s melting pot of cultures.
Here you’ll go on a journey of the last two centuries, starting out with the Tang Shipwreck in the 9th century, displaying more than 1,000 pieces of ceramics, gold and silver recovered from it. On level two, you’ll explore galleries dedicated to faith and belief systems that permeated across Asia. And on the third floor, you’ll be wowed by the incredible collection of textiles, jewellery and ceramics from all across Asia.
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Malay Heritage Centre
85 Sultan Gate
Want to learn more about Malay culture and its history in Singapore? Then the Malay Heritage Centre is for you. The museum has a serious wow-factor, and sits within the grounds of Istana Kampong Gelam, which was originally built in 1840 by Sultan Ali, the son of Sultan Hussein Shah.
Inside the glamorous building you’ll find an array of ever-changing exhibits, programmes and activities that honour the history of Singapore’s Malay people, as well as providing a place for present-day expression.
Please note the Malay Heritage Centre is currently closed for upgrades.
ArtScience Museum
6 Bayfront Avenue
Image credit: ArtScience Museum | teamLab
A hub of art, imagination and creativity, the ArtScience Museum is a magical place to let your mind soar through the various exhibitions and immersive experiences. Located at Marina Bay Sands, this visually stunning building encompasses 21 gallery spaces, spanning nearly 5,000 sqm.
Previous large-scale exhibitions here include Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh and Salvador Dali, as well as gram-worthy pop-ups like Floating Utopias: The Power Of Inflatable Art, Wonderland (based on Lewis Carroll’s timeless stories) and Futures Imagined, a journey into the future 200 years beyond.
Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
2 Conservatory Drive
With over 2,000 natural history specimens on display, at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum you’ll take a trip back to the beginning of time. Explore their extensive collection of plants and animals (including dinosaurs) across 15 thematic zones. Wander the halls, gazing at incredible skeletons, replicas and fossils while being immersed in a rainforest-like soundscape (birds chirping included).
The museum's Heritage Gallery is also a must-see, featuring collections from the late 1800s, including a Leatherback Turtle from 1883. They regularly feature pop-up immersive experiences too, like Body Snatchers, which explores nature’s zombies and vampires. Intrigued? Pay them a visit today.
National Gallery Singapore
1 St Andrew's Road
Image credit: National Gallery Singapore | Facebook
Singapore’s largest museum of modern Singapore and Southeast Asian art is an absolute must do for those looking for a culture hit. Housed within City Hall and the former Supreme Court, the iconic buildings span a whopping 64,000 sqm.
Inside you’ll find more than 9,000 jaw-dropping pieces from the likes of Singaporean creatives and internationally renowned artists, spanning the 19th century to present. The National Gallery is also home to a bunch of epic eateries, but top of the list is three Michelin Star restaurant Odette.
MINT Museum of Toys
We weren’t joking when we said Singapore has a museum for everything, case in point—the MINT Museum of Toys. This awesome museum is one for kids and adults alike, with their extensive collection of toys and memorabilia from 40 different countries sure to spark delight.
Unleash your inner child as you marvel at a whopping 8,500 toys and items, hailing from the 1840s to the 1980s. Think: the only known complete Batman robot, vintage signs and even Beatles memorabilia. There are four levels to the museum for you to explore; Outerspace, Characters, Childhood Favourites and Collectables. Plus the museum boasts a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the city perfect for a post-museum tipple.
The Intan
69 Joo Chiat Terrace
Image credit: The Intan | Supplied
The Intan is a private home that houses one of Singapore’s most impressive collections of Peranakan (a person of mixed Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage) artifacts. From colourful tiffin carriers to rare pieces of furniture, owner Alvin Yapp has spent more than 30 years collecting thousands of objects from Peranakan culture.
Visits to The Intan are strictly by appointment only and include a guided tour by Alvin himself, as well as tea and a selection of Nyonya Kuehs—bite sized sweets that are a big part of Peranakan cuisine.
Children's Museum Singapore
23-B Coleman Street
Children’s Museum Singapore (CMSG) is the first museum in Singapore dedicated to children 12 years old and below. The museum believes in sparking wonder, the power of play and aspires to be a place of wonder and joyful learning for all children to engage with Singapore and the world.
Families with young children can look forward to interactive exhibits, anchored in rich storytelling, complemented by engaging programmes and initiatives. The little ones will have hands-on opportunities to learn about Singapore’s heritage through play.
CMSG also organises educational programmes throughout the year to cater to children of different age groups and abilities. These programmes are created in collaboration with educators to ensure that they are developmentally appropriate for children.
Science Centre Singapore
15 Science Centre Road
Image credit: Science Centre Singapore | Website
Science Centre Singapore is a vibrant hub of scientific discovery and innovation, catering to visitors of all ages. Its captivating interactive exhibits and enlightening educational programs ignite curiosity, inspiring a deeper appreciation for science and technology.
Highlights include the iconic “Know your Poo” exhibit which touches on the topics of human waste, toilets and sanitation, the “Laser Maze Challenge” where you can harness your inner ninja, the “Science of Fear” exhibit where you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and find out what phobias really are, “Professor Crackitt's Light Fantastic Mirror Maze” which features a life-size labyrinth of mirrors, filled with infinite reflections and endless hallways, and the famous “Fire Tornado Show” where you can come face to face with a spectacular natural phenomenon.
For little ones, there’s even a water park (appropriate swimwear is required) where they can learn how important water is in our lives and KidsSTOP—a dedicated zone for little ones aged eight and below. Designed to introduce the concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, there are a range of themed zones such as Flight and Space, Built Environment, and Supermarket which provide ample room for exploring science topics through hands-on activities.
Madame Tussauds Singapore
40 Imbiah Road
Get up close and personal with more than 80 unique celebrity wax figures from Asia, Hollywood, Bollywood and beyond at Madame Tussauds Singapore. You’ll also get to discover the colourful story of Singapore—from humble fishing village to 21st century powerhouse—as you walk through a range of different scenes as part of the Images of Singapore exhibit.
You can even enjoy a ride on the Spirit of Singapore, the first ever Madame Tussauds boat ride. First, you’ll travel through a tropical Singaporean garden complete with the scent of lilies and calming bird song. You’ll then be whisked straight into the incredible F1 Singapore night race, surrounded by the noise of grand prix cars speeding by and the smell of burning rubber. To finish, a thunderous roar overhead shows a Singapore Airlines A380 aircraft on its way to Changi International airport.
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Main image credit: ArtScience Museum | Supplied by teamLab
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