Our little island is full of wonder, with a vibrant culture and heritage that stretches beyond just five decades of independence. There is so much to learn about our history and our forefathers in order to fully understand and grasp just how much we’ve developed and grown.

Why not skip the shopping mall and pick any place from this list to check out this weekend? Absorb as many interesting facts as you can to share and impress your friends and loved ones later.

These local museums and galleries welcome everyone from all walks of life, and you may just learn something new about your own heritage that might surprise you!

#1 NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

Housed in the nation’s previous Supreme Court and City Hall, National Gallery Singapore has a stunning architecture that seamlessly incorporates both classic and modern styles.

Home to the world’s largest public collection of Southeast Asian and Singaporean art, this museum holds a wealth of heritage and knowledge due to the diversity of cultures within Southeast Asia. This museum should not be passed up by anyone who loves art and history.

1 St Andrew’s Rd,
Singapore 178957
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#2 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE

Singapore may be considered a young country, but our nation has developed rapidly over the last five decades. National Museum of Singapore is the go-to place to learn all about our tremendous growth and crucial history which has made us the modern state we are today.

From significant artefacts to priceless national treasures, everything in the National Museum of Singapore tells an essential story waiting to be heard by interested visitors.

93 Stamford Rd,
Singapore 178897
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah/Bencoolen

#3 ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM

Known for its iconic architecture, imitating a blooming lotus flower above the shimmering waters, ArtScience Museum will please visitors of all ages and backgrounds with the multifaceted exhibitions.

Fusing a mix of art, design, science, media, architecture and technology, this is the museum to visit if you love all of the above! Showcasing mainly touring exhibitions, ArtScience Museum hosts some of the most cutting edge showcases that are bound to amaze and impress.

6 Bayfront Ave,
Singapore 018974
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

#4 SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM

Contemporary art can often evoke scepticism amongst many of us, but the Singapore Art Museum curates art collections and introduces exhibitions that constantly bring fresh and wonderful experiences to look forward to.

Visit SAM with an open mind, take your time to appreciate the modern pieces and the stories that the artists convey through their artwork, you might just spark a new interest and find something that you like!

8 Queen St,
Singapore 189555
Singapore Art Museum is currently closed for upgrading

#5 PERANAKAN MUSEUM

Intricate beadwork, detailed porcelain, beautifully embroidered kebaya, Peranakan culture is made up of a mixture of heritages. Drawing inspiration from the Chinese, Indian, Malay and Western cultures, each of them is reflected in the Peranakan lifestyle.

The Peranakan Museum provides visitors with a better understanding and appreciation of their customs, beyond just Laksa and Babi Bonteh, that take detailed care of every personal achievement and milestone.

If you have always been intrigued by Peranakan culture but never knew who to learn from, the Peranakan Museum is the place to visit.

39 Armenian St,
Singapore 179941
Mon to Thu, Sat & Sun: 10am – 7pm
Fri: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

#6 ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM

Before there were democracy and the efficiency of modern technology, civilisations rose up to the challenge of innovating and creating the cultures that we now know and the norms that we build our lives around today.

The Asian Civilisations Museum celebrates and remembers our forefathers from the Chinese dynasties to the Javan and Indian empires by the curation of artefacts that narrate how these civilisations lived together as well as the cultural and religious exchanges between them.

Dive into the complex history of our heritage and forefathers, this is a museum that is bound to fascinate with stories of how our racial harmony came to be.

1 Empress Pl,
Singapore 179555
Mon to Thu, Sat & Sun: 10am – 7pm
Fri: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Photo Credit: Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

#7 LEE KONG CHIAN NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Tourists and locals alike will be fascinated by the multitude of animal and plant collection, including the range of wildlife that once occupied our little red dot, at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.

What’s most astounding about this museum is the three dinosaur fossils dug out from America that are on display here! Truly a rare opportunity that people of all walks of life would travel to for the chance to observe these magnificent prehistoric creatures.

2 Conservatory Dr,
Singapore 117377
Tue to Sun: 10am – 7pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Dover

#8 SUN YAT SEN NANYANG MEMORIAL HALL

Dr Sun Yat Sen was the founder of modern China who had financial and intellectual help from Singapore’s businessmen to revolutionise China from the Qing Dynasty. Who knew that Singapore held an integral position in the Chinese revolution, how cool is that?

The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is home to historical artefacts, as well as Dr Sun Yat Sen himself back then. Adventure through the medical doctor’s fascinating journey as he took on the challenge of revolutionising China.

12 Tai Gin Rd,
Singapore 327874
Tue to Sun: 10am – 5pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Toa Payoh

#9 MINT MUSEUM OF TOYS

Kids these days with their smart devices will never understand how simple toys and collectables could stimulate the wildest dreams and imaginations amongst us before the phone was even invented.

Take a walk down memory lane at the Mint Museum of Toys where there are a plethora of familiar and rare collectables that will surely invoke fond nostalgic memories of simpler times.

26 Seah St,
Singapore 188382
Daily: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#10 SINGAPORE PHILATELIC MUSEUM

Just a decade ago, stamp collecting was still a popular hobby that many people shared since mailing was a common practice used to send words of love and affection or as a form communication between co-workers in different states.

The Singapore Philatelic Museum traces back the history of stamps, including stamps that had major turning points in Singapore. Who knew stamps could be so interesting?

23-B Coleman St,
Singapore 179807
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#11 HERITAGE CENTRE

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, mainly the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasians. Needless to say, each of the separate races holds their own history as to how they arrived on our shores, as well as the values and cultures they brought along with them.

The four heritage centres, aptly located in each of the cultural districts in Singapore, each tell their own tales about the lives of our forefathers. There is so much to learn from the history and lives that came before us to appreciate where we are today.

Chinatown Heritage Centre
48 Pagoda St,
Singapore 059207
Daily: 9am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Malay Heritage Centre
85 Sultan Gate,
Singapore 198501
Tue to Sun: 10am – 6pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Bugis

Indian Heritage Centre
5 Campbell Ln,
Singapore 209924
Tue to Thu: 10am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 4pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Little India/Jalan Besar

Eurasian Heritage Centre
139 Ceylon Rd,
Singapore 429744
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 6pm
Fri: 8.30am – 5pm
(Closed on Saturday & Sunday)
Nearest Station: Paya Lebar/Eunos

#12 RED DOT DESIGN MUSEUM

Pushing the limits on product design for our standard daily items such as furniture and kitchen utensils, as well as technology products, the Red Dot Design Museum showcases intriguing creative designs that will rouse the experimental spirit in you.

11 Marina Blvd,
Singapore 018940
Mon to Thu: 10am – 8pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront/Downtown

Photo Credit: Resorts World Sentosa

#13 THE MARITIME EXPERIENTIAL MUSEUM

Voyage and journey into the history of Singapore’s maritime, an important trade that led us to be the world’s busiest port. Make waves with the interactive activities along with the giant ship replica, the children would love playing pirate and sailor here while being educated on the importance of our maritime business.

8 Sentosa Gateway,
Singapore 098269
Daily: 10am – 7pm

Photo Credit: Singapore Musical Box Museum

#14 SINGAPORE MUSICAL BOX MUSEUM

Remember the time when streaming music didn’t exist and we had to drop a coin into the music box and flip through album after album to play the song we wanted? The Singapore Musical Box Museum celebrates that time and the history beyond it.

Learn about the intricacies and entrancing history of musical boxes at the Singapore Musical Box Museum. From vintage music boxes to mechanical jukeboxes, these complex music boxes will induce nostalgic feelings in you that you never even knew existed.

168 Telok Ayer St,
Singapore 068619
Mon, Wed to Sun: 10am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesday)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#15 CIVIL DEFENCE HERITAGE GALLERY

The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery is home to the history and heritage of our firefighters who risk their lives defending our people. Visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation for them.

The children will love the interactivity here that provides insight into the firefighters’ jobs, from rescue methods and using the relevant equipment to a vintage fire truck to climb onto. There is so much to discover about the brave firefighters and their history.

62 Hill St,
Singapore 179367
Tue to Sun: 10am – 5pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: City Hall

Photo Credit: Vintage Camera’s Museum

#16 VINTAGE CAMERA’S MUSEUM

With every one of our smartphones carrying a handy camera function these days, it is hard to imagine the extremely bulky and heavy cameras that were carried around when it was first invented.

Showcasing a splendid collection of film cameras, this is a cosy and charming museum that is perfect for film and photography enthusiasts to learn about the history and evolution of cameras from the friendly and passionate guide. The front entrance makes for an adorable photo opportunity as well.

8C-8D Jln Kledek,
Singapore 199263
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/Jalan Besar

Photo Credit: The Gem Museum

#17 THE GEM MUSEUM

Discover the process of how gems from around the world go from being mined and extracted to how it is sold at the market.

The museum was started by Far East Gem Institute to offer an informative experience to visitors with the broad collection of gems from rubies and sapphires to tourmalines and spinels. Majority of the dazzling gems on display belong to the founder of Far East Gem Institute, Mr Tay Thye Sun.

26 Kandahar St, Level 2,
Singapore 198888
The Gem Museum is currently closed for renovation

Photo Credit: STPI Creative Workshop & Gallery

#18 STPI CREATIVE WORKSHOP & GALLERY

STPI’s goal is to grow an appreciation for the innovative and experimental practice of print and paper art amongst visitors through the contemporary art exhibitions that they curate and collaborate with artists from around the globe.

Featuring exhibitions, art fairs and creative workshops programmes around different forms of print to even paper making, STPI offers an avant-garde and one-of-a-kind experience to the public.

41 Robertson Quay,
Singapore 238236
Mon to Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Over the years, Singapore has attracted numerous influential artists and big-name museum exhibitions—from renown Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama to prized specimens from the prestigious Natural History Museum London. In addition to all that rich culture and wonderful art, there are some excellent cafes and restaurants in these museums as well.

We have put together a list of places where you can expect great food and magnificent art under one roof; you’d be surprised that many of these places offer a lot more than just coffee and cake—some even deserve a visit of their own.

Here is a guide to 8 Museum Cafés And Restaurants In Singapore To Appreciate Art And Food.

#1 FABCAFE

FabCafe puts innovative state-of-the-art 3D printers and laser cutters together with food and drinks, creating a space where technology, creativity and food collide. Besides aromatic roasted coffee, you can find your usual fare at this futuristic café such as pastries, cakes and croissants.

If that isn’t enough, FabCafe offers workshops and meetups where you can learn about the latest happenings in the arts and technology fields.

Fab Café
6 Bayfront Avenue
ArtScience Museum Lobby
Singapore 018974
Tel: +65 6688 7023
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: foodanatomysg

#2 FOOD ANATOMY

Known for their Instagram-worthy dishes shaped in cubes, Food Anatomy recently shifted from Tanjong Pagar to Red Dot Design Museum. You’ll be thrilled to know that the venue not only offers a visual gastronomic experience, they even serve craft beers as low as S$6!

Unlike other museum cafes in Singapore, Food Anatomy exudes a chill vibe very much like the bars in Clarke Quay.

Food Anatomy
1 Marina Boulevard
Red Dot Design Museum Lobby
Singapore 018940
Tel: +65 6514 0111
Mon to Thu: 10am – 8pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: adjimantoro

#3 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Set in Singapore’s oldest museum, Food For Thought features a range of delectable dishes that are full of Southeast Asian flavours, such as Red Rice Wine Chicken Leg Mee Sua, Crispy Curry Chicken and Soy Beef Brisket.

The decor of the restaurant pays homage to old-school home-style dining rooms and kopitiams Singaporeans grew up with—a great reminiscent of childhood days.

Food For Thought
93 Stamford Rd
National Museum of Singapore #01-04/05
Singapore 178897
Tel: +65 6338 9887
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

#4 GALLERY & CO

Housed within the historic City Hall wing of National Gallery Singapore, Gallery & Co is a design store with a bookstore, café, and bar. Featuring a Southeast Asian theme, the café offers an all-day dining menu and seasonal sweet treats that are often inspired by ongoing exhibitions.

If you seek something stronger than coffee, visit the POPbar where cocktails start at S$15 and beer buckets go for S$25 during happy hour.

Gallery & Co
1 St Andrew’s Rd
The National Gallery
City Hall Wing #01-11
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 6385 6683
Sat to Thurs: 10am – 7pm
Fri: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Photo Credit: beckybecsbeca

#5 LOVE PAL CAFÉ

SAM at 8Q—housed right across the street from Singapore Art Museum—is where you can find Love Pal Café.

This quaint spot serves a mix of Western and Asian fare and the Korean Kimichi Shabu Shabu Pork Don (S$7.90) is a crowd favourite. The best part? No GST and service charge and there’s even complimentary WiFi!

Love Pal Café
8 Queen St
SAM At 8Q
Singapore 188535
Tel: +65 6338 1884
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

Photo Credit: nardypoh

#6 PRIVÉ ACM CAFÉ

Boasting a magnificent view of the Singapore River, Privé at the Asian Civilisation Museum is a casual all-day dining concept which offers both indoor and al fresco dining options. The retro-style cafe is furnished with marble tables, wire-mesh doors and rattan chairs.

Serving simple yet hearty food, this café is perfect for a quick meal during the day or post-work drinks with colleagues at night against the stunning CBD skyline.

Privé ACM Café
1 Empress Place
Asian Civilisation Museum #01-02
Singapore 179555
Tel: +65 6776 0777
Mon to Thurs: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Fri and Sat: 8.30am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Photo Credit: moycindy

#7 TRATTORIA LAFIANDRA

After exploring the stellar collection of contemporary Southeast Asian Art at Singapore Art Museum (SAM), visitors can drop by charming Italian restaurant, Trattoria Lafiandra for scrumptious Italian cuisine.

From antipasti, homemade pasta, risotto to main courses, you will definitely be spoilt for choices.

Trattoria Lafiandra
71 Bras Basah Rd
Singapore Art Museum #01-02
Singapore 189555
Tel: +65 6884 4035
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

Photo Credit: visit_singapore

#8 TRUE BLUE PANTRY

If you need a light bite after touring the Peranakan Museum, indulge in nonya kuehs over a cup of refreshing floral tea or aromatic local coffee at True Blue Pantry. Salads and quick nonya meals are available here too.

During Chinese New Year, the café sells festive traditional homemade cookies that are absolutely divine. You can also purchase nonya kebayas, jewellery, bags and beaded shoes from the cafe’s merchandise corner too.

True Blue Pantry
39 Armenian Street
Peranakan Museum
Singapore 179941
Tel: +65 6337 7514
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Culture buffs have to check out these 11 fascinating museums in Singapore to visit over the weekend.

Being blessed and content living in a multi-racial society such as Singapore is a privilege that many people overlook. This diversity is what brings our little nation together, fusing people from all backgrounds and cultures into one big and happy family.

With this, it brings us the opportunity to explore these races and their specific cultures in a more in-depth setting—with various monuments, religious buildings, heritage centers and more that are available to us at any time and are generally free to visit.

As a local, you can always take a day off or use a day of your weekend to take a breather and immerse yourself in Singapore’s heritage. If you are visiting from overseas, this will be your definitive guide to do all these things in a span of a day. Here is How to Explore Singapore’s Heritage in A Day For Free.

GENERAL SINGAPORE HERITAGE

A visit to the national museum will kick-start your day on a high. Head over here after your breakfast and spend at least an hour or two reading about Singapore’s heritage and marvel at the art structures.

Time: 11am
Where to visit: National Museum of Singapore
Cost: FREE (for locals), S$10 for foreign visitors
Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
(Opens from 10pm to 7pm daily)

MALAY HERITAGE AT KAMPONG GLAM

Pick a nice lunch spot, if you can, head to one of the traditional Malay eateries in the vicinity of Kampong Glam for the most authentic and tasty eats. The Sultan Mosque is a must-see and we can promise you that it is beautiful.

Time: 2pm (After Lunch)
Where to visit: Kampong Glam Conservation Area & Sultan Mosque
Cost: FREE
Address: 3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833

A VISIT TO LITTLE INDIA

The epitome of Indian culture lies right here. Take a walk down the smaller streets to truly get a glimpse of the shops and the daily life. Remember to have some authentic Indian curries and food and maybe have a peek at Mustafa, a huge convenience store with the best bargains.

Time: 4pm
Where to visit:
Cost: FREE
Address: General Little India Area (MRT: Little India or Farrer Park)

CHINATOWN ADVENTURE

Before you end your day, head down to Chinatown for dinner at a Chinese restaurant, then proceed on to shop bargains and other lovely products in the vicinity. The Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple are must-sees.

Time: 7pm (after dinner)
Where to visit: Sri Mariamman Temple & Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Cost: FREE
Address: 288 & 244 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840

ANOTHER MUST-VISIT ATTRACTION

(If you have extra time) You can visit Haw Par Villa. We left this as an optional place to head to as it is pretty far away from the rest of the places mentioned but it is filled with rich history of Chinese mythology and folklore that are not to be missed.

Where to visit: Haw Par Villa
Cost: FREE
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, 118628
(Opens from 9am to 6pm daily)

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Singapore Philatelic Museum welcomes Snoopy and gang with a very exciting exhibition – “With Love From Snoopy, Charlie Brown & The Peanuts Gang” - that has opened its doors to the public.

Who else grows up loving Snoopy too? This exhibition will warm your heart like how it warmed ours. Here is what you can expect from this ultra-adorable exhibition that will run all the way till 30 April 2016.

To celebrate their 65th anniversary, this Snoopy and gang-themed exhibition showcases a range of themed memorabilia, collectables, vintage keepsakes, rare artworks, old comic strips and so much more from all around the world, and it is one that hit us with nostalgia immediately.

FUN FACTS YOU NEVER KNEW

From the making of the new Snoopy animated movie to the conceptualisation of the first ever Peanuts comic strips, take a closer look and study the variety of different Peanuts comic strips from over the years.

STAMPS, ARTWORKS AND MORE

View rare stamp artworks of the Peanuts gang and first day covers issued by countries such as Singapore, USA, Japan, Portugal and more.

A little fun fact: Peanuts Christmas cards first made their appearance in stores in 1961.

HISTORY OF PEANUTS

The exhibition celebrates the 65th anniversary of the first Peanuts comic strip by Charles Shulz, with the first appearance on 02 October 1950. Discover many more historical moments right here at the exhibit.

Admission is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Otherwise the prices are S$6 and S$4 for Adult and Child (3 – 12 years old) respectively.

Singapore Philatelic Museum
23-B Coleman Street
Singapore 179807
Opening hours up to 31 December 2015:
Mon: 1pm – 7pm
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Opening hours from 01 Jan 2016 onwards: Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Read: Guide to 11 Fascinating Museums in Singapore

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

The spellbindingly beautiful National Gallery Singapore has finally opened its doors to the public! Home to the world’s biggest collection of modern Southeast Asian Art, the 64,000-square-metre museum has two permanent galleries featuring the development of both Singapore and Southeast Asian art. It is a must-visit for all art enthusiasts and history buffs.

From now till 06 December 2015, interested participants get to enjoy free admission into National Gallery Singapore. Note that visitors have to acquire the complimentary tickets prior to their visit from the attraction’s official website (a maximum of five tickets per transaction). The gallery is massive and let us tell you what to expect before you head down!

STUNNING ARCHITECTURE

National Gallery Singapore is housed in two old national monuments – the former Supreme Court and City Hall. After a decade of restoration and S$532 million, the massive museum is now an elegant site characterised by historical heritage elements.

PERMANENT AND SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

There are two permanent exhibitions at the National Gallery Singapore, namely DBS Singapore Gallery’s Siapa Nama Kamu and UOB Southeast Asia Gallery’s Between Declarations And Dreams. The former explores the influences that have shaped Singapore’s art, while the latter focuses on the ever-changing art of Southeast Asia.

Together, both permanent exhibitions boast a total of 800 artworks that dated back to the 19th century. There are also two other special exhibitions – Wu Guanzhong’s Beauty Beyond Form and Chua Ek Kay’s After The Rain. These captivating but temporary Chinese exhibitions will be in the National Gallery of Singapore till 03 May 2016.

GET INTERACTIVE AT THE SOCIAL TABLE

Visitors can also explore DBS Singapore Gallery’s artworks on the touch-screen table. The interactive digitalised table allows one to share his/ her favourite art pieces with friends and family alike. By selecting a particular artwork, you can read more about the connections between artists. You can even create a poster of the various arts and email it to yourself!

TIME CAPSULE TO BE RETRIEVED IN YEAR 3000

Located at the Former Supreme Court Foyer is the eight-sided foundation stone and beneath the stone is a cylindrical casket, which contains newspapers published on 31 March 1937 and coins from the Straits Settlements. The time capsule is to be retrieved in year 3000. Just the thought of it is mind-blowing!

ALTERNATIVE SKYLINE OF SINGAPORE

While Singapore does offer multiple breathtaking vantage points across the country, we are thrilled to discover that National Gallery Singapore also grants visitors an alternative view of the city’s skyline. The iconic Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade Theatres, Singapore Arts Science Museum and Raffles Place’s skyscrapers can all be seen from National Gallery Singapore.

PLETHORA OF DINING OPTIONS AT NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

National Gallery Singapore is home to eight exciting dining destinations – Altimate Gastrobar, Aura Restaurant, Aura Sky Lounge, National Kitchen by Violen Oon Singapore, Odette, Saha Signature Restaurant & Bar, Smoke & Mirrors and Yan.

HOW TO GET TO NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

By Bus – You can arrive there by bus 195 or 961.

By Train – Embark on a 5-minute walk from City Hall MRT Station via the Art Connector. National Gallery Singapore is also a 10-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT Station and Clarke Quay MRT Station.

By Car – If you are driving to National Gallery Singapore, you can park your vehicle at the basement car park (B2 and B3) within the building itself. After turning in from St Andrew’s Road, look out for the car park’s entrance on the far right of Coleman Street.

Daily parking rates are S$1.30 per 30 mins between 7am – 6pm, and S$3.20 per entry after 6pm. Motorcyclists pay S$1 per motorcycle and these rates are valid even on public holidays.

National Gallery Singapore
1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #01-01,
Singapore 178957
Tel: +65 6271 7000
Mon to Thu: 10am – 7pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Here is a selection of 11 fascinating museums in Singapore that might pique your interests!

Is it one of those many days where the weather is way too warm to stay outdoors but yet the malls are too packed for your liking? How about going on an adventure to Jurassic Park, or travel back in time to the Qing Dynasty or Majapahit Emipre?

Contrary to the stereotype of it being “boring”, museums are more than just historic artefacts and school excursions. With more than 30 different museums offering a diverse range of genres in Singapore, you will definitely be able to find a museum that will interest you!

Here is a selection of 11 fascinating museums in Singapore that might pique your interests!

FOR THE NATURE LOVERS

#1 LEE KONG CHIAN NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Stepping into the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is like stepping into Jurassic Park. One step into the museum and it feels like you’re in a jungle, punctuated by an occasional roar of a dinosaur!

The museum boasts a wonderful collection of animals, mainly from South East Asia, which includes the fantastic collection from the old Raffles Museum and Library. Discover more about the animals that once lived here in Singapore and you would be surprised at the diversity of animals that once called our tiny little island home.

Highlights: Three Sauropod dinosaur (those gigantic long necked ones) fossils are the star of the museum. The insect, mammal and mollusc collections are also amazing. An impressive garden featuring native plants is also free to members of the public.

2 Conservatory Drive
Singapore 117377
Tel: +65 6601 3333
Tue to Sun & PH: 10am – 7pm (Last entry at 5.30pm)
Closed on Mon

FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS

#2 SUN YAT SEN NANYANG MEMORIAL HALL

A medical doctor toppled the once-formidable Qing dynasty. That doctor is Dr Sun Yat Sen, founder of modern China. But did you know Singapore was crucial to the Chinese revolution with toppled the Qing dynasty?

The Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall is not just a museum which glorifies Dr Sun. Crucial to his revolutionary plans are a group of local businessmen who aided Dr Sun financially and intellectually. The building of which the museum now resides is also the actual residence of Dr Sun where he planned some of his revolutions.

Highlights: A good mix of modern technology and historic artefacts telling the story of Dr Sun and how the locals contributed to the Chinese revolution. The building is also full of history and restored to preserve its authenticity.

12 Tai Gin Road
Singapore 327874
Tel: +65 6256 7377
Tue to Sun: 10am – 5pm
Closed on Mon

#3 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE

This is a building and institution steeped in history. Sir Stamford Raffles, William Farquhar and Sultan Hussein are people who we often read about in our history and social studies textbook, but did you know that they also laid the foundation to what is now the National Museum of Singapore?

The Raffles Museum and Library (predecessor of the National Museum) was established as a result of Raffles’ vision, and the pioneer generation may fondly remember the whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling and the vast cultural artefacts from tribes and civilisations around the region.

Although the natural history collection has now moved to the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and its ethnographic collection to the Asian Civilisation Museum, the revamped National Museum of Singapore still has a lot to show, mainly focusing on Singapore’s history and houses the nation’s priceless treasures.

Highlights: Artefacts such as the only remaining fragment of the Singapore Stone, the Mace of the City of Singapore, and William Farquhar’s natural history drawings are treasures of immense historical value that are displayed in the National Museum of Singapore. There are multiple special exhibitions related to Singapore’s history and culture all throughout the year too.

Sidenote: The National Museum is currently undergoing minor redevelopments and the permanent galleries will reopen in September 2015. The museum is still open to public with exhibitions celebrating Singapore’s history.

93 Stamford Road
Singapore 178897
Tel: +65 6332 3659
Daily: 10am – 6pm (Last entry at 5.30pm)

FOR THE COLLECTORS

#4 MINT MUSEUM OF TOYS

With iPads and iPhones the toy of choice for kids of the new millennia, one can only reminisce about the times when Wolverine fought Superman and Hot Wheels car races were everywhere. A time when imagination ran wild and the galaxy was the limit.

Many of us remember classic characters such as Popeye, Batman and Betty Boop, and how we used to always drag our parents to the uppermost floor of departmental stores (where the toy section is of course!) to ogle at the latest toys. The Mint Museum of Toys brings out your inner child with an impressive collection of toys from Star Wars to Micky Mouse and Betty Boop.

Highlights: They have an impressive collection of Popeye toys and also a rare collection of Mickey collectibles. Also noteworthy are their collection of dolls by Michael Lee and China-made toys and collectables.

26 Seah Street
Singapore 188382
Tel: +65 6339 0660
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 6.30pm
PH: 9.30am – 4pm
Closed on 1st and 2nd day of the Lunar New Year

#5 SINGAPORE PHILATELIC MUSEUM

Have you ever waited patiently for people to open their mail, just to grab the envelope and soak it in water to ‘extract’ the stamp? Those were the days when emails were non-existent and letters were for work, catching up and creating love.

Stamp collecting may not be as popular now as it once was, but stamps were once essential for work, play and love. Although the museum is a little dated, the Philatelic museum boasts a collection of stamps which documents not only the history of stamps, but also unique stamps and how stamps which marked the major developments in Singapore over the years.

Highlights: On display is the Penny Black, the first stamp to be used in the world among many other unique stamps. Also interesting is the collection of stamps from Singapore, which documents our transition from a British colony to what we are today, a modern metropolis.

23-B Coleman Street
Singapore 179807
Tel: +65 6337 3888
Mon: 1pm – 7pm
Tue to Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
(Last entry at 6.30pm)

FOR THE TRADITIONALISTS

#6 PERANAKAN MUSEUM

Laksa, Buah Keluak, Babi Ponteh. Just hearing the names of these classic nonya dishes will probably leave one hungry and salivating. But probably one other local favourite would be most apt to describe the Peranakans—‘Rojak’. Just like a good bowl of Rojak, the Peranakans are a unique (and delicious!) blend of cultures which reflects their diverse heritage.

Housed in the old Tao Nan School, the Peranakan Museum gives you an insight into the life of a Peranakan. Explore the unique and sometime extravagant lifestyle of the affluent Nonyas and Babas. Every personal milestone is celebrated with precision and style, with customised porcelain wares and elaborate weddings, and this arises from the influence of the various cultures and traditions of the Indians, Chinese and Malays.

Highlights: Intrinsic beadwork tablecloths and shoes are classic Peranakan, together with a collection of Peranakan porcelain wares and an impressive display of Peranakan furniture that incorporates Western, Chinese, Malay and Indian influences.

39 Armenian Street
Singapore 179941
Tel: +65 6332 7591
Sat to Thu: 10am – 7pm
Fri: 10am – 9pm

Sidenote: There are two other museums in Singapore that also showcase the life of a Peranakan. The NUS Baba House and The Intans provide tours into the life of a Peranakan. Tours are by appointment only.

#7 HERITAGE CENTRE

The bustling port of Singapore and the promise of riches brought many of our forefathers to this tiny little island city. But do you know how they arrived and what they did?

Hidden in the bustling streets of Kampong Glam, Little India, Chinatown and Katong are four museums that many of us overlook. Pop over to colourful Little India where you can try on the different headdresses or travel back to the 60s at Kampong Glam for some bangsawan music.

The heritage centres tell the story of the major ethic groups in Singapore. Learn about whom they are, where they come from and the life of the people who were living in the area where the heritage centres are currently located.

Highlights: Admire the grandeur of the former residence of the sultan at the Malay Heritage Centre or the intricately carved wooden door at the Indian Heritage Centre, there is always something to see and do at the heritage centres. The locations of these heritage centres also add to the atmosphere of the museum, as though you have never stepped out of the museum even after you left it.

Sidenote: The Chinatown Heritage Centre is currently closed for renovation and will open near the end of the year.

Malay Heritage Centre
85 Sultan Gate
Singapore 198501
Tel: +65 6391 0450
Tue to Sun: 10am – 6pm (Last entry at 5.30pm)
Closed on Mon

Indian Heritage Centre
5 Campbell Lane
Singapore 209924
Tel: +65 6291 1601
Tue to Thu: 10am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun & PH: 10am – 4pm
Closed on Mon

Eurasian Heritage Centre
139 Ceylon Road
Singapore 429744
Tel: +65 6447 1578
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Closed on Mon

FOR THE ANTHROPOLOGIST

#8 ASIAN CIVILISATION MUSEUM

Great civilisations ruled the world before the dawn of democracy slowly but surely marked the demise of these great civilisations which were steeped in culture and key to the rise of mankind’s world domination.

Paying homage to the melting pot of cultures in the multi-ethic society in Singapore, the Asian Civilisation Museum has curated a vast collection of artefacts of our forefathers from the Chinese dynasties to the Javan and Indian empires. Artefacts from these empires were expertly curated to showcase the active trade between these civilisations, displaying an exchange of cultures and the spread of religion between civilisations.

Highlights: A Dragon robe from the Qing Dynasty and one of only two Pejeng-style Drum left in the world are just some of the many rare artefacts in the collection of the Asian Civilization Museum. The permanent galleries on Chinese, Southeast Asian and the Indian civilizations, as well as the ancient Islamic world are all very impressive.

1 Empress Place
Singapore 179555
Tel: +65 6332 7798
Sat to Thu: 10am – 7pm
Fri: 10am – 9pm

FOR THE ART AND DESIGN ENTHUSIAST

#9 RED DOT DESIGN MUSEUM

The Red Dot Design Museum has moved from its old site at Maxwell Road and reopened at the new location, at Marina Bay.

The Red Dot Design Museum is a one-stop paradise for the creatively inclined, or people looking for inspiration. Look forward to an expertly curated mix of product designs as diverse as kitchen utensils and furniture, to daily essentials and technological gadgets.

Highlights: Being in a standalone building with a new design exhibition, museum shop, design cafe and outdoor bar, the new Red Dot Design Museum has a lot more to offer to visitors than before.

11 Marina Boulevard #01-01
Red Dot Design Museum
Singapore 018940

#10 SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM

Bring a friend who you know is into contemporary art, and watch them as they walk through the galleries and appreciate the pieces. Go with an open mind and you might just find yourself starting to appreciate the story behind the art displays. Inspiration can be drawn from just about anything. So who knows? A trip down to SAM may just be the start of a wonderful new journey, passion or interest!

Occupying the original St Joseph’s Institution, the Singapore Art Museum showcases its artworks over multiple galleries which were converted from old classrooms and also the mission school’s chapel. It boasts a collection of some of the world’s most important collections of Southeast Asian contemporary artworks.

Highlights: Most of the façade and interior of the former mission school has been expertly restored and converted into temperature-controlled art galleries. Different thematic exhibitions are curated from the SAM collection and in collaboration with other renowned international contemporary art museums, bringing you a fresh experience every time you visit.

71 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189555
Tel: +65 6589 9580
Sat to Thu: 10am – 7pm
Fri: 10am – 9pm

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

#11 ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM

A walk along the Marina Bay and you would definitely not miss the iconic Marina Bay Sands. As iconic as the towers of Marina Bay Sands is the equally architecturally-impressive ArtScience Museum. Shaped like a freshly bloomed lotus flower emerging above the waters, this is one integral part of the cityscape that you will not miss.

The ArtScience Museum dedicates itself to travelling exhibitions focused on art, science, design, media, architecture and technology. The museum curates a collection of international exhibitions that are popular with visitors, with previous exhibition such as works from Da Vinci and Andy Warhol as well as dinosaurs and creatures of the deep. A small, resident exhibition “ArtScience Gallery” also showcases how creativity has helped artists and scientists in developing new, transformative products.

Highlights: The lotus flower shaped building is an architecture marvel in itself. Travelling exhibitions are generally popular with visitors and provides visitors with a wholesome experience that uses technology to complement artefacts.

6 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018974
Tel: +65 6688 8888
Daily: 10am – 7pm (Last entry at 6pm)

About the writer:
A nature lover, biologist and an avid photographer, Jeremy enjoys exploring the various trails and natural areas around Singapore, photographing interesting critters and documenting unique behaviours along his treks. Never one to shy away from an adventure, Jeremy is always keen to explore new natural areas in Singapore and to discover what hidden gems our nature areas have to offer.