Your Guide to Singapore's Must-Visit Museums
- Monster Day Tours
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Singapore's museum scene is a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and scientific wonder. Whether you're a history enthusiast, art lover, or curious traveler, the Lion City offers an impressive collection of world-class museums that bring centuries of Asian civilization to life. From exploring Singapore's colonial past to experiencing cutting-edge digital art installations, these museums provide unforgettable insights into the rich cultural landscape that makes Singapore truly unique.
While wandering through these cultural treasures, consider enhancing your experience with Singapore free walking tours that connect the dots between the city's museum district and its historic neighborhoods, offering deeper context to what you'll discover inside these remarkable institutions.
1. National Museum of Singapore
Standing as Singapore's oldest and largest museum since 1887, the National Museum of Singapore serves as the perfect introduction to the nation's fascinating journey. Housed in a stunning neoclassical building with modern glass extensions, this architectural marvel seamlessly blends historical grandeur with contemporary design.
The museum's Singapore History Gallery takes visitors on an immersive journey through 700 years of history, from the 14th century to the present day. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations showcase Singapore's transformation from a humble trading post to a global metropolis. The Singapore Living Galleries explore themes of food, fashion, film, and photography, offering glimpses into daily life across different eras.
One of the highlights is the "Story of the Forest" digital installation by teamLab, which brings the William Farquhar Collection to life through spectacular digital presentations. Open daily from 10am to 7pm, admission is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents, while international visitors pay S$10.
2. National Gallery Singapore
Occupying the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, the National Gallery Singapore houses the world's largest public collection of Southeast Asian art, with nearly 10,000 pieces spanning from the 19th century to today. This massive cultural institution offers six galleries spread across architecturally stunning spaces.
The gallery showcases works by pioneer Singaporean artists like Cheong Soo Pieng and Georgette Chen, alongside contemporary pieces that reflect the region's diverse artistic heritage. The Keppel Centre for Art Education provides interactive learning activities for children, while the rooftop cocktail bar Smoke and Mirrors offers spectacular city views.
Beyond exhibitions, the gallery houses prestigious dining establishments including the three MICHELIN-starred Odette and one MICHELIN-starred Art1. Open daily from 10am to 7pm (until 9pm on Fridays), general admission is free for locals and S$20 for international visitors.
3. ArtScience Museum
Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie to resemble a lotus flower, the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands is an iconic landmark that explores the intersection of art, science, culture, and technology. The museum's distinctive "welcoming hand" design features ten finger-like extensions that house 21 gallery spaces across 6,000 square meters.
Since opening in 2011, the museum has hosted major exhibitions featuring works by Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, and Vincent Van Gogh. Current permanent installations include the mesmerizing "Future World: Where Art Meets Science" by teamLab, which creates immersive digital environments that respond to visitors' movements.
The museum also showcases rotating exhibitions that might feature everything from Studio Ghibli animations to haute couture fashion. Sustainability is built into the design, with rainwater harvested through the building's bowl-shaped roof and recycled for use throughout the facility. Open daily from 10am to 7pm, admission tickets start from S$21.
4. Asian Civilisations Museum
Strategically located in the historic Empress Place Building beside the Singapore River, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is the region's only institution dedicated to pan-Asian cultures and civilizations. The museum's 11 galleries across three levels house over 1,300 artifacts spanning more than 5,000 years of Asian heritage.
The museum's Maritime Trade Gallery showcases Singapore's role as a crucial port on the ancient Maritime Silk Route, featuring the famous Tang Shipwreck Gallery with 9th-century treasures. Other highlights include the Chinese Ceramics Gallery with over 300 pieces, and the comprehensive collections covering Southeast Asian, South Asian, Chinese, and West Asian cultures.
Interactive displays and multimedia presentations help bring ancient civilizations to life, while the museum's location offers stunning views of the Singapore River and city skyline. The museum is open daily from 10am to 7pm (until 9pm on Fridays), with free admission for Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
5. Peranakan Museum
The world's first and only museum dedicated to Peranakan culture, this institution celebrates the unique heritage of the Straits-born Chinese community. Housed in the beautifully restored former Tao Nan School building, the museum features ten permanent galleries showcasing the fascinating blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences that define Peranakan identity.
The museum's centerpiece is an authentic Peranakan wedding bed that once belonged to Mrs. Quah Hong Chiam of Penang, where she gave birth to seven of her eleven children. Visitors can explore intricate beadwork, elaborate traditional clothing like the famous kebaya, exquisite jewelry, and ornate household items that reflect the community's refined aesthetic sensibilities.
The galleries tell the story of how Peranakan culture developed over centuries, from the marriages between Chinese traders and local women to the community's significant contributions to Singapore's multicultural society. The museum reopened in February 2023 after extensive renovations, offering enhanced displays and storytelling experiences. Open daily from 10am to 7pm (until 9pm on Fridays), the museum charges S$18 for the All Access Pass.
6. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
Singapore's first and only natural history museum, located at the National University of Singapore, houses over 560,000 catalogued specimens and more than one million biological specimens from Southeast Asia. The museum's impressive collection traces its roots back to the original Raffles Museum of 1878, making it one of the region's oldest such institutions.
The star attractions are three massive dinosaur skeletons - Apollonia, Prince, and Twinky - that greet visitors in the main atrium. The museum's 15 zones track the history of life on Earth, featuring everything from Southeast Asian flora and fauna to 150-million-year-old fossils. The Heritage Zone presents the fascinating history of biodiversity exploration in the region and showcases the "Cabinets of Curiosities".
Interactive displays allow visitors to examine specimens under microscopes and learn about Singapore's unique geological features and conservation efforts. The museum also features the impressive "Jubilee Whale Exhibit," displaying a 10.6-meter sperm whale specimen found in Singapore waters. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm (closed Mondays), admission fees vary by visitor category.
7. Red Dot Design Museum
Located in Marina Bay's striking glass building, the Red Dot Design Museum showcases over 300 award-winning designs and innovative concepts from around the world. As part of the prestigious Red Dot Design Award network, the museum displays only products that have passed rigorous evaluation by international design experts.
The permanent exhibition "A Preview of the Future" features more than 500 innovative concepts that explore how design shapes our daily lives, work, and play. Visitors can discover everything from life-improving devices for people with disabilities to environmentally friendly inventions and quirky solutions to everyday problems.
The museum regularly hosts rotating exhibitions and the monthly MAAD (Market of Artists and Designers) events, where visitors can explore local artist stalls and design installations. With admission at just S$12 (including a S$5 shopping voucher), it offers excellent value for design enthusiasts. Open Monday to Friday from 11am to 7pm and weekends from 10am to 7pm.
8. Singapore Art Museum
Currently operating from its space at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, the Singapore Art Museum focuses on contemporary Asian art and experimental exhibitions. The museum provides a platform for emerging artists and cutting-edge artistic expressions, with free admission for Singapore citizens and S$10 for international visitors.
9. Chinatown Heritage Centre
Housed in three beautifully restored shophouses on Pagoda Street, this museum offers the only authentic recreation of 1950s shophouse interiors in Singapore. Visitors can experience the living conditions of early Chinese immigrants through immersive exhibits and multimedia storytelling. The centre recently reopened after renovations, featuring refreshed displays that bring the immigrant experience to life.
To learn more about this fascinating historical site and plan your visit, you can explore their official website (Chinatown Heritage Centre). The Chinatown Heritage Centre is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, with admission fees ranging from S12toS25, depending on residency status.
Planning Your Museum Journey
Singapore's museum scene offers something for every interest and age group. Most museums are open daily with extended hours, and many offer free admission to Singapore residents while maintaining reasonable prices for international visitors. The museums cluster around the Civic District and Marina Bay areas, making it easy to visit multiple institutions in a single day.
To truly appreciate the cultural connections between these museums and Singapore's vibrant neighborhoods, consider joining Singapore free walking tours that weave together the stories of the city's past and present. These guided experiences provide invaluable context that enhances your museum visits and helps you understand how Singapore's multicultural heritage continues to shape the nation today.
