10 Best Museums In Singapore

Singapore’s cultural landscape is far underappreciated, far more than most people realize. This is especially true given that it is home to some of the region’s greatest museums and galleries. This October, get out of your comfort zone and spend your free time reacquainting yourself with Singapore’s art and culture scene. Visit a museum to discover more about the untold stories and historical events that have shaped our identity. What’s the best part? It’s a terrific activity for two people.

If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ve compiled a list of the most important museums to see. But if you’re looking for something else than the usual artsy hangouts, keep scrolling to see our round-up of toys, vintage cameras, optical illusions, and more.

1

Mint Museum of Toys

Mint is the world’s first purpose-built museum for toys, also known as Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys. Its collection is worth more than $5 million. That’s quite a collection of toys! Browse through 50,000 old toys from different decades, including pre-WWII, to relive your childhood memories. Also, keep an eye on the Instagram page for interesting details about your favourite toys.

2

Singapore Musical Box Museum

If inventions fascinate you, a visit here will take you to a time when they ruled the world. Over 40 antique musical boxes from the 1800s and 1900s are on display in a Unesco historic building (that used to be a school) near to the landmark Thian Hock Keng temple on Telok Ayer Street. It was created by Japanese collector Naoto Orui and tells the story of the invention’s ascent and collapse. You’ll also witness a rare Edison Opera phonograph with a wooden horn created by Thomas Edison himself. For real!

3

Battlebox

This fascinating museum, located in the heart of the city at Fort Canning Hill, replaces a former British underground command center from WWII. While exploring the bunker, get a glimpse of history. For a more realistic historical experience, there are 30-minute guided excursions available.

4

Indian Heritage Centre

This enterprise, which combines a cultural center and a museum, honors Indian Singaporeans’ heritage. While you’re there, sign up for a walking tour of the vibrant Little India neighborhood, visit the permanent exhibit tracing the history of the Indian community through artifacts and displays, and enjoy traditional Indian games.

5

National Gallery Singapore

The National Gallery had a huge impact on the art world when it first opened. It is home to the world’s greatest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art! The structure itself is stunning, and the facilities are cutting-edge. It has several fantastic eateries, and probably most significantly, the stories spoken there reflect Singapore’s history, values, and ambitions. For some amazing fun, visit the rooftop garden or the rooftop bar Smoke & Mirrors.

6

Red Dot Design Museum

This design museum seems like it belongs in a science fiction film. Despite its small size, the museum is Singapore’s innovation hub. It features award-winning concepts and prototypes in product design, communication design, and creative notions.

7

National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore is the place to go if you want to learn more about our little red dot. The city’s oldest museum, founded in 1887, presents our history and culture through live performances and innovative multimedia exhibitions. The Singapore History Gallery, which charts the city’s development, is one of the permanent galleries to visit.

8

Asian Civilisations Museum

This huge museum will require an entire afternoon to explore. It features a diverse collection of Asian artifacts, including detailed Buddha and Gandhara culture sculptures, that span over five thousand years of recorded history. Oh, and the museum is located along the Singapore River, so you can unwind with a drink at one of the nearby pubs.

9

ArtScience Museum

ArtScience Museum, which combines art, science, design, media, architecture, and technology, has hosted major exhibits and works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Salvatore Dali, and Leonardo da Vinci. Future World, which incorporates interactive digital installations and is refreshed every few months, is a must-see permanent exhibit.

10

Trick Eye Museum

We’re not trying to pull the wool over your eyes; this museum is dedicated to mind games. Six themed zones in the world-famous four-dimensional attraction will enable you to make unique images to boost your Instagram feed. Explore and interact with the installations to become a part of the artworks.