Joanna James
Singapore may be a country that spans a few miles wide, but it packs quite the cultural punch. The city-state has several museums that showcase colonial history, and pre-modernisation Singapore. This list highlights 5 of the best cultural institutions for you to visit to learn more about the Lion City.
The National Museum of Singapore stands as the country’s oldest and most significant museum and is therefore the institution that has the most detailed archive on Singaporean history. Housed in a magnificent neoclassical building dating back to 1887, the museum incorporates modern technology to weave stories of the past, making for excellent exhibits.
Visitors can explore the Singapore History Gallery, which showcases the nation’s rapid leap from a South Asian fishing village to a technological stronghold in the region. With artefacts dating back to the 14th century, multimedia presentations, and sensory displays, the museum provides a compelling and educational experience for history lovers.
Designed in the image of a half-unfurled white lotus, the magnificent view the museum provides of Marina Bay is just the tip of the iceberg. The ArtScience Museum aims to bring a fusion of culture and technology by collaborating with American cultural staples like Dreamworks Animation and the Smithsonian Institute. The museum's pride and joy is FutureWorld; its permanent exhibit that was designed by Japanese designers, a very popular exhibit among the younger generation.
Situated along the Singapore River, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultures that have shaped Asia’s history. Housed in the grand Empress Place Building, the museum boasts an extensive collection of artefacts from China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Islamic world.
One of its most captivating exhibits is the Tang Shipwreck Collection, which showcases thousands of ceramics, gold, and silver treasures from a 9th-century Arabian ship that sank in the Java Sea. Visitors staying at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore will find the museum conveniently located, making it an ideal cultural excursion during their stay.
Art lovers will be enthralled by the National Gallery Singapore, home to the world’s largest public collection of modern Southeast Asian art. Located in the former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings, the gallery seamlessly integrates colonial architecture with contemporary design.
With over 8,000 works of art spanning the 19th century to the present, the gallery highlights the evolution of Southeast Asian artistic expression. Its "Siapa Nama Kamu?" exhibition, which explores Singapore’s identity through visual art, is particularly captivating. The gallery also houses the Keppel Centre for Art Education, making it an inspiring destination for families and aspiring artists.
For a deeper understanding of Singapore’s multicultural roots, the Peranakan Museum offers an intimate exploration of Peranakan culture. The museum, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century school building, delves into the unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences that define Peranakan identity.
Through meticulously curated displays of intricate beaded shoes, elaborate wedding attire, and antique furniture, visitors gain insight into the lives and traditions of the Peranakan community. A short stroll from a Robertson Quay hotel, the museum is an excellent stop for those interested in Singapore’s cultural diversity.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
