DESTINATION GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

Discover how Singapore survived the Japanese Occupation at the historic Former Ford Factory. Through three intertwining narratives on Japanese aggression, British defenses and how civilians in Singapore were caught up in the larger forces of imperial struggle and war, the exhibition showcases fresh perspectives on the fall of Singapore.

Visitors will have the unique experience of being able to walk into the boardroom where the surrender took place on 15 February 1942. Learn about acts of atrocity such as ‘Sook Ching’ where there was mass screening of Chinese men and those suspected of being anti-Japanese were mercilessly killed. Through the display of personal items of that time in history as well as oral interviews of eyewitnesses, visitors will understand the harrowing experiences people went through and how they dealt with severe challenges.

Join the walking tours led by experienced volunteer guides to discover more stories behind the rich collections on display. There are 20 places available daily (except for Public Holidays) for the walking tours. To further enhance the experience, visitors can download the Former Ford Factory mobile application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Tour schedules are subject to change, do check the website for the latest updates.

Address: 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Website: www.nas.gov.sg/formerfordfactory
Email: enquiry@nlb.gov.sg
Cost: Free admission for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents; Foreigners S$3
Opening Hours: Tue–Sun & Public Holidays 9am–5.30pm; Closed on Mon & first day of Chinese New Year
Nearest MRT: Hillview Station / Beauty World Station

CIVIC DISTRICT GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

Located in the heart of the Civic District, National Gallery Singapore is a state- of-the-art facility that oversees the world’s largest public collection of modern Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present. Housed in two of the nation’s most historic monuments—the former Supreme Court and City Hall—the 64,000-sqm gallery is the biggest visual arts venue in the city. Visit the gallery for exhibitions that create dialogues between the art in Singapore, Southeast Asia, and the world with the goal of fostering a creative and inclusive society. The gallery is also ideal for visitors traveling with children.

Sneak peak inside Singapore National Library.

It was the first museum in Asia to receive the Children in Museums Award by the European Museum Academy and Hands On! International Association of Children in Museums in 2018. At the Keppel Centre for Art Education, the young are invited to embark on a journey of art exploration at a series of immersive spaces such as the Art Playscape and Project Gallery. Complimentary hour- long tours for the various exhibitions are held daily for up to 20 people, in English and Mandarin. There is a group deal of 25% off admission tickets.

Address: 1 St Andrew’s Road Tel: +65 6271 7000 / +65 6690 9443 (Trade Contact: Steven Lee)
Website: www.nationalgallery.sg
Email: info@nationalgallery.sg / stevenlee@nationalgallery.sg (Trade Contact: Steven Lee)
Cost: Adult $20, Child & Senior Citizen S$15
Opening Hours: Mon–Thu, Sat & Sun 10am–7pm; Fri 10am–9pm
Nearest MRT: City Hall Station

KAMPONG GLAM GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

The Malay Heritage Centre is a must-visit for visitors who are keen to learn about the rich heritage and culture of Singapore’s Malay community. Formerly the royal residence of Malay sultans in Singapore, the museum houses exhibitions and a diverse collection of artefacts from the National Collection and the Malay community. In 2015, the museum was gazetted as a National Monument.

Visitors to the Malay Heritage Centre can learn about the rich heritage, culture and contributions of Singapore’s Malay community, as well as the community’s connections to the wider Nusantara (Malay Archipelago) through artefacts and exhibitions.

An exhibit with display of sampans (boats)

The centre occupies the grounds of the original Istana Kampong Gelam—‘Istana’ in Malay stands for ‘palace’—which was built by Sultan Hussein Mohamed Shah (the then Sultan of Johor) and was home to Malay royalty for more than 50 years. The centre organises a variety of programmes for children and adults throughout the year. Purchase 20 or more adult tickets to receive 20% off the admission fee.

Address: 85 Sultan Gate Tel: +65 6391 0450
Website: www.malayheritage.org.sg
Email: nhb_mhc@nhb.gov.sg
Cost: Free admission for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, 1st caregiver of Persons with Disabilities and visitors aged six and below; Adult S$6, Child & Senior Citizen S$4
Opening Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–6pm (Last admission: 5.30pm; Closed on Mon)
Nearest MRT: Bugis Station / Nicoll Highway Station

LITTLE INDIA GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

The four-storey Indian Heritage Centre fuses traditional and modern architectural elements. Inspired by the stepwells in India, the unique glass façade is a large mirror by day and turns transparent at night to reveal a ‘glowing lantern’ of the façade’s colourful mural. The centre showcases Indian culture and history, and houses a permanent exhibition titled, ‘Indians in Singapore - Past & Present’. Through the displays and with the help of audio guides and augmented reality technology, visitors will discover connections between South Asia and Southeast Asia, and gain a better understanding of the Indian community in Singapore.

The centre also provides venues ideal for conducting events, seminars and workshops. Grab a Little India Heritage Trail booklet from its Visitor Services Counter and embark on three specially curated thematic routes around the Little India neighbourhood that features over 40 heritage sites. The trail is available till 8 July 2020

Address: 5 Campbell Lane Tel: +65 6291 1601
Website: www.indianheritage.org.sg
Email: nhb_ihc@nhb.gov.sg / IHC_GroupBooking@nhb.gov.sg
Cost: Adult S$6, Senior Citizen & Student S$4; Free admission for children under six
Opening Hours: Tue–Thu 10am–7pm; Fri–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun & Public Holidays 10am–4pm; Closed on Mon
Nearest MRT: Little India Station / Rochor Station

DESTINATION GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

Built in 1937, named after the brothers behind the famous Tiger Balm, Haw Par Villa is a unique Asian cultural park, the last of its kind in the world. On display are colourful statues and tableaux that include animals and scenes from Chinese classics like Journey to the West and Eight Immortals. Haw Par Villa is also famous for its vivid depictions of the Ten Courts of Hell from Chinese folklore. Guided tours are available and visitors can visit www.hawparvilla.sg for more information. Admission to the park is free.

Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road
Tel: +65 6773 0103 Fax: +65 6224 0136
Website: www.hawparvilla.sg
Email: HPV@journeys.com.sg
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 9am–10pm (Last Admission: 9.30pm)
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa Station

DESTINATION GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

Chinatown Heritage Centre is where visitors can trace the footsteps of Singapore’s early pioneers and discover the personal stories of people who made Chinatown their home. Housed in three adjacent restored shophouses along Pagoda Street, the Chinatown Heritage Centre is a museum that offers insights into the lives of early migrants from China, who left their villages and travelled to Singapore in hopes of a better life.

Visitors can step into the shoes of these pioneers who settled in the Chinatown district and experience how they lived by exploring the authentic recreations of the cramped ‘eight by eight’ living quarters and a tailor shop that once existed in the area. Guided tours are conducted three times a day.

Address: 48 Pagoda Street
Tel: +65 6224 3928 Fax: +65 6224 3917
Website: www.chinatownheritagecentre.com.sg
Email: enquiry@chinatownhc.com.sg
Cost: (General admission with multimedia guide) Adult S$18, Child S$14; (General admission with guided tour) Adult S$25, Child S$20. These rates apply to non-tour groups only. Write in to enquire about group bookings.
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 9.30am–6.30pm
Nearest MRT: Chinatown Station

DESTINATION GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

Located inside Fort Canning Hill, the Battlebox was once a top-secret bunker that was built to be bombproof and self- sufficient. Constructed in 1936, it served as an underground command centre for British-led troops in Singapore during World War II. It was also inside the Battlebox that the British made the momentous decision on 15 February 1942 to surrender Singapore to the Japanese forces.

Visitors can join The Battlebox Tour, which is held three to five times a day. Guides will take participants through the bunker’s historical functions and the events that led to the fall of Malaya and Singapore to the Japanese. Entry to Battlebox is via guided tours only.

Many history enthusiasts love visiting the Battlebox. Hello! Singapore can take you there when you book a private customised tour. If you want to explore the museum in your own time, here’s how to get there.

Address: Fort Canning Park, 2 Cox Terrace
Tel: +65 6320 0581
Contact: Dennis Lim
Website: https://battlebox.sg
Email: enquiries@battlebox.sg
Cost: The base cost of entry is FOC, and there are paid, personal audio tours for visitors. Write in to enquire about group bookings.
Opening Hours: Wednesday -Sunday 9.30am to 5pm
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut Station

DESTINATION GUIDE TO THE BEST SINGAPORE MUSEUMS

The Asian Civilisations Museum is the only museum in the region devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia–with a focus on the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. The museum focuses on the many historical connections between the cultures of Asia, and between Asia and the world. Objects on display tell stories of the trade and exchange of ideas that were the result of international commerce, as well as the flow of religions and faith through the region.

"People of the River" outside Asian Civilisations Museum.

The Asian Civilisations Museum currently features a Season of Chinese Art till mid-2020, showcasing blockbuster exhibitions in collaboration with leading Chinese institutions and artists that will spotlight the best of Chinese art.

Address: 1 Empress Place
Tel: +65 6332 7798
Website: www.acm.org.sg
Email: nhb_acm_vs@nhb.gov.sg
Cost: Admission fees vary depending on visiting exhibitions; Refer to website for the latest ticketing information
Opening Hours: Mon–Thu, Sat & Sun 10am–7pm; Fri 10am–9pm
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place Station