Singapore may be a small country, but its multicultural and multi-traditional cultures makes it a force to be reckoned with. First time visitors to the country may be overwhelmed by the mix of influences from the Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures — and that’s just a few to begin with.
The best way to make sense of it all? Visit a museum! Luckily, there are several museums that can give its visitors a glimpse into the melting pot that is Singapore. Here are five that can help you get started.
The National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is the country’s oldest museum and can trace its history back to 1887 when it was a part of the Singapore Institution library. Its current and permanent location is a balanced merger of old and new architecture.
The National Museum offers exhibits and activities that cater to the wide interests of its visitors. Permanent exhibits include the Singapore History and Living Galleries which present the country’s history and culture in a not-so-conventional manner.
The museum also holds various festivals throughout the year. Its facilities allow for diverse exhibits, film showings and performances.
Asian Civilizations Museum (ACM)
Asian Civilizations Museum (ACM)
According to its website, the ACM is one of Singapore’s National Museums and is the first museum in the South East Asian region that showcases a detailed history of the combined cultures of Asia. The roots of Singapore’s culture comes from the ancient settlers of neighboring nations such as China, and the nearby regions of Southeast Asia, West Asia and South Asia. The ACM focuses on this part of the Singaporean history and presents a wide collection of exhibits from these various groups and cultures.
The main building of the ACM is at the Empress Place Building and is home to eleven galleries with more than a thousand artifacts and collections. Visitors to the ACM can also enjoy other amenities like a cafe and restaurant and buy souvenirs from the museum’s shop.
Peranakan Museum
Peranakan Museum
The Peranakan Museum is a partner museum of the ACM and is run by Singapore’s National Heritage Board. It showcases the culture of the various Peranakan communities around Southeast Asia. The term “peranakan” is a Malay term meaning “locally born” and pertains to those born in Singapore whose ancestors are foreign traders who’ve settled and married local women.
The former Tao Nan Chinese School is home to the Peranakan Museum. While smaller than the ACM, it houses an extensive collection of Peranakan objects, including items that feature their culture, traditions and art.
ArtScience Museum
ArtScience Museum
The ArtScience Museum is one of Singapore’s newly opened museums and is one of the places you can visit at the Marina Bay Sands resort. The architecture itself is a marvel. It is likened to a lotus flower and designed by architect Moshe Safdie.
The museum houses permanent exhibits related to ArtScience that is made up of three galleries mainly Curiosity, Inspiration and Expression. These showcase objects that focus on the achievements of both art and sciences throughout the ages.
The museum also hosts touring exhibitions from all over the world. Its past exhibits included Van Gogh Alive, Cartier Time Art, Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal and the Harry Potter Exhibition.
Singapore Art Museum (SAM)
Singapore Art Museum (SAM)
The Singapore Art Museum houses an impressive collection of modern Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, and it continues to grow each year. It is one of the museums under the management of the National Heritage Board of Singapore.
SAM has formed partnerships with other known art institutions all over the world, and aims to provide visual arts education and exchange to its visitors. SAM prides itself in being able to bring new ideas and innovations to the ever-changing art industry, and find ways to to tap into the talent that Singapore and Southeast Asia has to offer.
Most of these museums are free and open to the public. Some of the special exhibits may require a separate entrance fee and have a different schedule. Still, for anyone who wishes to know more about Singapore and its neighboring countries, it is easy enough to visit any one of these museums and a front row look. Visiting these museums is a rich and very rewarding learning experience.
Photos by chooyutshing
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Article by Chris
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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