Things to do in Singapore, Singapore: The Best Museums

Since 2004, ReDot Fine Art Gallery is the first and only art gallery in Singapore, indeed throughout Asia-Pacific, dedicated to Australian & Indigenous Contemporary Art.

Art Plural Gallery is a unique space dedicated to Modern, Contemporary Art and Design in the heart of Singapore's cultural district. Founded by Swiss art dealer Frederic de Senarclens, this innovative platform nestled in a four story Art Deco heritage building will present solo and group exhibitions, installations, public art projects, conferences, and art publications.

A former underground command centre in Fort Canning Hill, the Battlebox was part of the Malaya Command Headquarters during World War II. It was here that Lt-Gen Percival made the fateful decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. Journey back in time to 1942 and discover the true causes of the Fall of Singapore and learn how an underground command centre functioned during the war.

Goshen Art Gallery is one of Singapore's oldest art gallery. Come to see the private collection of art in Singapore and learn from the owners what it takes to own a piece of investment art. Register for a curatorial tour.

The Asian Civilisations Museum is devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. Founded in 1993 and in its present building by the Singapore River since 2003, the museum traces its roots to the Raffles Museum, founded in the middle of the 19th century. ACM focuses on the many historical connections between the cultures of Asia, and between Asia and the world. Singapore’s history as a port city that brought people together from all over the world is used as a means of examining the history of Asia. Special exhibitions bring magnificent objects from around the world to our Singapore audience. Programmes like the annual River Nights encourage visitors to connect more closely with culture and the arts.

With a history dating back to its inception in 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is the nation's oldest museum with a progressive mind. Its galleries adopt cutting-edge and multi-perspective ways of presenting history and culture to redefine conventional museum experience. A cultural and architectural landmark in Singapore, the Museum hosts innovative festivals and events all year round-the dynamic Night Festival, visually arresting art installations, as well as amazing performances and film screenings-in addition to presenting thought-provoking exhibitions involving critically important collections of artefacts. The programming is supported by a wide range of facilities and services including F&B, retail and a Resource Centre. The National Museum of Singapore re-opened in December 2006 after a three-year redevelopment, and celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2012. The Museum refreshed its permanent galleries and re-opened them on 19 September 2015 for Singapore's Golden Jubilee.

This place is temporarily closed. The Peranakan Museum explores the culture of Peranakan communities in Southeast Asia. Installed in the former Tao Nan Chinese School, built in 1912, this intimate museum possesses one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of Peranakan objects. Galleries on three floors illustrate the cultural traditions and the distinctive visual arts of the Peranakans. The Peranakan Museum provides a stimulating and educational experience for all, while representing the living culture of the Peranakan community in the region. The museum is a component of the Asian Civilisations Museum, operating under the National Heritage Board.

Ode To Art represents an international spectrum of artists with diverse collections of paintings, sculptures, photography, and installation art. Currently with spaces in Singapore and Malaysia, Ode To Art has in its portfolio some of the most distinguished names in contemporary art in the likes of Fernando Botero, Mauro Perucchetti, Qin Feng, Chen Wenling, Lee Jung Woong and Lim TzePeng. The gallery is also actively involved in the development of contemporary art and promotes many promising international emerging artists from their various genres of visual arts.

Situated in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District, National Gallery Singapore oversees the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia. Housed in two beautifully restored national monuments – City Hall and former Supreme Court – are impeccably curated exhibitions that reveal the region’s cultural legacy and art histories. Come visit the Gallery today and discover Singapore and Southeast Asia’s rich heritage through stunning modern art masterpieces.

Occupying the almost 200-year-old building that was Singapore's first Parliament House, The Arts House has played an active role in the Singapore arts and creative scene for the past decade. As a centre for writing, writers and ideas, The Arts House supports and presents programmes and festivals that aim to develop and promote literary arts in Singapore.