City: Central Area/City Area
Top Things to do in Central Area/City Area
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What to do and see in Central Area/City Area, Singapore: The Best History Museums
The Singapore cityscape looks like it was ripped from the pages of a science fiction comic book. If you’re hungry for a true Singapore experience, sample the myriad street foods or take a cultural cooking class. The Botanic Gardens and the Gardens By the Bay offer a slice of horticultural heaven, and the observation deck of the Sands SkyPark makes you feel like you’re high above the clouds. The banks and walkways along the Singapore River bustle with local activity.
Restaurants in Singapore
1. Asian Civilisations Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,193 reviews
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.
Reviewed By CatLadyPride
I walked past this place on my way to Marina Bay and got curious. I was not disappointed! The shipwreck exhibition is fascinating, as is the one of ink paintings. I also enjoyed the history of religion in Singapore and the trade in Singapore. There was a free guided tour with a museum volunteer, who was just so delightfully, endearingly enthusiastic about everything. Really great visit, would wholeheartedly recommend.
2. Empress Place Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 15 reviews
View the exterior of the Empress Place Building with timber-louvered windows and a pitched clay tile roof. Inside, you’ll see stately rooms with high ceilings, handsome Doric columns and exquisite plaster mouldings and cornices.This historic 19th-century building is also home to the Asian Civilizations Museum.
3. Malay Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 171 reviews
Officially re-opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in September 2012, the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) showcases the history, culture and contributions of the Malay community within the context of Singapore's history and multi-cultural society. MHC's permanent galleries focus on the history of Kampong Gelam and showcase an interesting collecting of artefacts from the National Collection and the Malay community. Through its exhibitions and programmes, the centre aspires to be a vibrant destination of historical and cultural significance for both Singaporeans and international visitors. MHC is under the management of the National Heritage Board in partnership with The Malay Heritage Foundation.
Reviewed By MrsSiew - Singapore, Singapore
Interesting and educational place to spend with family, understanding the historical facts and cultural background. Our family, 2A, 2C, age 13 & 7 thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We also learnt more about Gems and other precious stones and especially the 77 Carats diamond! There is also has an interesting plot of small land with various plants and trees within the Malay Heritage Center. Also we found out that my husband lived in the same road as Mr Omar Ahmad! It was during the mid 60s to early 80s when he was living with his grandparents!! What a nice finding! I am quite sure his late grandparents might even know Mr Omar Ahmad! Highly recommended to family outings.
4. Indian Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By NigelG407 - Singapore, Singapore
Visited this museum this afternoon. Wonderful collection which documents the arrival of the first Indians under the HEC deployed to Singapore about the time of Raffles. The museum looks at the history of migrations and the settlers. Those Indians who have raised to prominence in Singapore - S R Nathan, Rajarstnam, etc spring to mind. It looks at culture and practice, including many items of gold jewellery. Handicrafts and textiles. Religion and prominent Indians in India and their influence on Singapore. The ground floor had seven paintings on display by Kumuda Krovvidi, a contemporary artist from Mumbai now living in Singapore, and the other is Shivali Mathur - beautiful contemporary Indian folk art painters. Don’t forget to check out the three sculpture display outside the museum, depicting Masala and showing a chilli, cloves and nutmeg with mace. Allow about 1 to 2 hours to visit. $8 standard admission for adults. In the heart of Little India. Lift to all levels. Good air conditioning and excellent WiFi.
