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What to do and see in Singapore, 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. The Changi Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,051 reviews
Temporarily closed This museum honors POWs who endured the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II. Their stories are told with an impressive collection of personal artifacts and news coverage. A British internee returned to the museum decades after the war to recreate the murals he’d painted on the walls of the original chapel – a moving insight into how those held prisoner found hope and comfort in any way possible.
Reviewed By amyinsydney - Sydney, Australia
The Changi Museum is well worth the visit, easily accessible via the MRT & Bus system. The little museum has a great collection of war history memorabilia, artifacts & audio recordings with an adjoining chapel where you can pay your respects. For a history buff, allow for 2-3hrs to go through the museum thoroughly to appreciate the collection.
3. Former Ford Factory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By BrisbaneTraveller2 - Brisbane, Australia
I found the Former Ford Factory Museum to be a place of historic significance, it was a very moving experience to walk in the footsteps of the four British Officers who surrendered Singapore to the Japanese Army on 15 February 1942. The Former Ford Factory is a beautifully restored Art Deco style building housing exhibits of enormous interest. It was quite incredible to be in the boardroom where the surrender documents were signed, the table is a replica of the original, which is currently in the Australian War Memorial. There is a film showing the events of that particular day, and the clock is stopped at just after 6pm, the time of the signing. I appreciated speaking with Frances, a staff member at the Museum. Frances is a self taught historian who is passionate and well informed about that part of Singapore's history and it was a privilege to discuss the events with her. There are many interesting things to see and we were there about three hours. We went by MRT to Hillview Station, and then about 5 minutes on a bus. Apparently it is also possible to go there directly by bus. Highly recommended, well worth it. We have decided to go back next time we are in Singapore as it is worth a second visit. Our visit cost $3 each and only credit cards are accepted.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Singapore Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 102 reviews
Hear the past, touch the present and see the future at Singapore Discovery Centre. Be inspired! Through our fun and interactive galleries and attractions, visitors enjoy a multi-sensory learning experience while gaining insights into Singapore’s dreams, aspirations and challenges.
Reviewed By shetj
SDC was recently revamped and as a first time visitor with my sister's family with 3 kids, I was pleasantly surprised at the wealth of stories, interactive exhibits and games available to the public. Although it is a distance, it is really worth the visit! touring within is free for Singaporeans and PRs but We booked a tour $4 per pax given by SDC Ambassador Cheng Ji who was excellent and passionate in her service and kept us engaged throughout as we learnt about the less known facts of Singapore's history. We also played the research facility escape room, the easiest of the 4 available plots. The debrief at the end given by SDC Ambassador Yong Wei was very helpful and essential in our understanding of the whole story. I think without it we would have been rather lost. Hope to be back for another game and try out other games available like the paintball and laser tag in the future. lastly the mind cafe serves really good food at great prices with board games free for rent! Overall we had a great time celebrating my mum's birthday there with novel experiences for the whole family.
7. Eurasian Heritage Gallery
8. 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.
9. Istana Heritage Gallery
10. Museum @ My Queenstown
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
My Community is a non-profit organisation which researches and documents social memories, celebrates community arts and heritage, and champions greater community involvement in cultural management and urban governance. Every community has a story to tell. Through heritage walks, cultural mapping & community museums, we wish to narrate the endearing story of the common people, celebrate the little things which make our neighbourhood special, and reconnect individuals to the social network in the community.
Reviewed By minghui79 - Singapore, Singapore
I visited the Museum @ My Queenstown as part of a heritage tour in Queenstown. Located about 5 minutes from Commonwealth MRT station, the museum occupied the former spaces of a bakery and hair salon. The exhibits tell the story of Queenstown, Singapore's first satellite town when it was developed in the 1950s. There were maps and artefacts of yesteryears of the now defunct cinema and industrial estate. While the museum is small in size, it is rich in history and the knowledgeable guide made my visit a memorable one to remember.
