If you are looking for a unique and enlightening experience in Singapore, you should not miss the Asian Civilisations Museum, one of the most acclaimed museums in the region. The museum showcases the history, culture, and art of Asia, with a focus on the cross-cultural and pan-Asian connections that shaped Singapore and the world. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or a curious traveller, you will find something to fascinate and inspire you at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Exhibitions
One of the main attractions of the museum is its exhibitions, which feature rare and exquisite artefacts from various Asian countries and periods. The museum hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions, covering themes such as ancient religions, maritime trade, fashion and textiles, and contemporary art. Some of the current and upcoming exhibitions are:
Crossroads: This exhibition explores the cosmopolitan nature of Singapore and Southeast Asia, as a result of centuries of trade and cultural exchange. You will see objects such as ceramics, jewellery, textiles, and sculptures that reflect the diversity and dynamism of the region.
Faith Beauty Love Hope: This exhibition celebrates the artistic expressions of faith in Asia, from Buddhism and Hinduism to Islam and Christianity. You will see objects such as paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and icons that illustrate the beauty, love, and hope of different religions.
Revisiting Histories: This exhibition challenges the conventional narratives of history and invites you to rethink the past from different perspectives. You will see objects such as maps, prints, photographs, and documents that reveal the complexities and controversies of historical events.
You can book your tickets online or at the museum's ticketing counter. You can also sign up for the museum's newsletter to get the latest updates on the exhibitions and other happenings at the museum.
Events
Another way to enjoy the museum is to attend its events, which offer opportunities to learn more about the museum's collections and themes, as well as to interact with experts and fellow enthusiasts. The museum organises various types of events, such as lectures, workshops, performances, and festivals. Some of the ongoing and upcoming events are:
ACM After Dark: This is an annual event that transforms the museum into a spooky and spectacular night scene, with activities such as storytelling, games, crafts, and live shows. You can also dress up in your favourite costumes and join the fun.
ACM Weekends: This is a monthly event that features family-friendly and free programmes, such as storytelling, puppet shows, craft sessions, and guided tours. You can also enjoy the museum's cafe and shop, which offer special discounts and promotions.
ACM Talks: This is a regular event that invites scholars, artists, and curators to share their insights and research on various topics related to the museum's collections and themes. You can also participate in the Q&A sessions and discussions.
You can book your tickets online or at the museum's ticketing counter. You can also sign up for the museum's newsletter to get the latest updates on the events and other happenings at the museum.
Galleries
One of the best ways to appreciate the museum is to visit its galleries, which display the museum's permanent collections of over 14,000 objects from across Asia. The museum has four main galleries, each focusing on a different theme and region. The galleries are:
Ancient Religions: This gallery showcases the origins and development of the major religions of Asia, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. You will see objects such as statues, reliefs, stupas, and mandalas that represent the beliefs and practices of these faiths.
China: This gallery highlights the history and culture of China, from the Neolithic period to the Qing dynasty. You will see objects such as bronzes, ceramics, jade, lacquer, and paintings that reflect the achievements and diversity of Chinese civilisation.
Southeast Asia: This gallery explores the maritime and cultural connections of Southeast Asia, from the prehistoric era to the colonial period. You will see objects such as pottery, metalwork, textiles, and carvings that illustrate the influences and interactions of various peoples and cultures in the region.
Fashion and Textiles: This gallery celebrates the art and innovation of fashion and textiles in Asia, from the ancient times to the present day. You will see objects such as costumes, accessories, fabrics, and embroidery that demonstrate the creativity and craftsmanship of Asian designers and artisans.
You can book your tickets online or at the museum's ticketing counter. You can also sign up for the museum's newsletter to get the latest updates on the galleries and other happenings at the museum.
Tours
Another way to enrich your museum experience is to join its tours, which offer guided and interactive tours of the museum's exhibitions and galleries. The museum offers different tour options, such as:
Self-Guided Tours: You can explore the museum at your own pace and interest, using the museum's app, audio guide, or brochure. You can also download the museum's e-guide, which provides detailed information and images of the museum's highlights.
Docent-Led Tours: You can join the museum's docents, who are trained volunteers who share their knowledge and passion for the museum's collections and themes. You can choose from various languages, such as English, Mandarin, Japanese, and French.
Virtual Tours: You can experience the museum from the comfort of your home, using the museum's website, which offers 360-degree views and interactive features of the museum's exhibitions and galleries.
You can book your tickets online or at the museum's ticketing counter. You can also sign up for the museum's newsletter to get the latest updates on the tours and other happenings at the museum.
Tips
Before you visit the museum, here are some useful tips to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time at the museum:
- The museum is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, except on Fridays, when it closes at 9 pm. The last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
- The museum charges an admission fee of $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and students, and free for children under 6 years old. Singaporeans and permanent residents enjoy free entry to the museum's permanent galleries.
- The museum is located at 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555, near the Raffles Place MRT station. You can also take buses 75, 100, 107, 130, 131, or 167 and alight at the Parliament Place bus stop.
- The museum has various facilities and services for visitors, such as a cloakroom, a wheelchair, a nursing room, a cafe, a shop, and a library. You can also access free Wi-Fi at the museum.
- The museum has some rules and regulations for visitors, such as no photography, no food and drinks, no smoking, no pets, and no touching of the exhibits. You can also check the museum's website for more details and updates.
You can book your tickets online or at the museum's ticketing counter. You can also sign up for the museum's newsletter to get the latest updates on the tips and other happenings at the museum.
The Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore is a cultural treasure trove for travellers who want to discover the rich and diverse heritage of Asia. Whether you are interested in the museum's exhibitions, events, galleries, tours, or tips, you will find something to fascinate and inspire you at the museum.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the museum's collections and themes, as well as the cross-cultural and pan-Asian connections that shaped Singapore and the world.
Book your tickets now and visit the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore today!
