Are you looking for a place to learn about the fascinating past and present of Singapore? Do you want to experience the diversity and creativity of its people and culture? If yes, then you should not miss the National Museum of Singapore, the country’s oldest and largest museum that houses historical and cultural artefacts and exhibits. In this article, we will guide you through the museum’s attractions, architecture, tickets, and more. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a curious traveller, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate at the National Museum of Singapore.
History Gallery: Travel Back in Time to Singapore’s Origins and Transformation
The History Gallery is the main exhibit of the museum that showcases Singapore’s journey from the 14th century to the present day. It is divided into four sections: Singapura (1299-1818), Crown Colony (1819-1941), Syonan-To (1942-1945), and Singapore (1945-1975). Each section tells the story of Singapore’s history through multimedia and interactive elements, such as audio-visual presentations, touchscreens, and artefacts. You can see, hear, and feel the events and people that shaped Singapore’s identity and destiny.
Some of the highlights of the History Gallery include:
A replica of the Singapore Stone, a sandstone slab inscribed with ancient writing that dates back to the 10th century.
A collection of Sir Stamford Raffles’ personal belongings, such as his letters, drawings, and maps, that reveal his vision and role in founding modern Singapore.
A display of World War II memorabilia, such as weapons, uniforms, and documents, that depict the Japanese occupation and the resistance efforts of the Singaporeans.
A reconstruction of the Television Room of the former City Hall, where the proclamation of Singapore’s independence was broadcasted in 1965.
To enjoy and appreciate the History Gallery, here are some tips and information:
The recommended duration for the History Gallery is 2 hours.
You can use the audio guide to listen to the narration and commentary of the exhibits. The audio guide is available in English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, Japanese, and French. You can rent the audio guide for $5 at the Visitor Services counter.
You can also join the free guided tours of the History Gallery, conducted by the museum’s volunteers. The guided tours are available in English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. The tour schedule is subject to change, so please check the museum’s website for the latest updates.
Permanent Exhibitions: Explore the Various Aspects of Singapore’s Culture and Landscape
The Permanent Exhibitions are the other galleries of the museum that display various themes and topics related to Singapore’s culture and landscape. They complement the History Gallery and the museum’s vision of inspiring discovery, understanding, and enjoyment of Singapore’s heritage. The Permanent Exhibitions are:
Food Gallery: a gallery that celebrates Singapore’s diverse and delicious cuisine, and how it reflects the country’s multicultural and multiethnic society. You can see, smell, and taste some of the iconic dishes and ingredients of Singapore, such as laksa, chicken rice, and durian.
Fashion Gallery: a gallery that showcases Singapore’s fashion trends and styles, and how they express the country’s identity and creativity. You can admire some of the stunning outfits and accessories of Singapore, such as the sarong kebaya, the cheongsam, and the orchid brooch.
Film and Wayang Gallery: a gallery that traces Singapore’s film and wayang (shadow puppet) history and industry, and how they entertain and educate the country’s people and culture. You can watch some of the classic and contemporary movies and performances of Singapore, such as the Cathay-Keris films, the Malay bangsawan, and the Chinese opera.
Photography Gallery: a gallery that documents Singapore’s photographic history and practice, and how they capture and preserve the country’s memories and moments. You can view some of the rare and remarkable photos and cameras of Singapore, such as the William Farquhar Collection, the Lee Brothers Studio, and the Kodak Brownie.
Goh Seng Choo Gallery: a gallery that displays the natural history and biodiversity of Singapore, and how they influence and inspire the country’s people and culture. You can learn about some of the flora and fauna of Singapore, such as the rafflesia, the hornbill, and the pangolin.
To explore and enjoy the Permanent Exhibitions, here are some suggestions and information:
- You can join the guided tours of the Permanent Exhibitions, conducted by the museum’s volunteers. The guided tours are available in English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. The tour schedule is subject to change, so please check the museum’s website for the latest updates.
- You can also use the interactive features of the Permanent Exhibitions, such as the touchscreens, the audio stations, and the smell pods, to enhance your learning and enjoyment of the exhibits.
- You can also participate in the special programs of the Permanent Exhibitions, such as the workshops, the talks, and the festivals, to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the exhibits. The special programs are subject to change, so please check the museum’s website for the latest updates.
Architecture: Admire the Museum’s Building and Its Features
The Architecture of the museum is another attraction that you should not miss. The museum’s building is a blend of colonial and modern elements, and has a dome, a glass rotunda, and a glass passage. The building reflects Singapore’s colonial and post-colonial eras, and has been gazetted as a national monument.
Some of the highlights of the Architecture include:
- The Dome, which is the most prominent feature of the museum’s building. It was built in 1887, and is made of cast iron and glass. It is inspired by the Renaissance and the Palladian styles, and has a diameter of 15 meters and a height of 20 meters. It serves as a skylight and a ventilation system for the museum.
- The Glass Rotunda, which is the newest addition to the museum’s building. It was built in 2006, and is made of steel and glass. It is inspired by the contemporary and the futuristic styles, and has a diameter of 15 meters and a height of 40 meters. It serves as an entrance and a gallery for the museum.
- The Glass Passage, which is the connecting feature of the museum’s building. It was built in 2006, and is made of steel and glass. It is inspired by the minimalist and the functional styles, and has a length of 80 meters and a width of 4 meters. It serves as a link and a bridge between the old and the new wings of the museum.
To discover and appreciate the Architecture, here are some tips and information:
- You can join the free guided tours of the Architecture, conducted by the museum’s volunteers. The guided tours are available in English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. The tour schedule is subject to change, so please check the museum’s website for the latest updates.
- You can also use the audio guide to listen to the narration and commentary of the Architecture. The audio guide is available in English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, Japanese, and French. You can rent the audio guide for $5 at the Visitor Services counter.
- You can also uncover some of the hidden and unique features of the Architecture, such as the secret staircase, the hidden door, and the optical illusion.
Tickets: Book Your Tickets Online and Enjoy a Hassle-Free Visit
The Tickets are the practical aspect of your visit to the museum that you should not overlook. You can book your tickets online and enjoy a hassle-free visit to the museum. By booking online, you can get a discounted price, a flexible validity, an easy redemption, and an access to all galleries.
Some of the benefits and advantages of booking online include:
The discounted price: You can get a flat 34% off on the regular price of the tickets, which is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and free for children under 6 years old. By booking online, you only pay $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and free for children under 6 years old.
The flexible validity: You can use your tickets anytime within 6 months from the date of purchase, which gives you the freedom and convenience to plan your visit according to your schedule and preference.
The easy redemption: You can use your voucher to enter the museum without any hassle. You just need to scan the QR code on your voucher at the entrance, and you are good to go. No need to print or exchange your voucher for a physical ticket.
The access to all galleries: You can access all the galleries of the museum with your tickets, which gives you the opportunity and enjoyment to explore and appreciate the museum’s attractions, architecture, and more.
To book your tickets online, here are some details and instructions:
- The price of the tickets online is $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and free for children under 6 years old.
- The validity of the tickets online is 6 months from the date of purchase.
- The inclusions of the tickets online are the access to all the galleries of the museum, the audio guide, and the guided tour.
- The exclusions of the tickets online are the parking fees, the food and beverages, and the personal expenses.
- The cancellation policy of the tickets online is that you can cancel your booking up to 24 hours before the date of your visit and get a full refund. No refund will be given for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the date of your visit or for no-shows.
- The voucher of the tickets online is a digital document that contains your booking details and a QR code. You will receive your voucher by email after you complete your payment. You can either show your voucher on your mobile device or print it out and bring it with you to the museum.
How to Reach: Find the Best Way to Get to the Museum
The How to Reach is the final aspect of your visit to the museum that you should consider. You can find the best way to get to the museum by different modes of transport, such as bus, MRT, or car. The museum is located in the heart of the city, and is easily accessible by public or private transport. Some of the directions and tips on how to reach the museum are:
By bus:
You can take any of the following bus services to the museum: 7, 14, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 131, 147, 162, 166, 167, 171, 174, 190, 700, 857, and 972. You can alight at the bus stop in front of the Singapore Management University (SMU) or the YMCA, which are both within walking distance of the museum.
By MRT:
You can take the North-South Line (red) or the Circle Line (yellow) to the Bras Basah MRT Station, which is the nearest MRT station to the museum. You can exit from Exit A or B, and walk for about 5 minutes to the museum.
By car:
You can drive to the museum and park your car at the nearby parking facilities, such as the National Library Building, the SMU, the YMCA, the Rendezvous Hotel, the Plaza by the Park, and the Waterloo Street. The parking charges vary depending on the location and the time of the day, so please check the signs and the rates before you park.
The National Museum of Singapore is a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to discover the rich history and culture of the Lion City. You can learn about the past and present of Singapore through the museum’s exhibits, architecture, and more. You can also book your tickets online and enjoy a hassle-free visit to the museum. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a curious traveller, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate at the National Museum of Singapore.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets online now and experience the history and culture of the Lion City.
