Museums are more than just buildings filled with artefacts—they are gateways to history, culture, and creativity.
In a city as diverse as Singapore, museums offer a chance to explore the past, understand different communities, and experience cutting-edge innovations.
Whether you’re curious about Singapore’s multicultural roots, fascinated by contemporary art, or eager to see interactive exhibits, there’s something for everyone.
So, if you’re ready, read on more to explore some of the best museums the city has to offer!
1. National Museum of Singapore
If you want to understand Singapore’s history in an immersive way, this is the place to start.
Established in 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is the country’s oldest museum, yet it stays ahead of the times with high-tech interactive exhibits and digital storytelling.
The Singapore History Gallery is a must-visit, showcasing the nation’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a global financial hub.
The museum also features rotating exhibitions on local culture, fashion, and even supernatural folklore.
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about Singapore’s past, this museum will leave you with a deeper appreciation of the city’s heritage.
Address: 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Admission (tourists): Adult – $10 | Student & Seniors – $7 | Child – Free
2. Singapore Art Museum (SAM) (Free)
If contemporary art excites you, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) should be on your list.
Unlike traditional museums, SAM is dedicated to modern and experimental Southeast Asian art, featuring interactive installations, digital media, and thought-provoking sculptures.
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century Catholic school, the museum itself is a piece of art. The exhibitions constantly change, so there’s always something new to explore.
SAM also holds regular artist talks, film screenings, and workshops, making it a great place to engage with art beyond just viewing it.
Whether you love bold visual statements or are just discovering contemporary art, SAM promises a fresh and inspiring experience.
Address: 39 Keppel Rd, #01-02 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM)
Admission (tourists): Free
3. National Gallery Singapore
For lovers of fine art and history, the National Gallery Singapore is a stop you shouldn’t miss!
Housed in two of Singapore’s most iconic buildings—the former City Hall and Supreme Court—the gallery holds over 8,000 pieces of modern Southeast Asian art, making it the largest collection of its kind in the world.
Here, you can admire masterpieces by Singaporean artists like Georgette Chen and Cheong Soo Pieng, pioneers of the Nanyang art style, which blends Eastern and Western influences.
The gallery also offers interactive workshops, guided tours, and even a rooftop bar with stunning city views.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a unique cultural experience, this museum will leave you inspired.
Address: 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Admission (tourists): Varies depending on the gallery, check out the website for more information
4. ArtScience Museum
Ever wondered what happens when art, science, and technology collide?
The ArtScience Museum answers that question in spectacular fashion. Instantly recognisable by its lotus-shaped design, this museum is home to some of the most innovative and interactive exhibitions in the world.
The highlight?
Future World, a permanent digital installation by teamLab, where visitors can interact with light projections, walk through digital rain, and create their own virtual artworks.
The museum also hosts international exhibitions in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute, DreamWorks Animation, and NASA.
If you love futuristic and thought-provoking experiences, this museum will be one of the most Instagrammable stops on your trip.
Address: 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
Opening hours: Sundays to Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM) | Fridays to Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:15 PM)
Admission (tourists): Varies depending on the exhibition, check out the website for more information
5. Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)
To truly understand Singapore’s multicultural roots, a visit to the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is essential.
This museum explores the diverse heritage of Asia, showcasing artefacts from China, India, the Islamic world, and Southeast Asia.
The exhibits reveal how trade, migration, and cultural exchanges shaped Singapore’s identity.
Some highlights include the Tang Shipwreck collection, a hoard of 60,000 Chinese ceramics recovered from a ship that sank over 1,100 years ago!
The museum’s riverside location makes it a beautiful and peaceful spot to explore history, and its regular storytelling tours help bring the exhibits to life.
Address: 1 Empress PI, Singapore 179555
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM | Fridays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Admission (tourists): Adult – $25 | Student & Seniors – $20 | Children – Free
6. Battlebox Museum
History lovers, this one’s for you. The Battlebox Museum is an underground WWII command centre, where British forces made the fateful decision to surrender Singapore to Japan in 1942.
Today, you can explore its bunker-like rooms, original war maps, and military equipment, giving you a real sense of what it was like during wartime.
There are guided tours to take you through real-life accounts of soldiers and commanders, making history feel alive and emotionally gripping.
It’s a must-visit if you’re interested in military history, and the fact that it’s located within Fort Canning Park makes it an ideal stop before or after a leisurely stroll.
Address: Fort Canning Park, 2 Cox Terrace Singapore 179622
Opening hours: Wednesdays to Sundays (including Public Holidays) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
Admission (tourists): Free for Basic Experience, but note that you still need to reserve the tickets in advance
7. Changi Chapel and Museum
For a more poignant look at Singapore’s wartime past, visit the Changi Chapel and Museum.
This museum is dedicated to the prisoners of war (POWs) who were held at Changi during WWII, showcasing personal letters, photographs, and artefacts that tell their stories.
The replica of the original Changi Chapel serves as a quiet place of reflection, honouring those who endured hardship during the war.
Despite its heavy subject matter, the museum is beautifully curated and offers a moving experience that reminds visitors of the resilience of the human spirit.
This is a must-visit if you’re interested in WWII history.
If you’ve been to the National Museum of Singapore, remember to keep the ticket stub so you can enjoy $2 off admission at the Changi Chapel and Museum! The discount is valid for 3 months from the date of purchase of a National Museum of Singapore ticket.
Address: 1000 Upper Changi Rd N, Singapore 507707
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Admission (tourists): Adult – $8 | Student & Seniors – $5 | Children – Free
8. Peranakan Museum
Step into the world of the Peranakans, one of Singapore’s most unique cultural communities.
The Peranakan Museum celebrates the rich heritage of the Straits Chinese (Baba-Nyonya) community, whose traditions blend Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences.
The museum, housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, showcases intricately embroidered kebayas, ornate jewellery, delicate porcelain, and detailed beadwork.
You’ll learn about traditional Peranakan wedding customs, family life, and the significance of their vibrant cuisine and storytelling traditions.
The museum’s interactive exhibits and multimedia displays make it a fascinating experience, whether you’re familiar with Peranakan culture or discovering it for the first time.
Address: 39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM | Fridays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Admission (tourists): Adult $18 | Student & Seniors $12 | Children – Free
9. Indian Heritage Centre
The Indian Heritage Centre is a modern museum that explores the contributions of Singapore’s Indian community.
The exhibits take you through early Indian migration, traditional crafts, religious practices, and iconic figures in Singaporean history.
The museum’s interactive displays let you explore intricate textiles, old Tamil scripts, and even traditional jewellery up close. Its striking architectural design, which blends Indian temple motifs with contemporary elements, makes it a landmark in Little India.
If you want to learn about Indian culture, traditions, and their influence on Singapore, this is the place to visit.
Address: 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission (tourists): Adult $8 | Student & Seniors $5 | Children – Free
10. Malay Heritage Centre (Temporarily closed for redevelopment until 2026)
Located in Kampong Glam, the Malay Heritage Centre is housed in the former royal palace of the Malay Sultanate.
It tells the story of Singapore’s Malay community, from their early days as seafarers and traders to their cultural influence today.
The museum’s exhibits include traditional textiles, antique keris (daggers), and historic photographs that offer a glimpse into Malay customs, arts, and heritage.
The beautifully restored palace and its lush gardens also make for a serene and picturesque visit.
While it is temporarily closed for redevelopment until 2026, it’s still possible to explore the centre through its virtual exhibition in 3D.
11. Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (Free)
The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) celebrates Chinese Singaporean identity by blending traditional heritage with modern interpretations.
One must-visit exhibition is SINGAPO人, an interactive experience that takes you on a journey through Chinese Singaporean identity.
Across 5 themed zones, you’ll explore how traditions, language, food, and customs have uniquely evolved in Singapore, offering a fun and engaging way to connect with the nation’s rich multicultural heritage.
The museum also regularly hosts live performances, workshops, and cultural events, making it a vibrant hub for those interested in Singapore’s Chinese heritage.
It’s free to visit, even for tourists, making it a great place to explore Singaporean-Chinese culture without spending a cent.
Address: 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906
Opening hours for SINGAPO人 exhibition (including public holidays): Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Mondays from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Opening hours for rest of the exhibitions: Please check the website for more information
Admission (tourists): Free
Conclusion
Singapore’s museums cater to a wide range of interests, whether you’re passionate about history, fascinated by art, or looking for a unique experience.
From renowned institutions like the National Museum of Singapore and ArtScience Museum, each museum offers a deeper understanding of the city’s rich culture, heritage, and innovation.
So, why not plan a museum day?
Step into the past, engage with the present, and be inspired by the future. You never know what fascinating stories and hidden treasures you might uncover along the way!
I hope this guide on the best museums in Singapore will come in handy for you!
