Singapore Museums - Museum in Singapore

Buildings dating from the British Colonial era have been progressively converted for use as museums. These include the magnificent Empress Place Building along the Singapore River, the Singapore History Museum on Stamford Road and the Singapore Art Museum on Bras Basah Road. Collectively, these institutions preserve, present and promote the cultural heritage of Singapore.

Singapore History Museum

Housed in the historic National Museum Building that dates back to 1887, the Singapore History Museum explores the rich heritage of the people of Singapore, from our ethnic and religious diversity to the struggle for nationhood. The museum traces the trends and developments that have characterized and shaped life in Singapore from as early as the 14th century to modern day.

On display are exhibitions such as "Bukit Larangan: History of Fort Canning" and "Rumah Baba: Life in a Peranakan House", highlighting trends and developments that have characterized and shaped life in Singapore since the 14th century.

Visitors can also enjoy "The Singapore Story - Overcoming the Odds: A 3D Experience", the only high definition 3D show in town that presents the history of Singapore through animation, virtual sets and historical footages. There are 6 hourly shows from Tue - Sun, 10:30am - 3:30pm. There is an additional show on Fridays at 5:30pm.

Asian Civilizations Museum

Tracing and presenting the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans is the mission of the Asian Civilizations Museum. Given the multiethnic nature of Singapore's population and her geographical position, the main interest areas of the Museum encompass China, Southeast Asia, India and West Asia. The Museum's exhibition and collection policies are thus based on these regions.

The story of our immigrant forefathers' ancestral cultures unfolds at the Asian Civilizations Museum, whose collection hails from China, India, Southeast Asia and the Islamic world.

The exhibits in the first wing of the Asian Civilizations Museum are housed in a restored neo-classical building dating back to 1910. The focus of the first wing of the museum is on the rich Chinese cultural heritage. A series of thematic galleries introduce visitors to the world of Chinese beliefs, symbolism, connoisseurship and the Chinese scholar tradition.

Of note are superb Buddhist artifacts, imperial porcelain and a collection of 17th century Ming-style furniture. Rare and fascinating objects from as far back as the Neolithic Period (5000 - 1600 BC) can also be viewed.

The story of Asian civilizations and culture will be even more complete when the second wing opens at the Empress Place Building in early 2002, and will give an insight into the cultural heritage of India, Southeast Asia and the Islamic World.

Singapore Art Museum

The Singapore Art Museum at Bras Basah Road, just across from the Singapore History Museum, is housed in a beautifully restored school building (the former St. Joseph's Institution). The Singapore Art Museum's state-of-the-art galleries feature paintings, sculptures and installations drawn from its 4000-strong permanent collection of Southeast Asian modern and contemporary art as well as touring 'blockbusters' shows. One of the main attractions of the museum is the E-mage Gallery which features interactive programs involving 20th century Southeast Asian art on large high-definition visual monitors.

Singapore Philatelic Museum

The stamp may just be a very simple piece of gummed paper to some of us. What we probably have not come to appreciate is that each stamp is a concise and colorful record of the history, culture or achievements of a nation.

In this regard, the Singapore Philatelic Museum at Coleman Street is certainly well worth a visit. One easily recognizable feature of the museum is the 1.64 meters high Red Pillar Box at its entrance. The first of its kind to be imported from England in 1873, it is also the only posting box left from the colonial times and now still serves the purpose for which it was made. The building housing the museum was built in 1907 and used to be part of the Anglo-Chinese School, a premier all-boys educational institution established by Christian missionaries.

This museum is a treat for both stamp and non-stamp collectors. Collectors will be enchanted with the fine collection of local and international stamps, and first day covers housed in this quaint building dating back to 1907. For non-collectors, the museum is a showcase for the rich and enduring traditions and cultures of multiethnic Singapore captured on stamps, postcards and visuals. The intricate process leading to a stamp issue - from artwork through printing plates and progressive sheets to the final product - are vividly illustrated through exhibits, interactive games and hands-on activities. Visitors may request for guided tours at the reception or pre-arrange tours by phone.

Changi Chapel & Museum

The Changi Chapel, housed within the open-air courtyard of the museum, is a replica of one of the many chapels that were built during World War II. It stands as a monument for those who would not buckle under Japanese rule, and who kept their faith and dignity in the face of seemingly hopeless odds.

Letters, photographs, drawings and personal effects in the museum tell a horrific story of over three years of war and imprisonment for more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers in Changi. From the fall of Singapore on February 15, 1942 till the Japanese surrender in September 1945, life was a daily struggle against humiliation, loss of freedom, hunger and disease. Yet it was here, where conditions were at their worst, that we hear of stories that are heroic, touching, and most of all, inspirational. The highlight within is a series of magnificent wall paintings called The Changi Murals, painstakingly recreated from the originals painted by Bombardier Stanley Warren.

Images of Singapore

Located on the popular Sentosa Island, this wax diorama museum takes you back in time to experience the different historical facets of Singapore. Singapore's history from the 14th century to the early 20th century is carefully recreated with life-size figures in the Pioneers of Singapore exhibit. Experience the battle of Malaya and Singapore in the Surrender Chambers which depicts Singapore during World War II. Festivals of Singapore showcase the cultural heritage of Singapore. Set in the 1950s and 1960s, exhibits introduce the various customs and traditions of the different ethnic groups in Singapore - the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakans.

(c) Provided by Tourism Authority of Singapore