Raffles Statue with Victoria Theater
Activities,  Travel

5 Favorite Museums in Singapore

We’ve hit the rainy season here in Singapore and with that my outdoor explorations have been curtailed a bit. The good news is that there are plenty of indoor activities in Singapore to escape either the heat or, in this case, the rain. When I need a place to escape, I love going to the museums here. They are rarely crowded, always air-conditioned and give you insights into the many facets of Singapore’s history.

There are many museums in Singapore that I haven’t had a chance to visit yet but these museums that capture my fascination and keep calling me back.

Julia in front of National Museum

National Museum of Singapore

This museum is at the top of my list and will likely remain there. The Singapore History Gallery is a must visit for anyone seeking to understand the role Singapore’s port has played throughout history going as far back as the 1300s. It has always been a thriving port and a crossroads of culture and ideas. In addition to the incredible History Gallery, I highly recommend checking out some of the other rotating exhibits focusing on Singapore culture.

The exhibits here are family friendly and are a favorite of my children, aged 12 and 10.

Good for kids: Yes

Cost: S$15 for Permanent Galleries

Nearest MRT station: Bras Basah (but a close walk for from City Hall, Bencoolen and Dhoby Ghaut

Asian Civilizations Museum

The only museum in Asia dedicated to Asian art and influence across the many peoples who call this part of the world home. If you are unfamiliar with Asian history and art forms, I highly recommend getting a tour. The works of art here will come alive once you understand how things were used, what the symbolism is and even how cultures mix and borrow from each other.

This museum is more of a traditional museum so depending on your children they may not find this particular museum as interesting so I recommend visiting as an adult.

Good for kids: No

Cost: $8

Nearest MRT: Raffles Place

white concrete building under blue sky
Photo by Alix Lee on Pexels.com

ArtScience Museum

Bring the whole family to this iconic building, located directly outside the Marina Bay Sands. “The Welcoming Hand of Singapore” is featured on many postcards of Singapore and the exhibits inside are worthy of the space.

This museum is dedicated to highlighting where art and science meet. You will find immersive exhibits based on the art of video games, how the creative process works on movies like Star Wars, creating sound and the list goes on. The exhibits change pretty frequently so be sure to check their website for the latest.

Good for kids: Yes

Cost: S$19

Nearest MRT: Bayfront

The Battlebox

Tour the secret, World War II command center located 9 meters under Fort Canning. You’ll have a chance to witness the drama and see the pressures the British were under before surrendering to the Japanese. To quote a popular American musical, they were, “out-gunned, out-manned, out-numbered, out-planned.” (Yes, the Hamilton soundtrack is on repeat in my house.)

Knowledgeable docents will take you on a 30 minute tour through the maze of rooms and set the stage for what it was like in the 1930s. After the tour, you can explore the rooms on your own and connecting the dots to what was going on in Europe at the same time. The whole family will enjoy this one since it’s short enough for younger historians and exciting enough for reluctant historians.

Good for kids: Yes

Cost: S$20 Adult

Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut or Fort Canning

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Entrance

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Located in a beautiful villa just off Balestier Rd, lies the home of Chinese revolutionary activities in Southeast Asia. Sadly, I know very little about Asian and Chinese history but this museum did a wonderful job of educating me on the 1911 Revolution which ended imperial rule in China and established the Republic of China.

This museum is small but the most charming on this list. I brought my 12 year old daughter with me and she enjoyed it. However, if you truly want to savor all the details of this museum, I would recommend sticking with adults.

Good for kids: No

Cost: S$8

Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh or Novena but better to take a bus as it is a 20 min walk from either MRT station

There are so many incredible museums to visit here in Singapore and I’m barely scratching the surface of this Little Red Dot. I hope you enjoyed and let me know of others I may have missed!

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