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National Museum of Singapore

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National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)

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The National Museum of Singapore is the nation's oldest museum and a significant architectural landmark. Originally established in 1849 as the Raffles Library and Museum, it moved to its current location on Stamford Road in 1887. The museum's architecture is a fascinating blend of the original 19th-century Neo-Palladian and Renaissance styles with modern glass elements added during a major renovation between 2003 and 2006. The institution is dedicated to the history and culture of Singapore from its earliest beginnings to the present day. One of its most precious exhibits is the 'Singapore Stone,' an 11th-century historical relic. Through innovative multimedia exhibitions and interactive galleries, the National Museum provides deep insights into the national identity and the rapid transformation of the city-state over the centuries.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.

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Rain mm235102168193199164174173167210283300

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in the country, offering immersive and interactive exhibits on history and culture. The indoor spaces are modern and invite exploration.
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Typical hours
The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, including most public holidays. It may be closed only on certain holidays like New Year; checking ahead is advisable.
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Photography
Photography without flash is allowed throughout the museum. Some interactive areas ask to refrain from photos to avoid disrupting the experience.
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Time needed
Allow about two to three hours for a visit. The permanent and temporary exhibitions offer plenty to discover.
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Combine with
The museum is near the Singapore Art Museum and Fort Canning Park. Combine your visit with a walk through the cultural district or to nearby Orchard Road.
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Getting there
The museum is accessible by MRT (Dhoby Ghaut or Bras Basah station) and bus. It is in the city center, so many attractions are within walking distance.
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Insider tip
Join the free guided tours offered several times daily. Monday mornings are usually the quietest.

Geography

Coordinates
1.29660, 103.84850

Facts

  • Established in 1849, it is the oldest museum in Singapore.
  • The current building on Stamford Road officially opened in 1887.
  • The museum covers a total floor area of 18,400 square meters.
  • It underwent a major three-year redevelopment ending in 2006.
  • The architecture combines Neo-Palladian style with a modern glass rotunda.
  • It houses the Singapore Stone, an 11th-century historical relic.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fort Canning ParkFort Canning Park<1 km · SExplore →
BishanBishan1 km · WExplore →
Singapore FlyerSingapore Flyer2 km · NExplore →
Bowyer Block (SGH)Bowyer Block (SGH)2 km · SExplore →
MacRitchie Reservoir ParkMacRitchie Reservoir Park2 km · SWExplore →
St. John's IslandSt. John's Island2 km · EExplore →
SerangoonSerangoon3 km · NWExplore →
Sisters' Islands Marine ParkSisters' Islands Marine Park3 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National Museum of Singapore (14)

Fort Canning Tree Tunnel📍 landmark

This popular photographic spot features a scenic underground staircase enveloped by the cascading roots of mature trees.

Jews of Singapore Museum🏛 museum

This cultural institution traces the history, heritage, and contributions of the local Jewish community.

Objectifs - Centre for Photography and Film🏛 museum

This independent visual arts space is dedicated entirely to the cultivation of photography and filmmaking.

🕒 Mo-Sa 12:00-19:00; Su 12:00-16:00; Mo,PH off

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd⛪ religious

Consecrated in 1847, this is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Singapore and features classical Renaissance architecture.

♿

National Museum of Singapore🏛 museum

Dating back to 1887, this grand institution is the nation's oldest museum, focusing on its history and culture.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-19:00

The Substation🎭 culture

Housed in a former power substation built in 1926, this is a pioneering independent contemporary arts centre.

Visual Arts Centre🎭 culture

Set within a lush park environment, this exhibition space hosts regular fine art displays and workshops.

Orchard Road Presbyterian Church⛪ religious

Established in 1878, this Scottish congregation's church building is one of the oldest on the famous shopping street.

Selegie Arts Centre🎭 culture

Housed in a distinctively narrow, multi-storey pre-war building, this space hosts the Photographic Society of Singapore.

Singapore Life Church⛪ religious

Founded in 1883, this Presbyterian congregation has a long history of ministering to the local Teochew-speaking community.

Mount Emily Park🌳 park

This tranquil hillside park has a quiet green retreat with mature trees just a short walk from the bustling city centre.

Sri Temasek🏰 castle

This designated heritage house, originally built as the Colonial Secretary's residence, now serves as the official home of the Prime Minister.

Khalsa Dharmak Sabha📍 landmark

This Sikh gurdwara provides spiritual guidance and a community kitchen (langar) for the local Punjabi community.

Sian Teck Tng Temple📍 landmark

This neighborhood Buddhist temple features ornate roof carvings and gives a quiet space for meditation and chanting.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the National Museum closed?
It is open daily, just check for holidays.
How long does a museum visit take?
Plan about 2 to 3 hours for the exhibition.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, there are interactive exhibits.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes, for permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the entire building is modern and accessible.
National Museum of Singapore: where is it located?
National Museum of Singapore is located in Singapore.
National Museum of Singapore: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fort Canning Tree Tunnel, Jews of Singapore Museum, Objectifs - Centre for Photography and Film.
National Museum of Singapore: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.
National Museum of Singapore: why is it worth visiting?
The National Museum of Singapore is the nation's oldest museum and a significant architectural landmark.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
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Nearby cities

Downtown Core — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Downtown Core
The economic heart of Singapore, encompassing the Central Business District and Marina Bay area.
Bukit Merah — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Bukit Merah
A mature residential estate with a mix of public and private housing, parks, and commercial buildings.
Toa Payoh — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Toa Payoh
The second satellite town built in Singapore, a mature estate with a strong sense of community.
Kallang — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Kallang
A sports and entertainment hub, home to the Singapore Sports Hub and located by the Kallang River.
Bishan — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Bishan
A centrally located residential town known for its well-designed public housing and the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Bukit Timah — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Bukit Timah
A prime residential district known for its lush greenery, prestigious schools, and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Chinatown — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Chinatown
A historic district showcasing a mix of old temples, traditional shophouses, and modern bars and restaurants.
Little India — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Little India
A vibrant ethnic district offering a blast of sights, sounds, and smells of Indian culture.
Singapore City — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Singapore City
The heart of the city-state, a global financial hub with a tropical climate and multicultural population.
Kampong Glam — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Kampong Glam
Singapore's historic Malay enclave, known for its trendy boutiques, hip cafes, and the Sultan Mosque.
Orchard Road — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Orchard Road
Singapore's premier shopping belt, lined with luxury malls, department stores, and upscale hotels.

History & landmarks

Merlion Park — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Merlion Park
Merlion Park is a famous Singapore landmark and home to the Merlion statue, a mythical creature with a lion's head and the body of a fish.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
A waterfront performing arts center nicknamed 'The Durian' for its unique spiky roof design resembling the durian fruit.
ArtScience Museum — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
ArtScience Museum
A museum that explores the intersection of art, science, culture, and technology.
Helix Bridge — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Helix Bridge
A pedestrian bridge known for its design inspired by the DNA structure, linking Marina Centre with Marina South.
Marina Bay Sands — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Marina Bay Sands
An integrated resort famous for its unique architecture, featuring three hotel towers topped by a massive rooftop SkyPark.
Tiong Bahru Market — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Tiong Bahru Market
One of Singapore's oldest and most popular markets, housing a wet market and a hawker centre, offering a wide array of local delicacies.
Singapore Flyer — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Singapore Flyer
A giant observation wheel that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline and beyond.

Nature

Singapore River — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Singapore River
The historic river that flows through the heart of Singapore, playing a vital role in its history.

More places

Fort Canning Park — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Fort Canning Park
An iconic hilltop park in central Singapore, rich with history and artifacts dating back to the 14th century.
Clarke Quay — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Clarke Quay
A historical riverside quay that has been transformed into a vibrant nightlife and entertainment hub with restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Tan Si Chong Su Temple — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Tan Si Chong Su Temple
An important ancestral temple for the Tan clan association in Singapore, built in 1876.
Yueh Hai Ching Temple — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Yueh Hai Ching Temple
One of the oldest Teochew temples in Singapore, known as the 'Temple of the Calm Sea'.
Old Parliament House — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Old Parliament House
The oldest surviving government building in Singapore, now serving as The Arts House, a performing arts centre.
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
A complex of two buildings, a theatre and a concert hall, joined by a distinctive clock tower.
Singapore Exchange (SGX) — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Singapore Exchange (SGX)
Asia's leading international multi-asset exchange, offering equities, fixed income, and derivatives trading.
Raffles Place — National Museum of Singapore (Singapore)
Raffles Place
The historical heart of Singapore's financial district, home to many banks, insurance companies, and law firms.