Singapore National Museum. National Museum of Singapore National Museum of Singapore

National Museum Singapore is not only oldest museum but also one of the most important national monuments city-states. The National Museum of Singapore, formerly known as the Raffles Library and Museum, was originally part of the Singapore Institute Library from 1849 to 1887, but was moved to its current building by Colonel Sir Henry Edward McCallum. After more than three years of reconstruction, the museum was reopened to visitors in 2006. Spreading over 18400 sq.m., on this moment he is the most big museum in a country that mainly exhibits exhibits reflecting the rich history of Singapore and Asia.

Housed inside a neoclassical building enhanced with modern building elements, the National Museum of Singapore is an architectural marvel that boasts a breathtaking 11-meter glass walkway that allows access to the modern building through the old building.

This passage is a unique hall showing the restored before the smallest details victorian glassware. Equally admirable are the Canyon, the museum's lobby, whose walls have expressive relief and evoke thoughts of the stratosphere, and the Concourse, a noteworthy building that combines classic and modern design.

The exhibits are distributed among six galleries. The Goh Seng Choo Gallery and the Singapore History Gallery house some of the museum's most amazing pieces. On display at the Goh Seng Choo Gallery is a collection of 450 natural history drawings by William Farquhar.

As soon as you cross the threshold of the Singapore History Gallery and enter its magnificent glass hall, an exciting journey through rich history Singapore, which dates back to the 14th century.

The storytelling method is used in the gallery to gain a better understanding of the complexities that the early inhabitants had to deal with.

In addition, there are four distinct galleries that shed light on the lifestyle and ingenuity of primitive Singaporean society through exhibits related to:

• cinematography and wayang, for example, the inventory of the first films and the intricate costumes of the first Chinese operas;
• photography - albums and portraits collected over more than a century of history;
• food - artefacts that correspond to the ethnic diversity of the region, such as colorful jugs decorated with reproductions of Farquhar drawings donated by Mr. Go Geok Him, son of Farquhar, and spices used to add a unique flavor to the local cuisine;
• fashion - objects reflecting the changing trends in clothing for Singaporean women occurring in the 1950s and 1970s.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, throughout the year the museum also organizes special exhibitions and many events such as public art, festivals, workshops and lectures.

Museum Hours

The Singapore History Gallery is open from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm, and the Goh Seng Choo Gallery and four Singaporean galleries are open from 10:00 am to 08:00 pm

Museum ticket prices

Although admission to the museum building is free, you will need to pay a fee to access galleries that showcase Singaporean life, as well as admission to certain performances and events.

Price entrance ticket to the exhibition and Stamford Gallery S$6.00

How to get to the National Museum

The museum is easily accessible on foot from Bras Basah MRT Station (2 minutes walk from Exit C) or from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. Metro station city ​​hall is only 10 minutes walk. Stamford Road and YMCA bus stops are nearby. Bus numbers: 64, 65, 139

• Address: 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897
• Telephone: .+6563323659
• Website: www.nationalmuseum.sg
• Opening: 1849
• Working hours: 10.00-18.00
• Architect: Henry McCallum

The pride of any country is the presence of a capacious National Museum. The National Museum in Singapore appeared after the island's independence from England in 1965. Previously it was called historical museum, by the way, at the turn of the 2000s, this name was periodically returned. Today it is not only one of the first, but incl. and the most evolving and interactive. It is located in a beautiful historic building, built in the neoclassical style with a glass dome. In 2006, a large-scale restoration was carried out in the building, after which the President of Singapore S. Ramanathan himself opened the museum.

The collection of the National Museum of Singapore is dedicated to the history of the island and the country around the 14th century AD, including various peoples and nationalities that have ever inhabited its territory and contributed to the development of the future. The basic fund of the museum is the personal collection of Sir Stamford Raffles, who was the first settler and governor. It includes various historical development values South-East Asia, archaeological finds and ethnographic collections.

Initially, the museum was formed in 1849 as a small part school library Raffles Institution, later it was transported many times, and the future National Museum moved to its building only in 1887. Over the years, the museum's exposition has grown and continues to grow today. It consists of five parts, the largest of which is devoted to the history of the country from its very beginnings. It is exhibited in the form of twenty diors, reflecting the most important events Singapore's history, from the landing of Sir Stamford Raffles and his founding of the first modern settlement to independence in 1965. The remaining four galleries of the National Museum of Singapore are dedicated to cultural heritage and development. The exhibitions feature photographs depicting the formation of cinema, national fashion and local cuisine.

The museum houses eleven true treasures of the nation, including the world-famous Singapore stone from around the 13th century. This is a fragment of a block of sandstone, the inscription on which has not yet been deciphered. By the way, they could not even determine ancient language this inscription. There is an opinion that it can be either Sanskrit, or Old Javanese, or some other related language. The Singapore stone is one of the 12 strictly protected artifacts of the country. Other treasures of the museum include one of the early photographs of Singapore - a daguerreotype, the golden ornaments of the Sacred Hill from East Java, a portrait of the previous governor of Singapore, as well as the original will of Abdullah bin Abdul Qadir, a famous Malay writer.

The interactivity of the National Museum can only be envied. Each room is equipped with touch displays and video screens, where they show documentaries relevant topics. This allows you to immerse yourself in the historical past of Singapore. In addition, each tourist receives an electronic guide in English or Chinese, which makes it easier to navigate through the halls. The museum often hosts film screenings, various festivals, and organizes master classes, for example, on porcelain painting techniques.

The National Museum of Singapore has some of the Chinese and European cuisines, as well as a small buffet hall with light snacks and its own gift shop.

You can get to one of the most countries either by taking or using, for example, at Dhoby Ghaut or Bras Basah stations. An adult ticket costs about $10, for students - $5, for children under 6 years old admission is free. The historical section is open from ten in the morning to six in the evening, the rest of the halls - until 20.00. The museum has no days off. Photography is allowed in the museum building.

The National Museum of Singapore is the most valuable and extensive collection of exhibits on the history of the island. It is considered the oldest museum in the country, and one of the four with national status.

It was built in 1849 as one of the divisions of the institute's library. In 1887, on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the reign English queen Victoria, the museum received a new building, in which it is located to this day. The building on Stanford Road was designed in the neo-Palladian style favored by Singapore's British architects. In 2003-2006 the building was expanded and reconstructed. A modern structure made of metal and glass was cleverly built into the old elegant building of the museum. Such skillful reconstruction, while maintaining the original style, has turned the museum building into an architectural icon of Singapore.

And yet its main advantage is the exposition that tells about the history of Singapore since the 14th century, including with the help of modern interactive features. The four Galleries of Life showcase costumes and household items, photographs and newsreels that recreate a picture of life on the island over the decades.

Among the most important artifacts of the museum is the Singapura stone, dating back to the 10th-11th centuries, with an undeciphered inscription, presumably in Sanskrit or Old Javanese. An exotic exhibit of the collection of artifacts are the golden ornaments of the Sacred Hill of the island of Java. And the most interesting is the testament of the Malay educator and writer XIX century of Abdullah ibn Abdul-Qadir, the author of famous historical and philosophical works. The collection of significant artifacts includes early photograph(daguerreotype) of Singapore, watercolors of the first English colonist of the island, portraits of British colonial figures who influenced the development of Singapore, etc.

Among the new sections of the museum are the halls of national cuisine and cinema. The museum organizes workshops on the arts of the peoples inhabiting Singapore, for example, painting on porcelain.

In a programme holiday events, which will be held from October 13 to 15, will feature interactive tours, art installations and musical performances.

The National Museum of Singapore will celebrate its anniversary this weekend. Entrance to the museum from 13 to 15 October will be free, but selected programs (for example, excursions from the museum director and curators) will remain paid.

Director of the National Museum of Singapore Angelita Theo said the museum has "always tried to be ahead of its time". “For our birthday, we invite visitors to get to know the museum better, rediscover its fascinating history and architecture, its galleries, as well as get to know my colleagues and our volunteers who helped make the National Museum not just a place to learn about cultural and historical heritage Singapore, but also a place to celebrate our common history”, says Angelita Theo.

To celebrate the anniversary for real, on October 14, a solemn ceremony of cutting the birthday cake will take place, as well as treats with cupcakes.

The museum will also open a "retro flea market" featuring locally made crafts, knick-knacks and other fun items. The market will also host live music concerts and various master classes.

The National Museum is the oldest cultural institution in Singapore, first opened on 12 October 1887 as the Raffles Library and Museum. “Then the museum's goals were aimed at stimulating intellectual development in the region. The museum grew and developed along with the country, it survived the Japanese occupation and turned into a socio-historical and cultural institute, which is very loved by many,” the museum said in a press release.

From October 12, a new historical route "National Museum" will open, dedicated to the evolution of the museum. Special excursions within this route will also be available during the anniversary celebrations.

Main events:

Cutting the birthday cake

October 14, 14:45, Glass Passage, Level 2
Performance of “Happy Birthday to You” by The Joyful Voices.

Festive cupcake treats

How to get a cupcake from the museum?

1. Follow the National Museum of Singapore on Facebook or Instagram.
2. Post congratulations and a photo of yourself in the museum with the hashtag #happy130nms.
3. Show your post at the treat place and get your holiday cupcake.

Flea retro market

October 13, 17:00-22:00
October 14, 14:00-22:00
October 15, 10:00-18:00
The Concourse, Level 1
Glass Atrium & Coach Bay Level 2

Live music

Family activities

Create greeting cards
October 14 and 15, 10:30 – 13:30
Glass Atrium, level 2

Dough game by Cedele

Cupcake decoration by Cedele

October 14, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00
October 15, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
Activity Space, Level 3

Working hours:

Details about events and registration can be found here:

It is generally accepted that museums are not the most interesting part of Singapore. However, if you're even slightly interested in history, you'll love the National Museum. The museum first opened in 1887 and combines historical, archaeological and zoological areas. The zoological part of the museum was later moved and the museum focused on the history of the country. The historical excursion is quite fascinating - historical exposition accompanied by a "companion" - an audio guide. Unfortunately, the Russian language is not in the list of supported languages.

Of particular interest is the architecture of the building. After the restoration, which ended in 2006, a modern building was added to the museum. The combination turned out so interesting that the museum received several design awards.

If you get hungry, there are two restaurants on the territory of the museum - the Chef Chan restaurant, where you can enjoy fine Chinese cuisine in historical interiors, or the Novus Café, which specializes in European cuisine. Tables at Chef Chan are recommended to be booked in advance.

Useful information

Address: 93, Stamfordroad,Singapore 178897
Telephone: +65 6332 3659
Website: http://www.nationalmuseum.sg
Opening hours: 10.00-18.00 (entrance until 17.30)