SINGAPORE OFFERS A VARIETY OF (NATIONAL) MUSEUMS, HERITAGE INSTITUTIONS & GALLERIES.
All About City brought together a comprehensive list of art spaces, which are considered a must-visit for locals, ex-pats & visitors in town!
FREE FOR PUBLIC
The Artisan’s Garden was once the site of the craftsmen’s workshop and living quarters in the 14th century. Today, space is one of the last archaeological dig sites that has been retained in Singapore. Visitors can explore the refreshed interpretive space to better appreciate what the site used to be, as well as learn about the archaeological excavations and their findings on Fort Canning. There is also a decked activity space that will regularly host archaeology-related workshops.
Park lighting hours: 7 pm – 7 am
Free Admission
BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE AND MUSEUM
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a Buddhist temple and museum complex located in the Chinatown district of Singapore.
Park lighting hours: 7 pm – 7 am
Free Admission
CIVIL DEFENCE HERITAGE GALLERY
The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery traces fire fighting and civil defence developments in Singapore from the late 1800s till the modern day and is intended as a twin vehicle for showcasing the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF) proud and long history, as well as heightening public awareness of civil defence.
Click here to request a visit to EPC/Heritage Gallery.
Kindly note that visits are closed on Mondays
Free Admission
Fort Siloso is Singapore’s only well-preserved coastal fort that served as part of the country’s defences. The on-site military museum contains a treasure trove of WWII memorabilia, including coastal guns, the remains of fortified military structures and tunnels, as well as an interactive video documentary, complete with wax figures of Japanese & British soldiers at the Surrender Chambers.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am – 6 pm – Last entry at 5.30 pm
Free Admission
FUK TAK CHI TEMPLE
The Fuk Tak Chi Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, built in 1824 by Hakka and Cantonese immigrants five years after the founding of the modern city in 1819.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 10 pm
Free Admission
GAN HERITAGE CENTRE
A comprehensive clan archive, the Centre presents an illustration and documentation of the story of the Gan Clan from the etymological origins of the Gan surname to its present status. Above all, Gan Heritage Centre is a living museum that encourages interaction with its visitors, particularly the younger audience in quest of their ancestral roots and cultural identity.
Admission to Gan Heritage Centre is free, but by appointment only.
Gallery hours from 2 pm – 6 pm on weekdays.
Make an appointment to visit Gan Heritage Centre
262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628
Haw Par Villa – formerly known as the Tiger Balm Garden – is an 8.5-hectare Asian cultural park, the last of its kind in the world. Built-in 1937, Singapore’s largest outdoor art gallery is the brainchild of Aw Boon Haw, the millionaire philanthropist and marketing extraordinaire who gifted the world Tiger Balm. The eclectic park is a treasure trove of Asian culture, history, philosophy and religion – quirky yet enlightening, at the same time.
Opening hours: 9 am – 10 pm (last entry 9.30 pm)
TEN COURTS OF HELL 9 am – 9.30 pm (last entry 9.15 pm)
Open daily, including weekends and Public Holidays
Free Admission
HOME TEAM GALLERY
The gallery, located within the Home Team Academy, highlights the rich history of Home Team departments and the evolution of the Home Team concept. Visitors will learn about how the various Home Team departments work with other government agencies and the community to keep Singapore safe and secure.
Free Admission
The Istana Heritage Gallery is located at the Istana Park along Orchard Road, opposite the Istana. Opened since October 2016, the specially curated exhibition captures the Istana’s transition from being the Colonial Governor’s House to its present role as the Office of the President. The range of heritage displays includes state artefacts, artworks and collection of gifts presented by foreign dignitaries to Singapore’s Presidents and Prime Ministers.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am-6 pm, except Wednesdays when it is closed for maintenance
Admission charges: Free
Discover how tax has evolved in Singapore in the past, present and future through a highly interactive experience that allows visitors to discover much of this story for themselves. Follow the trail to find the answers to questions such as ‘Just what is tax, really?’ and ‘What kinds of tax do you pay?’
Visitors welcomed on Mondays to Fridays from 8 am to 5 pm.
Admission is free and visits are self-guided.
James Cook Australia Institute of Higher Learning, 149 Sims Drive, Singapore 387380
The first museum completely dedicated to the History of Video and Computer Games in South East Asia
Entrance is free
For opening hours, check the Facebook page
KRETA AYER HERITAGE GALLERY
Kreta Ayer Heritage Gallery serves as a platform to showcase the rich history of the Kreta Ayer and Chinatown areas.
Free Admission
For opening hours, check the Facebook page
MUSEUM@MY QUEENSTOWN
A community museum that showcases the story of Queenstown as Singapore’s first satellite town.
Check events on Eventbrite
Opening Hours: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays from 9.30 am – 2.30 pm | Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from 9.30 am – 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm.
No entry charge.
NATIONAL HEALTHCARE GROUP POLYCLINICS’ GALLERY OF MEMORIES
This museum traces the growth of the National Helthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP) from a network of Maternal and Child Health clinics and Outpatient Dispensaries in the late 19th century to a leader in primary healthcare provision today.
It has a display of health-related artefacts from the past and aims to preserve our heritage and educate the younger and future generations of Singaporeans about primary healthcare’s history.
Opening Hours: Mondays – Fridays 8 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 4.30 pm | Saturdays 8 am – 12.30 pm | Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Admission Charges: Free
The National Library in Singapore is the flagship building of the National Library Board, located on an 11,304-square metre site in Victoria Street.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 9 am
Free Admission
The NEWater Visitor Centre (NVC) is an education hub that promotes water sustainability in Singapore and shares how NEWater is produced. The Centre offers a fun-filled and enriching time for visitors of all ages, with interactive tours and educational workshops.
Opening Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays, (including public holidays) 9 am – 5:30 pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Free Admission
The Museum has over 8,000 artefacts and artworks across four collections, the South & Southeast Asian Collection, the Lee Kong Chian Collection, the Ng Eng Teng Collection and the Straits Chinese Collection, located at the NUS Baba House.
Check out events & exhibitions
Opening Hours:
Monday: School & faculty visits by appointment only
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday & Public Holiday: Closed
Free Admission
The Museum has over 8,000 artefacts and artworks across four collections, the South & Southeast Asian Collection, the Lee Kong Chian Collection, the Ng Eng Teng Collection and the Straits Chinese Collection, located at the NUS Baba House.
Check out events & exhibitions
Opening Hours:
Monday: School & faculty visits by appointment only
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday & Public Holiday: Closed
Free Admission
The Police Heritage Centre (PHC) welcomes visitors with a showcase of multifarious exhibits and multimedia displays that highlights the rich history of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) from the colonial times till the present day.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday and eve of Public Holidays: 10 am – 1 pm
Closed on Monday, Sunday and Public Holidays
Free entry – Visits are strictly by appointment only
The Air Force Museum creatively combines original artefacts with interactive media and provides an engaging hands-on experience that breathes new life into the RSAF story for all ages.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 8.30 am – 5 pm
Free Admission
About the Singapore Navy – how it began, the challenges the early sailors went through and overcame.
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday – 9 am – 5 pm | Saturday 9 am – 3 pm
Closed on Sundays, Public Holidays, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year’s Eve.
Free Admission
The Land Transport Gallery provides visitors with a visual and sensory experience of Singapore’s transport development.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday from 9.30 am – 5 pm | Saturdays from 9.30 am – 1 pm (For pre-arranged community visits only) | Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Free Admission
We need you to make a prior booking for your visit to ensure that the Gallery is not overcrowded and all visitors can enjoy a comfortable time here. Click here to book your visit. For multiple bookings or enquiries please email us.
The Singapore City Gallery showcases Singapore’s dramatic transformation over the past 50 years, to become one of the most liveable cities in Asia. It tells Singapore’s development story, through 40 interactive and immersive exhibits that detail our planning challenges and the innovative solutions that tackle them.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm | Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Free admission
Sail into Singapore’s maritime beginnings and discover how she transformed from a thriving trading post into a premier Global Hub Port and the world’s leading International Maritime Centre!
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 9 am-6 pm | Closed on Mondays (except for public holidays).
Free admission
Enjoy the magnificent view of the city skyline from the rooftop of Marina Barrage and learn more about Singapore’s water journey at the Sustainable Singapore Gallery.
Opening hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily (closed on Tuesdays)
Free Admission
Occupying the almost 200-year-old building that was home to Singapore’s first parliament, The Arts House continues in the distinguished tradition of this gazetted national monument and now plays a key role in the country’s arts and creative scene. Promoting and presenting multidisciplinary programmes and festivals within its elegant spaces, it focuses in particular on the literary arts, celebrating the works of written and spoken word artists from Singapore and beyond.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily
Box Office:
Level 1, The Arts House
Monday – Friday: 10 am – 8 pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed
(For programmes on weekends and Public Holidays, the Box Office will be opened 60 minutes before the programme)
Free Admission
In honouring the spirit and commitment of those who rose from the depths of adversity, the Museum inspires future generations to come and deepen their appreciation of the heroic and inspirational stories that unfolded in Changi during the war. The Changi Museum is dedicated to all those who lived and died in Singapore, in particular the Changi area, during the dark years of World War II.
Operation hours: 9.30 am – 5 pm daily
Free Admission
A space that celebrates the history of Cathay and the Loke family’s business ventures in Singapore and Malaysia, as well as their contribution to Cathay Organisation.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm
Discover the history behind The Cathay at The Cathay Gallery, Level 2!
Free Admission
Follow their museum route of how gemstones are being transformed from the mine to market in 4 different stages (from formation to mining and extraction, to gem and diamond cutting (lapidary), lastly to the trade and industry). It’s an enriching learning journey from the museum to the exquisite showroom.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12 am – 5 pm | Saturday 11 am – 3 pm.
Closed on Monday, Sunday & Public Holiday.
Admission is free
Before visiting, kindly visit the Facebook page to check for ad-hoc closure dates, due to special events.
Follow their museum route of how gemstones are being transformed from the mine to market in 4 different stages (from formation to mining and extraction, to gem and diamond cutting (lapidary), lastly to the trade and industry). It’s an enriching learning journey from the museum to the exquisite showroom.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 12 am – 5 pm | Saturday 11 am – 3 pm.
Closed on Monday, Sunday & Public Holiday.
Admission is free
Before visiting, kindly visit the Facebook page to check for ad-hoc closure dates, due to special events.
THE KINDNESS GALLERY
Learn more about kindness and graciousness. Whether for locals familiar with past campaigns, or tourists who are intrigued by efforts in Singapore to encourage pro-social behaviour, The Kindness Gallery has something to interest everyone.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm
The Kindness Gallery is closed on Weekends and Public Holidays
Free admission
The Parkview Museum Singapore is a private museum established by the Parkview Group. Located in Parkview Square, it occupies a floor area of 1,500 square metres with up to six metres of ceiling height. It is a brand new space conceived to host exhibitions with an emphasis on contemporary art. Its exhibitions will alternate between solo shows, thematic exhibitions, and exhibitions featuring pieces from the Group’s extensive collection.
Currently closed to prepare the next exhibition, check their website for updates!
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 12 pm – 7 pm.
The Parkview Museum Singapore is open to the public free of charge to encourage the integration and appreciation of art in everyday life.
Housed in the Bowyer Block, an architectural landmark in the Outram Campus, the SGH Museum is a repository of artefacts and records, where visitors can trace the long and rich history of the Singapore General Hospital.
Currently closed to prepare the next exhibition, check their website for updates!
Opening Hours: By Appointment Only
Free Entry for all visitors
A contemporary fine art gallery where Art meets Fashion, Luxury, Investment & Beyond, presenting Oil paintings, Sculptures, Ceramics, Watercolors, Photographs, Prints, Installations, Designer Furniture and Artistic Architectures.
Opening Hours: Daily 10 am – 7 pm
(including Sundays & Public Holidays)
Free Admission
FREE FOR CITIZENS & PERMANENT RESIDENTS
The Asian Civilisations Museum is devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans.
Opening Hours: Saturdays – Thursdays – 10 am – 7 pm
Fridays – 10 am – 9 pm
Closest MRT: Raffles Place (Exit H)
Admission Fee
Citizens & Permanent Residents: Free
Adults $8 – Students, Seniors, Persons with Disabilities $4
NUS Baba House is a three-storey townhouse located in Singapore’s historic district of Blair Plain. As a part of NUS Centre for the Arts, it facilitates research into architectural conservation, urban and social history, and cultural hybridity.
Check out What’s on
Free entry for all visitors who are:
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, NUS Staff, Students and Alumni
Students holding valid passes, ICOM and Museum Roundtable members.
A SGD 10 fee is applicable for all other visitors.
Citizens & Permanent Residents: Free
Adults $8 – Students, Seniors, Persons with Disabilities $4
The Chinatown Heritage Centre is the gateway for all visitors to trace the footsteps of Singapore’s early pioneers and discover the personal stories of people who made Chinatown their home.
Opening Hours: Daily, 9.30 am – 6.30 pm
Ticketing: Adult SGD 18 – Child SGD 14 – Seniors (Singaporean/PR) free with every paying visitort Residents: Free
Adults $8 – Students, Seniors, Persons with Disabilities $4
About the history and culture of the Eurasian community in Singapore
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm (including public holidays) – Closed on Monday.
Admission Fee: Singaporean Citizens & Permanent Residents Free – Foreign visitors SGD 5
Tours: SGD 6 per pax
The Indian Heritage Centre is a cultural centre and museum in Singapore that showcases the culture, heritage and history of Indian Singaporeans.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 10 am – 7 pm | Fridays – Saturdays: 10 am – 8 pm | Sundays/Public Holidays 10 am – 4 pm | Closed on Mondays
The Indian Heritage Centre is closed on Public Holidays that fall on a Monday unless otherwise stated.
Admission:
Free admission for all Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs), and visitors aged 6 years and below.
The Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) showcases the history, culture and contributions of the Malay community within the context of Singapore’s history and multi-cultural society.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm | Monday – Closed
Malay Heritage Centre Compound
Tuesday – Sunday, 8 am – 8 pm
Friday – Saturday, 8 am – 10 pm
Monday – Closed
Admission
Citizens & Permanent Residents free
Tourists & Foreign Citizens Adults SGD 4.00 – Adults (for group of 20 and above) – 20% discount – Family (for maximum of 5 members) – SGD 12
Seniors – SGD 2.00 – Students – SGD 2.00 – Free for children under 6 years old
visitors aged 6 years and below.
Singapore’s leading visual arts institution which oversees the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art.
Opening Hours
Gallery exhibition spaces, Keppel Centre for Art Education and Gallery & Co / Padang Atrium entrance and public spaces
Sunday – Thursday, Public Holidays: 10 am to 7 pm
Friday – Saturday, Eve of Public Holidays: 10 am to 10 pm
Rooftop dining: 10 am–1 am
Coleman Street entrance: 9 am–1 am
Basement car park: 7 am–1 am
Admission Fee: Singaporean : Free | NON-Singaporean: SGD 20- SGD 15
The National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum that seeks to inspire with stories of Singapore and the world.
Find Out More Programme
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 am – 7 pm
Last admission at 6.30 pm
Admission Fee
Citizens and Permanent Residents Free
Children 6 years of age and below (All nationalities) Free
Foreign Visitors (Adults) SGD 10
Foreign Visitors (Concessions for Students & Seniors aged 60 years and above and Persons with Disabilities*) SGD 5
In 2005, the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) acquired the Former Ford Factory site where the British surrendered to the Japanese during World War II. The site underwent extensive development and a new repository was developed to house the growing archival collection. In addition, anchoring on archival records and the significance of the site, NAS curated an exhibition showcasing the memories of life during the Japanese Occupation.
Opening Hours: (Please note that the Memories at Old Ford Factory is currently closed for renovations.)
Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 5.30 pm
Sunday: 12 noon – 5.30 pm
Admission: SGD 3
Free admission for: All Children under 6, Singaporeans and permanent residents, Singapore student pass holders, Museum Roundtable members.
Free admission to all on Open House Day
SDC provides a mind-and-heart-engaging and multi-sensory learning experience which spans a selection of integrated themes. Visitors can learn about what makes Singapore tick and gain insights into Singapore’s challenges, dreams and aspirations.
Check the Exhibits & Attractions
Opening Hours: Weekdays from 9 am – 4 pm | Weekends from 9 am – 6 pm
Free admission for Singaporeans & Permanent Residents | Tourists & foreign citizens Adult SGD 10 – Youth SGD 7.50 – Child SGD 6 – Senior Citizen SGD 9 – Family $28
The museum collections range from stamps and archival philatelic material of Singapore from the 1830s to present day, and stamps from member countries of the Universal Postal Union.
The permanent galleries introduce the world of philately, the world’s first stamp, and how stamps are a window to the world – to explore different topics such as science, technology, history and culture. Throughout the year, the museum holds special exhibitions on current topics. Educational activities are organised for schools and members of the public to discover the heritage of Singapore and other countries through philately.
Check Out More
Opening Hours : Daily, 10 am – 7 pm
Admission Fee : Adult: SGD 8; Child: SGD 6; Free admission for Singaporeans & Permanent Residents
Explore the history of sports at the Singapore Sports Museum and find out how sports has changed Singapore today!
Opening Hours
Weekdays: 10 am – 8 pm
Weekends, Eve of Public Holidays and Public Holidays: 10 am – 9 pm
Admission Fee:
Singapore Citizens & permanent residents free.
Adults SGD 10 – Student SGD 5 – Senior Citizen SGD 5 – Children under 6 years old free
The revamped Memorial Hall pays tribute to the vital role played by Singapore and Nanyang in the 1911 Revolution. Focusing on the contributions of Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s key supporters in Singapore, the refurbished museum sheds light on the lesser-known details of Singapore and Nanyang’s involvement in the 1911 Revolution.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm (last admission 4.30 pm)
Closed on Mondays.
Admission: Free admission for all Singaporeans & Permanent Residents | Adult SGD 8 | Seniors / Students / Person With Disabilities SGD 5 | 1st caretaker of PWD Free | Family Package of 5 SGD 24
