Travel Through Singapore’s Rich History at the National Museum of Singapore

Singapore enjoys a well deserved reputation as being one of the world’s most modern cities. Always on the cutting edge of technological innovation and design, the city is always facing towards the future. And yet, it does all this with a deep appreciation for its rich past.

The National Museum of Singapore is where you come to experience the nation-city’s incredible history. With its striking Neo-Palladian and Renaissance style, it is filled with exhibitions that will inspire and touch you. Walk through the different galleries and be immersed in the thought provoking art and moving stories of people who dreamed of a better home. So, read on and see why you’ll have a great afternoon when you add this museum to your Singapore itinerary.

Singapore is known to be home to different cultures and ethnicities living harmoniously. This multiculturalism is important to the Singaporean identity. At the Voice of Singapore gallery found in the National Museum of Singapore, you’ll be immersed in the passionate, and sometimes heated, evolution of how Singaporeans created a unique voice for themselves as a people. At this gallery, you can check out the different posters for cultural festivals celebrated and cultural spaces constructed to create a new and harmonious Singaporean identity.

At the Growing Up gallery, you’ll learn how Singapore survived the difficult period after it achieved independence from Malaysia in 1945. The communal spirit of gotong royong, which kept the country whole throughout this period, is featured here through recorded personal anecdotes and interactive installations. At this gallery in the National Museum of Singapore, you’ll also see artwork and memorabilia that shows that even through this tumultuous time, children still enjoyed happy childhoods. 

The National Museum of Singapore won’t just enrich your mind, it’ll also fill up your belly! Located within the museum, Food for Thought is a cafe featuring dishes that will bring your senses closer to the historical experience. This museum cafe features a series of signature “Museum Special” dishes which are inspired by stories from the different galleries, blending flavors that experiment with innovation while still giving that nostalgic taste through familiar ingredients. Philosophize about the city’s past, present, and future as you enjoy your meal.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you’ll just be ogling at pictures and scratching your chin when you visit the National Museum of Singapore. Make room in your Singapore itinerary for a fun afternoon when you take part in the “A Lighter Side of History” programme offered in the museum. This programme features a variety of fun and engaging hands-on workshops, performances, demonstrations, and talks. Learn how to appreciate local Singapore coffee beans and blends with a Coffee Appreciation Workshop. Discover (and taste) the importance of the mooncake to the mid-autumn festival in Singapore. Head to the museum and experience first-hand what makes Singapore such a vibrant city.

Singaporean Street Food? You mean a national treasure right? Hawker stalls and foods are a mainstay of the Singaporean culinary experience. The Hawkapura exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore proudly features and elevates Singapore’s unique hawker stall culture. Detailing the development of hawker foods through the generations, this exhibition distills the distinct atmosphere and flavor that Singaporeans have cooked up for themselves in terms of food culture and appreciation.

See what Singapore was like while it was still a British Crown colony. Exhibited in the National Museum of Singapore, the Modern Colony gallery offers insight into how the local people of the island tried to create a culture and identity of cosmopolitanism under colonial rule. This gallery features a variety of personal belongings, such as clothing and trinkets, to better visualize the interesting mix of Eastern and Western cultures in this era. Trace back the colonial influences on the nation-city when you add this gallery to your Singapore itinerary. 

If you’re looking for somewhere that can indulge your inner foodie and history buff, the National Museum of Singapore is the place for you. And occupying a section of this museum opened to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, Flutes is a restaurant that serves a European-inspired casual dining experience. The restaurant features high ceilings and an al fresco area, making you feel just like one of the Victorian characters in the paintings. Indulge in dishes that deliciously blend local and foreign flavors.

It’s nice to have great memories of a place, but you know what’s also nice? Souvenirs! After a full day of exploring and being enriched by Singapore’s history and culture, it’s nice to have something to remember everything by. The Supermama store at the National Museum of Singapore offers a variety of local crafts and wares. Look around and you’ll find the popular porcelain plates featuring Singaporean motifs, like the Merlion and Milan Tram.

Address: 93 Stamford Road National Museum of Singapore, Singapore, SG 178897

Contact: +65 6332 4405 | nhb_nm_corpcomms@nhb.gov.sg

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