Top Museums to Explore in Singapore

The many well-done museums in Singapore offer a rich cultural alternative to the malls when those afternoon pop-up showers throughout the year send people scurrying for cover.

Most museums are conveniently clustered within a five-minute walk of one another. Therefore, at least two or three can be casually explored for a leisurely and educational day.

Serious enthusiasts may consider the advantages of purchasing multi-day passes that include additional attractions such as boat tours or entrance to Universal Studios. These passes can save you money if you’re planning to visit multiple museums and other attractions or wish to return to some museums more than once.

Exploring various museums won’t strain your budget. Almost every museum in Singapore provides discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Moreover, many museums offer free admission on late Friday evenings and during holidays and special events.

Singapore Art Museum

Address

71 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189555

Get directions

Phone: +65 6697 9730

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The Singapore Art Museum showcases the world’s largest collection of modern Southeast Asian art and offers an engaging exploration of contemporary creativity.

The museum itself, a transformed 19th-century mission school, has been a cultural hub since its opening in 1996.

Free guided tours are available during the week; please call +65 66979776.

• Admission: S$6 / students receive half off
• Hours: Monday to Sunday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; open until 9 p.m. on Fridays
• Get There: Located at 8 Queen Street, a three-minute walk from the Bras Basah MRT stop; ten-minute walk from City Hall MRT
• Promotions: Free admission on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

National Museum of Singapore

Address

93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897

Get directions

Phone: +65 6332 3659

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The National Museum of Singapore, founded in 1887, is the nation’s oldest museum. It offers an insightful look at Singapore’s cultural history along with its patriotic narratives.

Many visitors gather to witness the captivating light show projected onto the museum’s historic façade each evening.

• Admission: S$15 / students pay S$10
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; some galleries close slightly earlier
• Get There: A five-minute walk from the Bras Basah MRT station; ten-minute walk from the City Hall MRT station; five-minute walk from the Singapore Art Museum
• Promotions: Free guided tours are available: Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.

Singapore Philatelic Museum

Philately, the study of stamps and postage history, is the focus of the Singapore Philatelic Museum. Visitors are in for an intriguing experience, regardless of their interest in stamp collecting.

Since 1995, this museum has attracted many visitors. The artwork on the stamps relates to significant historic events and cultural milestones.

Don’t miss the chance to create your own personalized stamps before you leave!

• Admission: S$8
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Get There: Located at 23-B Coleman Street, a five-minute walk from the Bras Basah MRT station; a ten-minute walk from the Peranakan Museum.
• Promotions: Free admission for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.

Asian Civilizations Museum

Address

1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555

Get directions

Phone: +65 6332 7798

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The Asian Civilizations Museum warrants a dedicated visit to explore its extensive collection and thoughtfully curated exhibits that delve into the cultural histories of Singapore and nearly all of Asia.

• Admission: S$20
• Hours: Monday to Sunday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; open until 9 p.m. on Fridays
• Get There: A five-minute walk from the Raffles MRT station; a 15-minute walk from the Singapore Philatelic Museum
• Promotions: Students and seniors pay S$15

Red Dot Design Museum

Address

11 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018940

Get directions

Phone: +65 6514 0111

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The Red Dot Design Museum is essential for anyone interested in contemporary design, aesthetics, and innovative products.

Home to the prestigious Red Dot award, the museum offers insights into the designs and products of the future, making it an inspiring visit.

• Admission: S$6
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; open until 11 p.m. on weekends.
• Get There: Conveniently located in Marina Bay.

Peranakan Museum

Address

39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941

Get directions

Phone: +65 6332 7591

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The Peranakan Museum is a leading authority on Peranakan culture globally and is located within a former Chinese school built in 1912.

Peranakans, known as Straits Chinese, are descendants of early Chinese immigrants who settled in Indonesia during the 15th and 16th centuries, later establishing strong cultural identities in Malaysia and Singapore. Their heritage is vividly highlighted through the museum’s displays of artifacts, furniture, and garments.

• Admission: S$10
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; open until 9 p.m. on Fridays
• Get There: Located at 39 Armenian Street, just a five-minute walk from the Bras Basah MRT station; a five-minute walk from the National Museum of Singapore
• Promotions: Free admission during festivals and on Friday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is only S$5.