Hear the word “archaeology” and you’ll probably think of Egyptian mummies and old pottery – but there’s a whole lot more to it than digging up bones and glittering treasures from ancient tombs. It’s a study of past human activity through old man-made artefacts, which can help shed light on different cultures and ways of life.
As a first in the region, Singapore is unveiling ArCH Square at Kampong Gelam – its very first archaeology and intangible cultural heritage centre. This educational attraction, managed by HeritageSG, a subsidiary of Singapore’s National Heritage Board (NHB), features original items excavated from our very soil, as well as collections from organisations from around the world.
Some local finds include an uri pot used to bury umbilical cords, found at Istana Kampong Gelam, as well an old, intricately patterned porcelain plate dug up from Sultan Gate.
Other than gaining new perspectives of Singapore’s history through the artefacts on display, visitors can also take part in hands-on activities, including an ‘Archaeology 101’ workshop conducted by local experts, along with other community programmes.
ArCH Square is located at 125 Jalan Sultan and will open to the public in November 2025 with both free and ticketed programmes, as well as a mix of permanent and rotating displays. Stay tuned for updates via HeritageSG.
READ MORE
A stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's 'BFG' is stomping its way to Singapore in 2026
The world's first Pop Mart theme park is making its overseas pop-up debut in Singapore