The National Museum’s Singapore History Gallery reopens in October after its first major revamp

Singapore’s history gallery is getting a major rewrite. The National Museum of Singapore is reopening its Singapore History Gallery on October 10, following its first full revamp in 20 years. And no, this isn’t just a fresh coat of paint: the refreshed gallery traces more than 700 years of Singapore’s story, bringing in new research, previously unseen artefacts and more interactive ways to get into the past.

At the core of it, the revamped experience asks a simple question: Who are we? Expect a broader look at how Singapore’s identity has shifted through multiculturalism, regional ties and global influences, with personal stories from eyewitnesses and descendants alongside perspectives from contemporary writers, artists and curators. The chronology also gets a serious extension, with more attention given to post-war Singapore and the decades from the 1980s onwards.

Some of the new additions are decidedly more tangible. There’s a restored 1970s HDB lift examining the move from kampongs into public housing, a traditional Nanyang coffee roasting machine from Ho Tit Coffee Powder Factory, and a newly commissioned timelapse by photographer Keith Loutit documenting more than a decade of Singapore’s changing skyline. 

The gallery was developed with input from academics and the public, including focus groups involving more than 160 people and a panel of 12 Singapore academics. 

The reopening also lands just two days before the museum turns 139, so naturally, there’s a party. From October 10 to 18, Stories of Everyday will celebrate Singaporeans’ lived experiences with special installations, an art market, live performances, workshops and more. Something cute to look out for – there’s also a new museum mascot on the way, based on a prized artefact from the collection.

This is only one part of the museum’s larger makeover. The National Museum’s phased revamp will wrap in 2027 with the reopening of its Level 2 galleries, just in time for its 140th anniversary.

READ MORE

Little India is getting its very first street festival this August

Disney Adventure adds a Langkawi stop to Singapore sailings this December

An ancient Egyptian garden with 7,000 lilies lands at Gardens by the Bay