Formerly known as the Singapore History Museum, the oldest museum in Singapore is now known as the National Museum of Singapore – after a $118 million refurbishment and branding. Its history dates back to 1849 when it opened on Stamford Road as the Raffles Library and Museum. It goes without saying, then, that The National Museum of Singapore is the best place to go to learn about the intriguing story of our nation.
Your first stop should be the museum's permanent collections. Draw inspiration from the practice of belayar (voyage) in the Malay Archipelago during the 19th century at A Voyage of Love and Longing, which invites visitors to re-trace the complex emotions at its different points, from departure to return, through the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings. The Singapore History Gallery shouldn't be missed by all history buffs. The gallery traces the history of Singapore from its beginnings in the 14th century to the present day.
Fan of teamLab should head to the Glass Rotunda to experience Story of the Forest, an immersive installation that transforms 69 drawings from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings into three-dimensional animations. Framed by the natural foliage of Fort Canning, the Glass Rotunda stands as a modern architectural response to our museum’s 19th-century neo-Palladian Rotunda, which has existed since the institution’s opening in 1887.
The main gallery is jam-packed with objects and film footage, accompanied by no less than seven hours of audio narrative, explanations, dramatisations and soundscapes. National Museum of Singapore is also the backdrop of a dynamic range of events throughout the year – from Doraemon's Time-Travelling Adventures in Singapore and festivals such as the Singapore Night Festival to performances and film screenings. This is in addition to presenting exhibitions involving historically and culturally important collections of artefacts.
There is also something for everyone of all ages at the local museum. Drop by the newly opened space Reunion, a social space for seniors with integrated activities to encourage meaningful interactions and promote cognitive engagement.
The museum's architecture is one to behold, too – making the perfect backdrop for your pictures or videos. Its facade boasts neo-classical features contrasted by new modernist extensions of glass and metal.
