National Museum Of Singapore: Inspiring Journey Through Time

If you are looking for family-friendly things to do in Singapore today or this weekend, there is an excellent option for you. This place is full of fantastic history, impressive art, fascinating stories, and incredible mysteries. This place is a getaway into the past, the present, and the future of our nation – all at the same time. This place is a must-visit for everyone who really wants to know and understand Singapore and its people. This place is the National Museum of Singapore, and we invite you to take a virtual tour of one of the best and most significant museums islandwide together with BusyKidd. Where is the National Museum of Singapore located? What is the National Museum of Singapore famous for? Is it free to enter the National Museum of Singapore? We know you’ve got so many questions! We’ll find answers to all of them in today’s article, as well as bright National Museum of Singapore photos and helpful National Museum of Singapore reviews. So, let’s go!

Take your family and spend an exciting, educational, and meaningful day at Singapore’s National Museum. Explore the history of Singapore, get acquainted with its culture and traditions, and learn more about its famous residents who made a significant contribution to the formation and development of the country. So, stop wondering where to go and what to visit in Singapore today and head to one of the best museums in Singapore!

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Sentosa Sensoryscape, The Palawan at Sentosa Family Guide, Children’s Museums In Singapore.

National Museum of Singapore History

The history of the museum goes back to 1823, when Sir Stamford Raffles first proposed the idea of having a library and museum in Singapore. More than two decades had passed before the Singapore Library was officially opened at the Singapore Institution (now Raffles Institution) at Bras Basah Road, becoming the first public library in Singapore. In 1874, the Singapore Library and Museum was renamed the Raffles Library and Museum.

In 1887, The Raffles Library and Museum building was officially opened in Singapore – and that’s when the history of the National Museum as we know it today began.

In 1993, the museum became part of the National Heritage Board.

Today, it is the nation’s oldest museum – and undoubtedly among the most important museums in Singapore. It is a must-visit for every citizen of Singapore and the top landmark on a city tour for each tourist and visitor of The Little Red Dot. That only is the magnificent building of the museum – the true hallmark of the whole state! The building is amazing, both outside and inside. Its Rotunda Dome, Glass Passage, and The Gallery Theatre cannot but impress.

The beautiful architecture is accompanied by an incredible atmosphere and fantastic exhibits. And we invite you to talk about them right now.

National Museum of Singapore Exhibitions

What to see and do in Singapore today? How about diving into its eventful history at one of the most significant Singapore museums? Its exhibitions will tell and show you a lot. After all, it is the oldest museum in the Little Red Dot, so it definitely has something to share with its visitors, including important artifacts, beautiful drawings, incredible modern art installations, cutting-edge technologies, and more.

Singapore History Gallery

Plunge into the history of Singapore. Discover how Singapore has developed over the years – from ancient settlements to a modern city. Explore mighty artifacts and listen to incredible stories. Get acquainted with Singapore as a Crown Colony. See it during the war and occupation. Live the moment when Singapore became independent.

Among the highlights of Singapore’s historical exhibition are the Singapore Stone (Singapore’s earliest inscribed artifact), the Majapahit armlet and earrings dating back to the 14th century, a Vinyl record of Singapore’s national anthem, and more.

Singapore History Gallery is a permanent exhibition.

Wings Of A Rich Manoeuvre

Soaring high above the bridge that links the museum’s 19th-century building with its modern glass wing, this incredible art installation cannot but impress. Eight kinetic chandeliers literally dance and sing, creating a breathtaking symphony of light.

Suzann Victor created this modern art exhibition in Singapore, and its choreography of light will take your breath away.

‘Wings of a Rich Manoeuvre’ is a permanent exhibition.

Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City

This meaningful exhibition dedicated to SG60 celebrations welcomes all visitors to embark on a fascinating journey through the island’s 700 years of history. Watch our country’s magnificent transformation from a bustling port to a global powerhouse. Explore five immersive sections reflecting various aspects of Singapore’s evolution:

• Always On the Map
• The River Road
• Expanding Horizons
• Flows of People
• Making Waves

Take your little explorers and enjoy a self-guided tour with the exhibition’s 11 Waves of Wonder family-friendly captions. History lovers of 9 years old and above can take a specially created resource booklet to make their learning journey even more engaging and interesting.

• When: 24 May 2025 to 9 October 2026

National Museum of Singapore Programmes

The museum offers a wide range of programmes, both permanent and temporary, for visitors of all ages. Many are kid-friendly and aim to encourage little explorers to learn history, respect and appreciate our nation’s past, and become its bright future.

Children’s Season

Every year, the museum takes part in the kids’ beloved Children’s Season, an exciting feast of curiosity, learning, crafting, fun, and childhood. Just like all happenings in The Lion City in 2025, this year’s edition of the festival is dedicated to our nation’s 60th birthday.

Themed Get Curious! Building Our Singapore, Children’s Season 2025 invites all little curious minds from 3 years old and their families to explore interactive installations, visit Our Mama Shop Intergenerational Showcase, join The River Hunt: A Mission-based Artefact Hunt Activity, listen to inspiring Migrant Tales, and enjoy many other thrilling activities.

There are free and ticketed programmes.

• When: 24 May to 29 June 2025

National Museum School Programmes

Pre-School Programmes

It is a perfect age to make first steps into the world of history and culture – through play and fun, of course. Kids can take a self-guided visit to Once Upon a Tide, embark on The River Explorers Artefact Hunt, play a Be a Young Toymaker interactive game, and even more.

It is recommended for children aged 4-6.

Primary School Programmes

The museum’s primary school programmes feature interactive elements that prove that studying can be exciting. Kids will learn about Singapore’s 700 years of history in a fun way, examine the artifacts, listen to fascinating stories, and enjoy meaningful time while getting acquainted with the museum’s exhibits.

Secondary School Programmes

It’s going to be an incredible journey through time with artifacts, stories, and engaging activities. Students will even conduct a real historical investigation through the story of Singapore from the pre-colonial to post-independence years.

Special Needs Education

The museum has developed a series of programmes and resources for kids and students with additional needs. They will learn, craft, play, communicate, and enjoy a precious time.

The National Museum of Singapore also offers various programmes for adults and seniors.

When planning a family tour of the museum, be sure to check the Otterly Famtastic Day at the Museum! video before your visit.

Besides, there is a special Get Curious! series of resources and activities that aim to encourage little ones to learn our nation’s history, both in the museum and at home.

National Museum of Singapore Guided Tours

When it’s raining outside or when it’s too hot, when you want to broaden your horizons and learn something new, or when you are searching for exciting, family-friendly things to do this weekend in Singapore, consider taking a guided tour of the museum.

Tour of Singapore History Gallery

Embark on a fascinating journey through time and find yourself in the different eras of Singapore’s history. Listen to exciting stories, uncover mysteries, and spend some meaningful time at the Singapore History Gallery.

The tour lasts approximately one hour. You can choose a tour in English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and French.

Besides, the National Museum of Singapore offers senior-friendly tours through permanent galleries and virtual tours over Zoom. You can also enjoy an exclusive guided tour experience by ordering the ‘Private Tour for Groups.’

National Museum of Singapore Itineraries

Do you like to explore everything on your own, leisurely walking from one exhibit to another? Can you spend many moments standing by one picture that gets your attention? Do you want to enjoy time in a warm little company? You can take advantage of the National Museum’s itineraries – to make your visit enjoyable, educational, and memorable.

You can make your own itinerary to get the most out of your visit. Create your perfect adventure with the museum’s ‘Itinerary Planner’ feature. Just browse the exhibitions, add your favourites to the itinerary, and choose the date and start time of your visit. Export the image or send it to your email – and enjoy your day at the museum to the fullest.

National Museum of Singapore Group Visits

For Groups

Do you want to explore the museum with a group of tourists, colleagues, friends, etc.? In that case, the museum offers General Group Visits and Private Tours for Groups with more than 10 explorers. Tours are available in English, Mandarin, or Japanese and help you avoid crowds and deepen your experience at the museum.

You should book your group visit in advance.

For Schools

The museum also offers School Group Visits and Guided Tours for Schools. With a wide range of school programmes, you’ll easily find the perfect option that suits your kids the best. Each programme is interactive, fun, informative, and meaningful at the same time.

You should book your group visit in advance.

National Museum Of Singapore Dining And Shopping

Café Brera at Reunion

Since the collection of exhibits at the museum is so vast and exciting, you can spend hours exploring all the exhibitions. And when you get hungry, you will undoubtedly feel an appetizing aroma spreading from Café Brera at Reunion.

Café Brera is a lovely place to relax and refresh yourself in a calm, friendly atmosphere. Treat yourself to freshly baked goods, delicious local and international lunch sets, and aromatic tea or coffee.

Have you already recharged yourself with a delicious snack? Well, it’s the ideal time to resume your tour of the museum!

• Opening Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM

Dame Museum Café

For aromatic coffee, classic favourites, and mouthwatering local flavours, head to Dame Museum Café, a perfect place for a delicious leisurely brunch and nice talks with your nearest and dearest. Refresh yourself, discuss your impressions, and plan your further explorations.

• Opening Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM

MUSEUM MARTKET by ABRY

MUSEUM MARTKET by ABRY is not an ordinary store but a whole paradise of style and creativity. It offers a great selection of unique things talented Asian designers create. Cardholders, coasters, tea towels, tote bags, T-shirts, and more – everything is one-of-a-kind, modern, and with art in every detail.

• Opening Hours: 10 AM to 7:30 PM

National Museum Of Singapore Events

The museum serves as a venue for many exciting events in Singapore, like festivals, workshops, temporary exhibitions, and more. It takes part in the Singapore Night Festival, celebrates the Children’s Season, displays breathtaking installations, and plays a significant role in Singapore’s life. So, if you are searching for bright, family-friendly events in Singapore to visit this weekend, be sure to check the museum’s official website to find your ideal option.

Quiet Mornings

The morning of the first Saturday of each month and the first and third Thursdays are Quiet Mornings. This is an excellent time for all those seeking a quieter and more relaxing environment to tour the National Museum.

You can also opt for Group Visits on Quiet Mornings.

• When:
  • 1st Saturday of each month: 9 AM to 11 AM
  • 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month: 9 AM to 12 PM

Besides, the museum offers Virtual Exhibitions: ‘Every Body Plays a Part’ and ‘An Old New World: Digital Edition.’ Yes, you can enjoy an exciting and educational virtual tour of the museum anywhere and anytime. So, if you are trying to decide what to do today or this weekend in Singapore without even leaving your home, why don’t you take a virtual tour of the museum?

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the National Museum of Singapore?

National Museum of Singapore Location: 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897

How to get to the National Museum of Singapore?

By MRT

• Bencoolen MRT Station
• Bras Basah MRT Station
• Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station
• City Hall MRT Station

By Bus

• YMCA bus stop
• Singapore Management University (SMU), Stamford Road bus stop

By Car

Where to park near the museum?

You can park at the National Museum of Singapore parking.

Alternatively, parking is available at Singapore Management University, Manulife Centre, Fort Canning Park, and the YMCA.

What are the National Museum of Singapore’s opening hours?

• National Museum of Singapore Opening Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM

How much is a ticket to the National Museum? Is there a free entrance to the National Museum?

National Museum Of Singapore Tickets Price:

• Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents: Free
• Tourists And Foreign Residents:
  • Adult: $24
  • Concession: $18
• Children aged 6 and below: Free

Please check the official website for more details on the National Museum of Singapore tickets price.

Is the National Museum of Singapore wheelchair accessible?

The National Museum of Singapore and all its facilities are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

There are designated accessible parking spaces, manual wheelchairs for complimentary use, and stroller parking.

There are Quiet Corners and a Quiet Room for visitors who need a place to rest before they continue to explore the museum.

Sensory Bags with ear defenders, sensory maps, sensory toys, etc., are available free of charge.

How long does it take to tour the National Museum of Singapore?

Since the National Museum of Singapore is large and has an impressive collection of exhibits, it is recommended that you plan to allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum. You can take a break and refresh yourself at the museum’s cafés before resuming your tour.

More Details: National Museum of Singapore

Is it worth visiting the National Museum of Singapore? Definitely yes! It is open to all history lovers, to everyone who wants to know more about our country and get even closer to its people. We are sure that this visit won’t be the last one.

Don’t forget to take many bright National Museum of Singapore photos and share your National Museum of Singapore reviews – to inspire our community.

So, do you know what to do in Singapore today or this weekend? We bet you do!

Our city has many other kid-friendly places to visit, including the National Gallery of Singapore, the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum of Singapore, the Asian Civilisations Museum, and others. And what about the Museum of Ice Cream? Follow the BusyKidd since we constantly share the latest information on Asian Civilisations Museum tickets, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum tickets, National Gallery of Singapore tickets, etc., and know everything about the free museums in Singapore you should visit with your kids, as well as many other useful information. So, stay tuned!

Images Credit: Nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum