Best Museums in Singapore 

By Alex Birungi
Published: July 18, 2024

Wandering the galleries and halls of a well-curated museum is a wonderful way to while away the hours. Lucky for museum lovers, Singapore is packed with blockbuster art galleries, top-notch museums, and one-of-a-kind cultural institutions. From contemporary art and natural history to thought-provoking science and technology - whatever your interests, there is a museum in Singapore to explore. Here's our list of the best museums in Singapore.

National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest and largest museum in the city and should be your first port of call. Opened in 1887, the museum is housed in a stately 19th-century Neo-Palladium-style building with a beautiful glass rotunda. Take a moment to admire the exquisite architecture – it’s a work of art in itself.

The museum houses two main galleries - the Singapore History Gallery and the Singapore Living Galleries. Start in the Singapore History Gallery and learn the intriguing history of Singapore from its humble beginnings in the 14th century to the present day. Interactive and immersive exhibitions highlight Singapore’s development into a global powerhouse.

Your next stop is the Singapore Living Galleries where you’ll exhibits themed around food, fashion, film, and photography. Don’t miss the museum's permanent exhibition, Story of the Forest, which brings the treasured William Farquhar Collection to life through a fantastic digital presentation. Use your pass to gain access to this fantastic museum.

Opening hours:

Daily: 10AM – 7PM

Singapore Art Museum

If you’re a lover of contemporary Asian art, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is a treat! The museum exhibits artworks in multiple spaces, including a satellite space at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, and the main building along Bras Basah Road. This is the one you want to visit not only to marvel at the beautiful architecture of the heritage buildings but to see some impressive art, too.

The main wing of the museum is housed in the former St Joseph’s Institution – the oldest Catholic boys’ school in Singapore. With a striking design that harkens back to the European Renaissance, you’ll be amazed by its beauty before even seeing any art.

The museum’s extraordinary collection of 20th-century Asian art is exhibited in small and unusual gallery spaces. Nooks and crannies hold impressive works across various mediums and around every corner is another delight.

While the museum has never presented blockbuster exhibitions due to its size, it does take part in the Singapore Biennale, and if you’re around for that, it’s well worth visiting.

Opening hours:

Mon – Thu: 10AM – 7PM

Fri: 10AM – 9PM

Sat - Sun: 10AM – 7PM

 

National Gallery Singapore

Another luminary in Singapore’s art world, the National Gallery Singapore is huge! The largest visual art gallery of its kind in the city, it's packed with the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present. And there are interactive installations and exhibits for the kids too, so make a day of exploring this glorious behemoth.

Housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall building, the sprawling museum building is an architectural wonder in itself. Inside, vast galleries display over 8,000 modern Southeast Asian artworks. Wander around the airy exhibition spaces and admire works by pioneer Singaporean artists like Cheong Soo Pieng and Georgette Chen. You’ll need more than a few hours to explore the entire museum.

Head to the Keppel Centre for Art Education where the kids can get creative with a range of artful and active learning activities. When you need to re-energize, the museum has several casual cafés and fine dining restaurants. Head up to the rooftop cocktail bar, Smoke and Mirrors, for a quiet drink and spectacular views of the city.

Don’t forget to use your pass to get free access to the National Gallery Singapore. Your pass also allows you to join complimentary tours like Highlights of the Gallery and Building Highlights

Beyond their exhibitions and programs, National Gallery Singapore houses a range of art-inspired shops and restaurants, including the three MICHELIN-starred Odette, and one MICHELIN-starred Art.

Top Tip: Avoid long queues and visit on a weekday and book your tickets in advance.

Opening hours:

Mon – Thu: 10AM – 7PM

Fri: 10AM – 9PM

Sat - Sun: 10AM – 7PM

 

ArtScience Museum

No matter what your age, visiting Singapore’s ArtScience Museum is a must! Based in a striking building overlooking Marina Bay, the museum brings together culture and technology in fascinating ways. Wander around internationally acclaimed exhibitions that explore the fusion of art and science with some amazing interactive multimedia.

You can’t miss the museum building. Designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie, it looks like a gently unfurling lotus flower. Inside, the art continues with a variety of world-class exhibitions. Marvel at works by Eames, Dalí, Warhol, and Van Gogh or travel back in time to the world of dinosaurs and Genghis Khan. You’ll also find film sets and props from blockbuster films like Harry Potter and Titanic. Don’t miss the interactive journey of lights, digital art, and magic show designed by Japanese arts collective teamLab.

The ArtScience Museum is part of the luxurious Marina Bay Sands complex. Why not head up to the CÉ LA VI SkyBar on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands for a drink against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas. Use your pass to enjoy a complimentary drink and kick back and enjoy the views.

Opening hours:

Daily: 10AM – 7PM

 

Asian Civilisations Museum

Singapore is a cultural melting pot and one of the best places to delve into its rich multicultural roots is at the Asian Civilisations Museum. You’ll find the museum at the stunning Empress Place, fittingly located at the mouth of the Singapore River, once the center of global trade.

Meander around the galleries boasting thousands of artifacts relating to different cultures from around the continent. Gain an integrated perspective of pan-Asian cultures and civilizations and discover how they have come to define Singapore as it is today.

When you are done, relax over a coffee at the museum café and take in the beautiful views of the Singapore River and city skyline. Visit the museum store and pick up a few stylish Singaporean design gifts. Remember to use your pass to gain free access to this museum.

Opening hours:

Daily: 10AM – 7PM

Fri: 10AM – 9PM

Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is a treasure trove of natural history and museum that needs a few hours of exploration. An impressive collection of more than 2,000 specimens of Southeast Asian fauna and flora is spread across two floors and 15 zones. You’ll find a wealth of fascinating finds from the skeleton of a sperm whale to 150-million-year-old dinosaur fossils.

Apollonia, Prince and Twinky - three humungous dinosaur skeletons greet you in the main atrium of the museum and your journey through the history of the natural world begins. Wander through themed galleries of fungi, plants, and mammals; get up close to dinosaur bones, and see the largest species of turtle ever recorded.

Take a stroll through the museum’s beautifully themed gardens from mangroves to dryland swamps and marvel at the cliff-like façade and living museum of local plants on the front of the building.

Opening hours:

Thu - Sun: 10AM – 5PM

 

The National Design Centre of Singapore

A nexus for all things, the National Design Centre of Singapore is a design lover's paradise. Housed in an art décor building in the trendy Bras Basah-Bugis arts and culture district, the center hosts design exhibitions and events that draw Singapore’s coolest crowd.

Discover the evolution of Singaporean design at the permanent exhibit, 50 Years of Singapore Design, or attend one of the many art-centric events promoting Singapore’s design scene. Check out Hong Kong-based cult lifestyle and design boutique, kapok NDC for stylish apparel. After all that browsing and shopping, put your feet up and enjoy a cocktail at Tanuki Raw.

Opening hours:

Daily: 9AM – 9PM

 

Indian Heritage Centre

The Indian Heritage Centre may not be up there with the big guns, but it’s a great little museum that focuses on Indian and South Asian history and is well worth a visit.

Located in the heart of the Little India Heritage District, the four-story Heritage Center features chronologically arranged themed galleries that explore the distinctive Indian cultural heritage of Singapore. Activity spaces and interactive displays add an element of fun and special gallery houses touring exhibitions.

You can use your pass to visit this fascinating museum, and don’t forget to swing by the museum shop to pick up a souvenir or two after your visit.

Opening hours:

Tues - Sun: 10AM – 6PM

 

Madame Tussauds

What would a visit to a major international city be without popping into Madame Tussauds?

Head to the Singapore outpost at Imbiah Lookout at Sentosa for a few selfies with the stars. Mingle with the usual coterie of international celebrities in the A-List Party section like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. You’ll also see local superstars like Gurmit Singh, Jack Neo, and Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong.

Hop on the Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride for a multi-sensory journey through Singapore's rich culture. Sing and dance with some of Bollywood's top celebs and enjoy a 4D experience with your favorite superhero.

Bear in mind you can use your pass to gain free entry into the wax museum and enjoy all the extras at no extra cost!

Daily: 10AM – 6PM

Tues: 10AM – 5:30PM

 

Of course, there's a lot more to Singapore than just museums. Fancy seeing all the best Singapore attractions without breaking the bank? Pick up a Singapore Pass and save while you sightsee!

Alex Birungi
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Singapore at Night
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Things to do in Singapore at Night

The night. The mysterious time of the day when the light fades away, and things tend to go bump on a regular basis. To some, the absence of life brings the horror of our mortality to life. They go inside, turn on the lights, and pray for daybreak. Some of them sleep too. That's pretty useful. But to the rest of us, the night is just the beginning. It's our time to shine. To those of you out there who call the darkness home, we salute you. And we're here for you. Even on vacation, our penchant for the shadows cannot be sated. We flourish when others flounder. We head out into the night to find fun, where many dare not. We sleep during the day...because we have to sleep sometime. So, what can you do if you're a night owl in Singapore? Well, read on and discover our picks of the best things to do in Singapore at night! Cue thunder, lightning, and cackling. Including: Gardens by the Bay CÉ LA VI SkyBar at Marina Bay Sands Raffles Courtyard and Long Bar Wings of Time Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour and more! See night wonders at Gardens by the Bay Let's kick things off with some greenery. Gardens of the Bay is not only Singapore's most famous green space; it's also one of the most recognizable on the planet. Featuring millions of plants across multiple climates, it's the perfect place to reconnect with nature. But when the sun goes down, you'll discover something even more amazing there - the Garden Rhapsody. And what is that? Well, it's the best light and music show you'll ever see in a park! Thanks to the park's Supertrees, you'll be treated to a light show that seems to move the trees along to the music. It's all smoke and mirrors, of course, merely a trick of the light. But it's one of the most impressive tricks of light you're ever likely to witness. So if you're looking for things to do in Singapore at night, the Garden Rhapsody is arguably the most awe-inspiring. And, with two shows every night, you'll always find time to check it out. Get rooftop vibes at CÉ LA VI SkyBar at Marina Bay Sands On Singapore's warm evenings, one of the best things to do in the city is have a refreshing drink. Want to appreciate some of the best views in the city while you sip? Do it all at a rooftop bar! Enter CÉ LA VI, Singapore's premier rooftop bar at Marina Bay Sands. Step off the elevator on the 57th floor, and you'll get VIP views along with VIP treatment. And yes, that means you'll be skipping the queue straight into the VIP bar! But we're not done yet, because you'll also get a free drink on us! Sublime. Or vibe on ground level at Raffles Courtyard and Long Bar However, if heights leave you squirming, or the heavens have opened up, why not try the drier, terra firma delights at Long Bar at Raffles? You'll still be treated to stunning surroundings, thanks to the swaying palms and majestic white arches that adorn the hotel's courtyard. You'll still get excellent service from Raffles' award-winning staff. And you'll still get a complimentary drink - of course, none other than the country's favorite 'Singapore Sling'. And hey, if you want to stay for longer, you'll get to pick from dozens of refreshing offerings on their eye-opening menu. Be dazzled at the Wings of Time For more song and light shenanigans, head to Singapore's premier hotspot, Sentusa's, for pyrotechnics with a plot! At the Wings of Time, through light, sound, song, and fireworks, you'll follow the story of Shahbaz, a bird from long ago, as he tries to find his way home. He and his friends explore human progress through the millennia, from the Pyramids to the Industrial Revolution. And all of this translates to one of the most dazzling spectacles you'll find in Singapore, one that lights up the night sky with a rainbow of colors. An unmissable experience, Wings of Time is one of the best things to do in Singapore when the sun goes down. Explore Singapore by night on a Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour If you want to see some of Singapore's most prominent landmarks, then you needn't do it during the day. Thanks to this nighttime bike tour of Marina Bay, you can still tick plenty off your itinerary. With an experienced tour guide in tow, you'll pass plenty of Singapore's blissful landmarks, from the Gardens of the Bay to the SuperTrees, and along the Kallang River. And if you want to know more about each place, your guide will be more than happy to drop some knowledge bombs on your trip. Traveling around Singapore at night almost feels like another world, so if you're a night owl, get on your bike and get peddling! See sleepy - and not so sleepy - animals on a Night Safari If you wonder what other creatures share your night owl status, then where better to meet them than on an evening safari? With a rare chance to see what happens in the animal kingdom when the sun goes down, this night safari is one of the best things to do in Singapore at night! The park features four zones; Leopard Trail, Wallaby Trail, Fishing Cat Trail, and East Lodge Trail. And each zone houses a myriad of different species that can happily co-exist. So don't worry, it's nothing like Jurassic Park. And within each zone, you'll find plenty of animal favorites like lions, leopards, Malaysian tapirs, hippos, tigers, hyenas, otters, and bears. Even the adorable - and sadly incredibly endangered - pangolins are lurking about somewhere, waiting for their moment in the camera. See if you can find them. And those are our picks of the best things to do in Singapore at night! Looking for some more fun activities and attractions to grace your vacation's sunny days? Go City's got you covered. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price.
Dom Bewley
View of Keppel Bay from SkyHelix Sentosa
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SkyHelix or Gardens by the Bay: Which Adventure Wins?

Can’t decide between SkyHelix and Gardens by the Bay? We’ve got you!
People running in Jurong
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Things to do in Jurong Singapore

Head a short distance west from the delights of Marina Bay by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and you’ll find yourself in Jurong. Although its name once only conjured up images of its cargo port and heavy industry, today Jurong is known for a wealth of attractions. So while the area is saying goodbye to Jurong Bird Park after 50 years, there are still plenty of things to do in Jurong Singapore should you find yourself here. The area comprises a loosely defined area encompassing Jurong East and West, alongside Pioneer and Boon Lay. Within them visitors to Singapore will find everything from perfectly laid-out gardens to excellent shopping possibilities. There’s also no shortage of family-friendly activities, including Snow City and Science Centre. Grown-ups might also enjoy the tour of the brewery which has produced Singapore’s prized beer since 1932. Keen to know more about the top attractions in Jurong? You’ve come to the right place! Outdoor things to do in Jurong Singapore Singapore isn’t called the garden city for nothing. Amongst its 330 public parks and green spaces are several peaceful oases located within Jurong. So if you’ve a love of gardens and seeking out things to do in west Singapore, Jurong is the place to head. Since 2019 it has been the home of Jurong Lake Gardens, uniting once separate parks into one 90-hectare site curving around the shoreline of Jurong Lake. Designed to incorporate something for everyone, it is made up of several sections, each given its own name. Head to The Grasslands for a picnic, or head along Rasau Walk for a lakeside stroll. Delve into Forest Ramble for idea of what much of Jurong once looked like before development took hold, or get paddling on a kayak at Passion Wave, a home for a variety of water sports. And if that wasn’t enough, on islands in the lake itself there’s also the Japanese and Chinese gardens. Here a terraced water feature in the Japanese Garden and a bamboo grove and a pagoda in the Chinese garden help create a real sense of calm. Elsewhere in Jurong, check out Bukit Peropok (Jurong Hill Park). As the highest point in the neighborhood, it offers great views of Jurong Island just offshore. It also contains Singapore’s Garden of Fame, where international dignitaries come to plant trees and shrubs. Not to be outdone, Yunnan Garden boasts a viewing platform from where it’s possible to take in not only the entirety of these gardens, but also its incredible waterfall, which reaches a height closing in on six meters. Things to do in Jurong when it rains Spray from the waterfall at Yunnan Garden is not the only reason to explore Singapore with an umbrella in hand. Think of Singapore and you’re probably imagining afternoons under a tropical sun. But the country does experience short – if frequent – rain showers most of the year. It’s well worth having a plan for when it does. Close to Jurong Lake Gardens is Snow City. It’s Singapore’s first indoor snow slope making use of the white stuff. Opened for the new millennium and renovated in 2015, it covers 3,000 square meters over two floors. The main attraction is the 60 meter long and three-story high artificial hill used for snowtubing across a surface maintained at a healthy 40 cm deep. Snow City is part of Science Centre Singapore, another highlight of Jurong’s indoor attractions. Fittingly located on Science Road, the center welcomes visitors to no less than eight individual galleries. Together, they contain a collection of around 850 objects. It also includes an observatory with stargazing sessions every Friday after dark, and an Omnimax theater. Last but not least, there’s the Tiger Brewery Tour. Nearing its centenary, Tiger beer has been quenching the thirst of Singaporeans since long before Singapore was even an independent nation state. This is despite the fact key ingredients – hops and barley – don’t grow in the region. Discover how Tiger beer came to be with a one hour behind the scenes tour. Then you’ve got the chance to sample the final product or a very special Blue Paradise cocktail when visiting with a Go City All-Inclusive or Explorer pass. Snap up the hottest new items for your home and wardrobe Don’t think Jurong is short of shopping opportunities either. Far from it. Right next to Boon Lay MRT station, Jurong Point Shopping Mall probably provides the greatest range, since it’s one of the largest malls anywhere in the country. With 450 different stores to choose between, it’s difficult to see how even the biggest shopaholics would get bored. However, if they do, there’s always IMM outlet mall, Westgate and JCube all close by. What’s there to do at JCube? Beyond its five floors of shops, it contains the first Olympic-sized ice rink in Singapore, and an IMAX movie theater. No wonder some are now comparing Jurong to the much better-known shopping and entertainment area of Orchard Road. The artisans amongst us seeking out bespoke pieces are likely to want to try Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle too. Owned by the same family since the mid-1960s, the pottery uses Singapore’s last dragon kiln. A type of kiln more traditionally found in southern China, it uses wood to fire the clay into hardy ceramics. Visit during your time in Jurong and you can not only purchase handmade locally-produced items, but also try your hand at making your very own at one of their workshops. Save on admission to top Singapore attractions Whether you’re wedded to Jurong like an oyster to its rock, or simply exploring the neighborhood as part of your time in Singapore, it’s well worth considering traveling with Go City. Our passes provide savings on admission prices for many of Singapore’s top attractions, from museums to guided bike tours of Chinatown and beyond. Check out the Go City Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest competitions and special offers. And don’t forget to tag @GoCity or use #GoCityPass on your vacation social media posts for a chance to get featured on our page!
Alex Birungi

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