There’s something for everyone on the island who loves art!
The number of museums in Singapore is growing, and many of them offer digital tours. Here is a list of the world’s best museums in Singapore that you can visit on-site or at your convenience.
We have compiled all the details you need for planning your visit, including addresses, contact information, and a list of virtual and on-site exhibits!
Below you will find our recommendations for museums on the island.
Contents
National Gallery Singapore
| BEST FOR | All Ages/Families, Students, Tourists |
| TOP EXHIBITS | ● Siapa Nama Kamu? Art in Singapore since the 19th Century ● Between Declarations and Dreams: Art of Southeast Asia since the 19th Century ● Stories in Light: Four Modern Photographers in Singapore (Online Exhibit) |
| ACTIVITIES | ● Free Guided Tours ● Permanent, Special, Online Exhibitions ● In-Situ Performances ● Online Workshops and Performances ● Film Screenings ● Special Tours ● Personal Photoshoots ● Venue Rentals Available ● Dining and Shopping |
| PWD-FRIENDLY | Yes |
| ALLOWS SERVICE DOGS | Yes |
| WEBSITE | https://www.nationalgallery.sg/ |
| ADDRESS | 1 St. Andrew’s Road, #01–01, Singapore 178957 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+65) 6271 7000 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon to Sun: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm |
The first stop on our tour is the National Gallery Singapore. The art gallery houses the largest public collection of Southeast Asian and Singaporean modern art. Situated in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, this gallery is a sight to behold.
This gallery is well worth a visit for a variety of reasons, and there are many reasons to visit it. It showcases over 9,000 pieces of art, including both permanent and special collections, so you won’t be bored here.
“Siapa Nama Kamu?” and “Between Declarations,” which focus on the history of art in Singapore and Southeast Asia from the end of the 19th century, are among the gallery’s most popular exhibitions.
A free guided tour is included with general admission if you’d like to learn more about the artists behind these pieces. The only institution of this kind in the world that displays collections of this magnitude.
Furthermore, the museum is hosting the first virtual 3D exhibition online, which features the work of four contemporary photographers.
A great self-guided tour app for museums is Gallery Explorer, which you can download for free.
The Visitor Services at B1 can also lend out free devices, but that service has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.
Additionally, the gallery offers free admission to local residents alongside its many activities. Making it a great destination for visitors of all ages, it is one of the most inclusive art galleries on the island.
At the moment, the standard admission rate is $20, which includes access to the gallery’s sub-galleries, the Hall of Justice, and City Hall’s chambers.
In addition to being wheelchair accessible, the gallery offers interpretation in sign language, and service dogs are allowed. In addition to being wheelchair friendly, the museum is one of the most accessible on the island.
Pros
- Largest collection of Southeast Asian modern art
- Free admission to locals
- Free guided tours
- Free events and activities
- Open daily
- PWD-friendly
- Lockers available
Cons
- Relatively expensive food/drinks
- Gallery Explorer rental device temporarily suspended
National Museum of Singapore
| BEST FOR | All Ages/Families, Students, Tourists |
| TOP EXHIBITS | ● Singapore History Gallery ● Modern Colony ● Every Body Plays A Part (Online Exhibit) |
| ACTIVITIES | ● Annual Night Festival ● Permanent, Special, Online Exhibitions ● Guided Tours and Private/School Group Visits ● Workshops and Film Screenings ● Personal Photography and Filming ● Venue Rentals Available ● Dining and Shopping |
| PWD-FRIENDLY | Yes |
| ALLOWS SERVICE DOGS | Yes |
| WEBSITE | https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum |
| ADDRESS | 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+65) 6332 3659 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon to Sun: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm |
Our list also includes the National Museum of Singapore, which is Singapore’s oldest museum. This museum offers a wealth of historical information about Singapore.
Some of the museum’s most popular exhibits focus on history, such as the Singapore History Gallery and the Modern Colony, which look at how Singapore developed in the 13th and 18th centuries.
As a result of COVID-19, guided tours will be unavailable for the time being. A smartphone app allows you to take a self-guided tour of the Dome with the interactive Dome Bot.
It often attracts a lot of tourists because of its status as a national museum. The live visitor update tool on their website, however, actually lets you know whether the museum is crowded, which is helpful when planning your visit there.
The exhibit is also available online, which details Singapore’s response to public health crises throughout the years-a fitting symbol of today’s landscape of health.
There are also special events and workshops hosted by the museum, but its Night Festival, which features performances, art installations, film screenings, and more, is its most noteworthy event. Despite the postponement, keep it on your watchlist for next time!
There is wheelchair access to the museum, and service dogs are welcome. They are distinguished, however, by their quiet mornings and quiet rooms dedicated to children with sensory challenges.
Apart from the temporary suspension of this service, the museum is still open to groups, especially those from special education schools.
All Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and children under six years old get in free, while seniors, students, etc. get special rates. However, tourists and foreign residents are subject to regular admission fees.
Pros
- Free admission to locals
- Free guided tours
- Free events and activities
- Open daily
- Has a live visitor update tool
- PWD-friendly
- Lockers available
Cons
- Many amenities are temporarily suspended
- Relatively expensive food/drinks
- Not free for students, seniors, etc.
Asian Civilisations Museum
| BEST FOR | All Ages/Families, Students, Tourists |
| TOP EXHIBITS | ● Tang Shipwreck ● Scholars Gallery ● Ancient Religions Gallery ● Faith Beauty Love Hope (Online Exhibit) |
| ACTIVITIES | ● Guided Tours ● Permanent, Special, Online Exhibitions ● Events and Lectures ● Venue Hire Available ● School Programmes |
| PWD-FRIENDLY | Yes |
| ALLOWS SERVICE DOGS | Yes |
| WEBSITE | https://www.nhb.gov.sg/acm |
| ADDRESS | 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+65) 6332 7798 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon to Sun: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Fri: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm |
You can view Asian antiquities and decorative arts, Southeast Asian culture, and an entire section about the region’s maritime history at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
The Tang shipwreck is one of the most impressive exhibits in the museum’s Trade section, containing gold, silver, and ceramic artifacts that tell the tale of the Indian Ocean trade.
You can also request child-specific guided tours through the museum, so if this is something you are interested in, we recommend stopping by! It also has child-friendly booklets and guides available upon request.
The exhibit “Faith Beauty Love Hope” which was held in early 2021 can also be viewed virtually. Several pieces from the permanent collection were displayed during the exhibit.
This museum offers a wide range of tour options, which is our favorite thing about it. There are guided tours available, or you can use their online resources to take a self-guided tour.
There is a service dog policy, and the museum is wheelchair-accessible as well. Online crowd levels allow you to check out whether a museum is too crowded so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Pros
- Free guided tours
- Free admission to locals, PR holders, children below 6 y.o.
- Accessible location
- PWD-friendly
- Free activities and events
- Online crowd tracker tool available
- Open daily
Cons
- No guided tours on public holidays
- Relatively expensive food/beverages
Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
| BEST FOR | Students, Scientists/Researchers, Families |
| TOP EXHIBITS | ● Dinosaurs ● Singapore Sperm Whale ● Slice of the Changi Tree ● Neptune’s Cup Sponge |
| ACTIVITIES | ● Permanent Exhibitions ● Volunteer-led Guided Tours ● Museum Workshops ● Nature Walks ● Dining and Shopping |
| PWD-FRIENDLY | Yes |
| ALLOWS SERVICE DOGS | Contact for More Information |
| WEBSITE | https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/ |
| ADDRESS | National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Drive, Singapore 117377 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+65) 6601 3333 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Tues to Sun: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm |
Dinosaur fossils can be seen at the Lee Kong Chian National History Museum!
In this fascinating museum, you can see fossils of Diplodocus as well as plants and animals from Southeast Asia. Furthermore, you can examine the 2015 sperm whale carcass found on Jurong Island.
Those who want a short afternoon out will be able to explore the exhibits within about 2 to 3 hours. Its unique collections make it worth a visit even though it may not be the largest natural history museum.
A free guided tour is also available, but it is currently suspended.
Unlike major museums, this museum does not offer specialized activities and events for kids, however it can accommodate school groups and special tours customized to meet the needs of various grade levels and ages.
Despite the fact that the museum does not offer free admission, locals, students, and PR holders will enjoy discounts in the museum. For those who are employees and students of NUS, as well as children under 3 years old, the museum will waive entrance fees.
Pros
- Free guided tours
- Only natural museum in Singapore
- Less rates for locals and PR holders
- Free car park fees on Sundays and public holidays
- Free admission for children under 3 years old
- Wheelchair-accessible
Cons
- Guided tours temporarily suspended
- No special activities for kids
- Closed on Mondays
Singapore Art Museum
| BEST FOR | All Ages/Families, Students |
| TOP EXHIBITS | ● SAM Hoarding Commission: OUR FUTURE IS IN(CON)CLUSIVE by Sam Lo (Until Feb. 6, 2022) ● SAM Hoarding Commission: ‘When the odd ones out get in’ by Kray Chen (Until Feb. 6, 2022) |
| ACTIVITIES | ● Permanent (Closed Until 2026), Special, Online Exhibitions ● School Visits and Workshops ● Touch Collection ● Seniors and Contemporary Art Project ● Art Therapy Programme |
| PWD-FRIENDLY | Check Partner Museums for More Information |
| ALLOWS SERVICE DOGS | Contact Partner Museums for More Information |
| WEBSITE | https://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/ |
| ADDRESS | 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555 (Closed Until 2026) |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+65) 6697 9730 | Online form available here |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon to Fri: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (General Enquiries) |
The heritage buildings of the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) are closed for renovations until 2026, but we still think they deserve a mention for a couple of reasons.
The SAM’s collection of Southeast Asian and Singaporean contemporary art includes a variety of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video.
A bi-annual exhibition of contemporary art, Singapore Biennale, is also organized by them. Those of you who love art will be excited about the next event, which will take place in 2022 or 2023.
Currently the museum is closed so you can take a look at the current exhibits at the museum’s partner museums. These temporary exhibitions are displayed outside in the museum’s immediate vicinity (free of charge) or in the museum’s partner museums.
SAM also allows the students of Partner Institutions access to educational programmes.
There is also a programme that reaches nursing home residents through art and a touch collection for visually-impaired students.
Hopefully, these initiatives will result in many positive things, especially once their heritage buildings are reopened. So follow their progress closely!
Pros
- Outdoor installations onsite
- Has exhibits in partner museums
- Programmes available for students/seniors
Cons
- Closed until 2026
- Current exhibits are limited
Red Dot Design Museum
| BEST FOR | Adults, University Students |
| TOP EXHIBITS | ● Exhibition: Preview of the Future ● Exhibition: Permanent Collection ● Exhibition: Mask Collection ● Short Film: Schlieren Test |
| ACTIVITIES | ● Permanent Exhibits ● Dining and Shopping |
| PWD-FRIENDLY | Yes |
| ALLOWS SERVICE DOGS | Contact for More Information |
| WEBSITE | https://museum.red-dot.sg/ |
| ADDRESS | Red Dot Design Museum, 11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018940 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+65) 6514 0111 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Wed to Fri: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm Sat to Sun: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm |
Find award-winning products and a sense of design at the Red Dot Design Museum.
An international design competition recognizing the best business concepts and design results in 300 carefully selected works displayed in the Red Dot Design Award Museum. There is an open air courtyard at the museum, which is housed in a two-story glass structure.
A voucher worth $ 10 is included in the ticket price, which can be redeemed at their cafe or store, where there are high-end products for sale, including those designed by award winners.
Shoppers who want to find items sourced from all over the world need to check out the shop alone. We recommend that you purchase an admission ticket if you want to get the most out of your visit.
In contrast, this museum has a rather specialized collection that is more suitable for adults and a small group. This museum may be of interest to industrial design students seeking inspiration for a future project.
Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, which is a great place to stroll after your museum visit and dine, is also close to the museum and offers a variety of shops and restaurants.
Pros
- Houses award-winning concepts
- Large shop selection
- Central location
- Free $10 voucher per admission ticket
Cons
- Very niche market/audience
- Small museum
Science Centre Singapore
| BEST FOR | All Ages/Families, Students |
| TOP EXHIBITS | ● Phobia²: The Science of Fear ● Earth Alive ● Butterflies Up-Close ● Kinetic Garden |
| ACTIVITIES | ● Permanent Indoor and Outdoor Interactive Exhibits ● Workshops ● Science Shows and Demonstrations ● Events and Festivals ● Science Enrichment School Programmes ● Omni-Theatre Movie Screenings ● Snow City ● Dining and Shopping |
| PWD-FRIENDLY | Yes |
| ALLOWS SERVICE DOGS | Contact for More Information |
| WEBSITE | https://www.science.edu.sg/ |
| ADDRESS | Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+65) 6425 2500 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Science Centre Singapore Fri to Sun, School and Public Holidays: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm; 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Snow City Tues to Fri: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Sat to Sun, School and Public Holidays: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm |
At Science Centre Singapore, you’ll discover that science can be a lot of fun. There are so many interactive exhibits here that it’s no wonder children enjoy it so much.
The museum offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor exhibits, but one of the most talked-about is “Phobia2: The Science of Fear”, a fascinating exhibit that explores how phobias impact people every day. This exhibit will appeal to psychology fans.
In this show, Earth science and natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are explored. There are about 60 minutes it takes for you to walk through this exhibit and it’s great for all ages.
Snow City, located right next to the science center, offers snow in tropical Singapore.
These attractions in one complex make it easy for families to plan a weekend full of fun-filled outings.
It’s no wonder that the science centre’s specialty is educational programming and kid-friendly workshops.
Many exhibitions ensure that the level of sensory stimulation is kept low to ensure comfort for children with sensory sensitivities.
The Science Centre Singapore is packed with visitors on weekends since it is closed from Mondays to Thursdays. If you’d like to avoid crowds, we recommend visiting during off-season when admission is free for locals.
Pros
- Free events and activities
- Free off-season admission for locals
- Affordable admission fees
- PWD-friendly
Cons
- Closed from Mondays to Thursdays
- Peak rates apply
The Battlebox
| BEST FOR | Adults, Military Groups, Children/Students Aged 7 and Above |
| TOP EXHIBITS | ● WWII Bunker and Wartime Artifacts |
| ACTIVITIES | ● Guided Tours ● School Programmes/Study Tour ● Military Group Programmes ● Private Tours |
| PWD-FRIENDLY | Limited Accessibility (One Flight of Steps Required to Descend to Bunker; Wheelchairs Available inside Bunker) |
| ALLOWS SERVICE DOGS | Contact for More Information |
| WEBSITE | https://www.battlebox.com.sg/ |
| ADDRESS | 2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+65) 6338 6133 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Fri to Sun, Public Holidays: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm |
Through artifacts and multimedia, The Battlebox tells the story of how British forces surrendered Singapore during WWII to the invading Japanese.
In the 1980s, the top-secret bunker was rediscovered after having been forgotten for decades. When the bunker was rediscovered in 1997, it reopened as a museum and welcomed curious guests to explore.
Visitors to the Battlebox receive a 30-minute guided tour upon entering; however, you are free to explore the bunker afterward. Despite the bunker being closed most days of the week, it’s nice that the bunker offers several time slots every day.
Furthermore, the museum will not be crowded since the number of attendees per time slot is quite limited.
Since it contains a lot of historical content, we think this museum will appeal to a mature audience. Strollers and people with disabilities should be aware that there are a few steps up and down to enter and leave the Battlebox, so it can pose a challenge to parents and children.
The bunker does, however, have wheelchairs.
Contrary to other museums, the Battlebox does not permit photographs or videos. Photographs may be taken outside the museum, but you should plan your photo ops before or after your trip.
Pros
- Real WWII bunker
- Free guided tour
- Several time slots per day
- Small groups only
Cons
- May not be suitable for children
- Closed from Mondays to Thursdays
ArtScience Museum
| BEST FOR | All Ages/Families, Students |
| TOP EXHIBITS | ● Future World: Where Art Meets Science |
| ACTIVITIES | ● Permanent, Special, Online Exhibitions ● Guided Tours ● Talks and Workshops ● Film Screenings ● School Programmes ● Dining and Shopping ● Venue Rental Available |
| PWD-FRIENDLY | Yes |
| ALLOWS SERVICE DOGS | Yes |
| WEBSITE | https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum.html |
| ADDRESS | 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+65 6688 8888) | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon to Sun: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm |
A lotus-shaped museum is located inside Marina Bay Sands, and it hosts touring exhibitions by Andy Warhol and Vincent van Gogh, among others.
ArtScience Museum recently held its latest touring exhibition, which consisted of around 200 pieces of Star Wars props, costumes, and other items.
Those who are interested in pop culture can find the latest exhibits at ArtScience Museum.
Additionally, we highly recommend visiting the museum’s permanent collection, “Future World,” which consists of a interactive digital exhibition with themes like “City in a Garden,” “Space,” and more.
The exhibit offers a unique experience for children due to its interactive nature. Despite being not as elaborate as many others, this museum is a great place to bring your family.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants nearby Marina Bay, so you can eat before or after your trip. Shopping is also an option!
Pros
- Open daily
- Specialises in pop culture touring exhibits
- Convenient location
- Free guided tours for certain exhibits
- PWD-friendly
Cons
- Can be crowded on weekends
- Relatively limited permanent collections
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
| BEST FOR | All Ages/Families, Students, Chinese History Enthusiasts |
| TOP EXHIBITS | ● Life and Work of Dr. Sun Yat Sen |
| ACTIVITIES | ● Guided Tours ● Permanent and Special Exhibitions ● School Programmes/Visits ● Workshops |
| PWD-FRIENDLY | Limited Accessibility to First Floor |
| ALLOWS SERVICE DOGS | Contact for More Information |
| WEBSITE | https://www.sysnmh.org.sg/en |
| ADDRESS | 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (+65) 6256 7377 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Tues to Sun: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm |
In no way could this list be complete without the mention of Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. This is a small museum celebrating the life and times of Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat Sen.
Sun Yat Sen lived in this historical villa a long time ago. It is located off Balestier Road. This museum contains a variety of artifacts and photos that explain the role played by Sun Yat Sen during the Chinese revolution.
The fact that this museum exclusively covers a very narrowly defined subject may make it more interesting for history enthusiasts. You can however join one of their free guided tours to learn more about this period, which are conducted in English and Mandarin, if you’re interested.
It is also a worthwhile stop on the Balestier Heritage Trail, which incorporates a range of historical sites.
It is highly recommended that you visit this museum if you’re in the area or if you’d like to spend a quiet afternoon alone. At the visitor’s desk, you can pick up a trail map for a tip.
Pros
- Free admission to locals and PR holders
- Free guided tours
- Quiet location
- Free activities and events
Cons
- Highly niche subject area/audience
- Closed on Mondays
The above guide covers the best museums in Singapore. If you believe there are other museums we should consider including on the list, please send us a message.
*Images are taken from each company’s official websites/social media.
