Best museums in Singapore


There’s a large range of museums in Singapore, meaning that wherever your interests lie – be it art, music, history or culture – there’ll be something for you. Some are even hidden in the unlikeliest of places, from industrial buildings to heritage shophouses. 

Here are the ones you should visit, some with no entry charges at all for Singaporeans and PRs. Many of these are even located near each other – so you can map out a museum-hopping trail on your next day out. 

Table of Contents


1. Museum of Ice Cream Singapore – Unlimited ice cream included


Museum of Ice Cream (1)

NGL, a visit to the Museum Of Ice Cream Singapore is purely for aesthetic IG feed purposes. That and unlimited ice cream for those who love the treat. On the way, you’ll pick up a few interesting tidbits about the history of the dessert such as the fact that the end of WWII was marked by American soldiers with celebratory scoops of ice cream.

Playspace at Museum of Ice Cream

The main attractions though, are the pink-themed rooms with various large props to take plenty of photos with. Go with a date, a bunch of friends, or feel free to bring along the kids – we guarantee they will love the bouncy castle and rainbow sprinkle pool.

In 5 of these rooms, you’ll get the chance to try ice creams of different types and flavours. Take your pick from a cone, cup, or pop stick – or have them all, cause there’s truly no limit.


2. Children’s Museum Singapore – Fun & educational displays for kids


Children's Museum SingaporeImage credit: CMSG

If you find the kiddos yawning in art or history museums, you gotta drag them to the Children’s Museum Singapore. Finally, there’s a kid-friendly museum that’s both educational and fun with exhibits purposefully designed to captivate their short attention spans.

The history of Singapore is told through mini theatre shows, animations, and life-sized props. There are 7 exhibits spanning across 2 floors and lots of hands-on activities in each room. Paying tribute to it formerly being the site of the Singapore Philatelic Museum, there is an interactive zone where young ones can DIY stamps too.

Although entry is free for Singaporeans and PRs, advance bookings for the 1-hour 45-minute slots are highly recommended.

Children’s Museum Singapore
ADDRESS
23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807
Opening Hours: Thursday 09:00 AM-06:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.4
(83)
CONTACT INFORMATION

3. Hell’s Museum at Haw Par Villa – Offers insights into the afterlife



You don’t have to wait for Halloween to get spooked at a haunted house. Simply head to
Haw Par Villa, Singapore’s oldest amusement park which also houses the Hell’s Museum. We kid, it’s really not that scary once you go through the exhibits and educate yourselves on the cultural meaning behind the gory scenes depicted in the 10 Courts of Hell.

Haw Par Villa Hell's MuseumImage credit: Haw Par Villa via Facebook

These sculptures basically offer an insight into what various religions believe happens in the afterlife for those who commit sins during their time on earth. The museum also showcases how different communities around the world perceive death such as funeral practices being different in each culture.

ADMISSION FEE
Adults: $18
Child: $10
ADDRESS
262 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118628
Opening Hours: Thursday 09:00 AM-08:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.2
(4940)
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $18.00

4. Madame Tussauds Singapore – Take pics with celebs up close


Madam Tussauds Singapore - celebrities wax figures

Hey Swifties, while buying a ticket to Taylor’s concert in Singapore is sure to burn a hole in your pocket, a selfie with her lifelike wax figure will not. Make your way down to Madame Tussauds at Sentosa and go crazy snapping pics with all your fav celebrities. The museum boasts statues of singers, athletes, actors, and even famous politicians including Queen E.

Madam Tussauds Singapore - Ironman suit

The exhibits aren’t limited to real people; there are fictional characters too. We’re talking about beloved Marvel characters including Iron Man and Spiderman.

ADDRESS
40 Imbiah Rd, Sentosa, Singapore 099700
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-06:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.4
(8550)
CONTACT INFORMATION
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $33.00

5. Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum – Meet rare species of reptiles


 

The proud holder of a Guinness World Record, the Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum has the most extensive collection of these cute reptiles, most of which have been rescued. You’ll get to meet different species from all over the world, feed them, and find out more about them. For example, the difference between a turtle and a tortoise – if you don’t know, then drop by to learn.

Btw, many of these gentle creatures roam freely around the compound and can be interacted with as long as you’re careful. The museum will be shifting to a spot near Khatib MRT at the end of this year.

Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum
ADMISSION FEE
3-6 years old: $6 (Local) | $10 (Tourist)
Above 7 years old: $10 (Local) | $14 (Tourist)
Above 60 years old: $6 (Local) | $14 (Tourist)
ADDRESS
81 Lor Chencharu, #01-16, ORTO, Singapore 769198
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-06:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.1
(666)

6. The Arts House – Formerly Singapore’s first Parliament House


The Arts House at Old ParliamentImage credit: @theartshouse via Instagram

The Arts House has a history dating back to the early 1800s when it was first used as a courthouse. The building was then declared to be the Supreme Court, followed by the Assembly House, and finally, Singapore’s first Parliament House in 1964 once we became independent.

After 35 years when the Parliament House shifted, the building was closed for quite a while before re-opening in 2004 as The Arts House we know today. The venue has ongoing events and festivals throughout the year largely pertaining to the literary arts.

Candlelight concerts at The Arts House ChamberImage credit: @shuangmei via Instagram

You may have heard of some of these popular annual events such as the Singapore Writers Festival, StoryFest, and Singapore International Festival of Arts.

Currently, The Arts House also hosts Candlelight concerts (from $39) featuring live musicians playing music from various genres including classical and contemporary. There are even themed concerts where you can enjoy the tunes of some of your favourite singers like Taylor Swift or soundtracks from Disney movies.

The Arts House
ADDRESS
1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-09:30 PM  Show Time 
CONTACT INFORMATION

7. The Battlebox – Former WWII site turned into a museum


Museums in Singapore - the battleboxImage credit: The Battlebox

History buffs will love The Battlebox – you’ll be standing in an actual secret bunker that was used by the British as a common centre during WWII. Unfortunately, the museum will be closing its doors to the public on 22nd May 2023, so it’s your last chance to dive into the stories of the battles that were fought at this site in Fort Canning Park.

Psst … there are free guided tours every weekend till the end of this month.

Battlebox
ADMISSION FEE
$20/adult | $10/child
ADDRESS
2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622
Opening Hours: Thursday 07:30 AM-07:30 AM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.6
(825)

8. Peranakan Museum – Recently revamped with new exhibits


Museums in Singapore - Peranakan MuseumImage credit: @peranakanmuseum via Instagram

The colourful and vibrant Peranakan Museum on Armenian Street was closed for quite some time and only recently opened with new galleries. 

It houses a collection of artefacts relating to the Peranakan culture. These include traditional kebayas, nyonya crockery, and vintage home decor. With interactive and multimedia displays available as well, it’ll be a great opportunity to learn more about this faction of our nation’s heritage.

Peranakan Museum
ADMISSION FEE
Free for Singaporeans and PRs
ADDRESS
39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-07:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.3
(1063)

9. Mint Museum of Toys – Unique vintage toys


vintage mickey mouse toy at the Mint Museum of Toys
Image credit: @winzleong via Instagram

Mint Museum of Toys will let you take a trip down memory lane with mid-19th-century vintage toys from 40 countries. Their 8,000-strong collection of wind-up tin toys, dolls, miniature cars, and more spans over 4 thematic levels, namely Outer Space, Characters, Childhood Favourites and Collectables.

singapore museum - mint museum of toys
Image credit:
@zxlzxl027 via Instagram

ADMISSION FEE
$25 for adults | $15 for senior citizens and children between ages 7-12
Free for children under 6
ADDRESS
26 Seah Street, Singapore 188382
Opening Hours: Thursday 09:30 AM-06:30 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.4
(984)
CONTACT INFORMATION
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $29.95

10. Singapore Art Museum – Industrial gallery with in-house book cafe


singapore museum - singapore art museum

Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is known for curating local as well as international Asian contemporary art from China, India, Korea, and Japan. SAM’s OG buildings on Bras Basah Road and Queen Street are currently closed for redevelopment and upgrading works, but it recently swung the doors to its new space at Tanjong Pagar Distripark open to the public.

singapore museum - singapore art museum

Art exhibits here happen on a rotational basis, and there’s also a new outdoor installation called Wayang Spaceship. It’s by Singaporean artist Ming Wong and takes the form of a traditional Chinese Opera Stage. 

Singapore Art Museum
ADDRESS
71 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189555
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-07:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.4
(1467)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark
ADMISSION FEE
Free for Singapore Residents and PRs | $5/student and seniors and $10/adult for standard tickets
ADDRESS
39 Keppel Rd, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-07:00 PM  Show Time 
CONTACT INFORMATION

11. Vintage Camera Museum – James Bond-style cameras 


singapore museum - vintage camera museum

The Vintage Camera Museum is filled with over 1,000 old-school cameras dating back to the 1800s. Their James Bond-style spy cameras disguised as cigarette lighters and machine gun shaped ones used by Japanese troops to “shoot” targets for practice are just some of the many special types on display.

singapore museum - vintage camera museum

They also feature vintage photographs, photography tips and an authentic replica of the first ever picture taken on a camera. After you’ve been inspired by the beautiful photos, try your hand at perspective photography at their Click Art section.

Vintage Camera Museum
ADMISSION FEE
$20 for adults | $15 for senior citizens and children below 12
ADDRESS
8C Jln Kledek, Singapore 199263
Opening Hours: Thursday 11:00 AM-07:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.1
(18)

12. ArtScience Museum – Futuristic architecture at MBS  


singapore museum - artscience museum

If you’re someone who enjoys futuristic designs then you’ll love the ArtScience Museum. They host many international exhibitions that fuse art and science together including film exhibitions of many Blockbuster movies such as Attack on Titan: The Exhibition

The museum also plays host to installations that explore social issues such as the MENTAL: Colours of Wellbeing exhibition last year that shed a light on mental health.

singapore museum - artscience museum

Otherwise, check out its permanent exhibition Future World: Where Art Meets Science and be treated to an interactive journey of kaleidoscopic digital art – a magical sight indeed.

ADMISSION FEE
The Museum Ticket - includes Permanent and Special exhibitions:
Rates: $50/adult | $38/concession
Singapore residents: $43/adult | $34/concession

Permanent Exhibition:
Rates: $23/adult | $18/concession
Singapore residents: $20/adult | $16/concession

Special Exhibition:
Rates: $21/adult | $16/concession
Singapore residents: $18/adult | $14/concession

VR Gallery:
Rates: $19/adult | $14/concession
Singapore residents: $16/adult | $12/concession
ADDRESS
6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-07:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.5
(11254)
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $18.00

13. Singapore Musical Box Museum – Whimsical antique collectables


Singapore Musical Box Museum entrance
Image credit: @adulayakimmyh via Instagram

If you’re big on music and old trinkets, the Singapore Musical Box Museum has just the collection for you. With over 40 antiques exhibited here, you’ll get a glimpse of the progression of craftsmanship for these whimsical collectables which are centuries old and mainly from Switzerland, Germany, and the US.

singapore museum
Image adapted from:
@guweimusic via Instagram

Fun fact: Singapore played a pivotal role in the progress and development of musical boxes in South-East Asia in the 19th and 20th centuries.

ADMISSION FEE
$12
ADDRESS
1501
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-05:30 PM  Show Time 
CONTACT INFORMATION
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $48.00

14. National Gallery Singapore – Former Supreme Court & City Hall


national gallery singapore coridoorsImage credit: @meenasundra via Instagram

National Gallery Singapore doesn’t just boast grand architecture, but also a myriad of Southeast Asian art dating back to the 19th century. In fact, it contains the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia including several kid-friendly exhibits and installations, making it a great place for an enriching family outing.

national gallery
Image credit: @halleaf via Instagram

ADMISSION FEE
Free general admission for Singaporeans and PRs
ADDRESS
1 St Andrew's Rd, #01 – 01, Singapore 178957
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-07:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.6
(11645)
CONTACT INFORMATION
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $11.00

15. Red Dot Design Museum – Modern architecture for design buffs 


Red Dot Design Museum colourful ceiling
Image credit: @tim.e_han via Instagram

This contemporary building along the waterfront promenade at Marina Bay is among the top 8 design museums in the world. You’ll find over 2,000 exhibits inclusive of new ones from past Red Dot Design Award winners.

singapore museum - red dot design
Image adapted from:
@jennywmlam via Instagram

ADMISSION FEE
$10/entry
ADDRESS
11 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018940
Opening Hours: Thursday 12:00 PM-08:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.2
(3636)
CONTACT INFORMATION
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $10.00

16. The Intan – Traditional Peranakan shophouse 


singapore museum - the intan
Image credit:
@businesstravellerin via Instagram

The Intan is a private museum that lets you experience the Peranakan culture, with their entire museum gallery set up like that of a traditional Peranakan home. With colourful metal tiffin lunch boxes lining the stair to the elaborately designed furniture, it’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of the local TV show, The Little Nyonya.

Visits are only available through booking – book a visit to The Intan

ADMISSION FEE
From $64.20
ADDRESS
69 Joo Chiat Terrace, Singapore 427231
Opening Hours: Thursday 07:00 AM-10:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.1
(76)
CONTACT INFORMATION
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $64.20

17. Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum – Top Gun vibes 


singapore museum - air force museum
Indoor gallery.
Image adapted from: Republic of Singapore Air Force

Aspiring pilots or plane enthusiasts, the Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum has just the thing for you. Here, you’ll learn about RSAF’s history and missions through interactive displays and role-playing games in their indoor gallery.

singapore museum - air force museum
Outdoor gallery.
Image adapted from: Republic of Singapore Air Force

When you head out to the outdoor gallery, you’ll be met with actual fighter jets and missiles like the A4-C Skyhawk, the SF 260 Marchetti, and the Hunter Hawker, a definite notch up from toy planes.

Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum
ADMISSION FEE
Free
ADDRESS
1581
Opening Hours: Thursday 09:00 AM-04:00 PM  Show Time 
CONTACT INFORMATION

18. National Museum of Singapore – Relic from 1849 


singapore museum - national museum of singapore
Image credit:
@daily.h2 via Instagram

As Singapore’s oldest museum, the National Museum of Singapore is a relic from 1849. Yet their exhibits like the Story of the Forest – a digital presentation that transports you to 19th century Malaya – incorporates technology and animation to give you an engaging glimpse of the past.

singapore museum - national museum singapore
Story of the Forest – a partnership display with Teamlab reminiscing the 19th century foliage of the Malay Peninsula.
Image credit: @natmuseum_sg via Instagram

You’ll also learn about our little red dot’s developments from the 14th century to the present day as well as the progress we have made in terms of food, fashion, film, and photography.

ADMISSION FEE
Free general admission for Singaporeans and PRs
ADDRESS
93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-07:00 PM  Show Time 
CONTACT INFORMATION
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $7.00

19. Singapore Sports Museum – Sports exhibit for the whole fam 


singapore museum - sports museum
Sports medals won by Singapore.
Image credit: @3nle_regular via Instagram

The Singapore Sports Museum lets you find out more about other sporting greats from the colonial times to those of present day. Within the museum, there is also the Traditional & Indigenous Sports Gallery where you can learn how to play old-school local games like Chinese hopscotch, chapteh, and five stones.

singapore museum - sports museum
Bike wheels.
Image credit: @astrokimmmmm via Instagram

Besides being transported back to the kampung days, there are also child-friendly activities like sport-themed art and craft sessions, making this a place that the entire family can enjoy.

Singapore Sports Museum
ADMISSION FEE
Free admission for Singaporeans & PRs
ADDRESS
1594
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-08:00 PM  Show Time 
CONTACT INFORMATION

20. Asian Civilisations Museum – Art from Asia & Southeast Asia 


singapore museum - asian civilisations
Image credit:
@scatterbrained_creature via Instagram

At the Asian Civilisations Museum, you’ll be able to discover the ancestral heritage of Singaporeans and understand the historical relations between Asia and the rest of the world. With over 1,300 artefacts from civilisations all over Asia, the 11 galleries touch on trade, faith, and belief as well as different textiles of the past.

singapore museum - asian civilisations
Image credit:
@museummagnifier via Instagram

ADMISSION FEE
Free admission for Singaporeans and PRs (Permanent galleries only)
ADDRESS
1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-07:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.5
(4389)
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $15.00

21. Singapore City Gallery – Urban development geeks galore


singapore museum - singapore city gallery
3D model of Singapore’s cityscape.

Image credit: @aaf_nida via Instagram

Singapore boasts an organised city layout making many people wonder just how our city planners do it. At the Singapore City Gallery, you’ll find out just what goes into our nation’s urban development and rapid physical transformation. Their galleries include mini model layouts the Singapore cityscape and you’ve got to admit, the little HDB flats look so cute.

singapore museum - singapore city gallery
Image credit:
@kakakwang via Instagram

Singapore City Gallery
ADMISSION FEE
Free
ADDRESS
45 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069113
Opening Hours: 07:30 AM-07:30 AM  Show Time 
CONTACT INFORMATION

22. Civil Defence Heritage Gallery – Singapore’s oldest fire station 


Civil Defence Heritage Gallery fire truck
Image credit:
@henry_chiew via Instagram

Located in the country’s oldest fire station, the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery will let you embark on a learning trail about firefighting and rescue methods in the present day.

singapore museum - civil defence
Image credit:
@joenathanael via Instagram

Here, you’ll find antique fire engines and get the opportunity to ascend a hose tower. Visit their interactive stations as well and have a go at being a firefighter on an operation at their interactive stations.

ADMISSION FEE
Free
ADDRESS
62 Hill St, Singapore 179367
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-04:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.3
(141)
CONTACT INFORMATION
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $50.00

23. Trick Eye Museum – Trippy optical illusion for the kiddos


singapore museum - trick eye

The Trick Eye Museum contains trippy three-dimensional paintings and optical illusion pieces, themed after safaris, circuses, and natural landscapes. With so many innovative designs, you’ll never run out of photo opportunities there.

singapore museum - trick eye


24. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum – Jurassic World


Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum - Jurrasic WorldImage credit: @middle_aged_man88 via Instagram

The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum showcases over 2,000 historical plant, mammal, and dinosaur specimens from Southeast Asia. Besides visual displays, certain exhibits also have soundscapes like that of singing birds and chirping frogs. And if you’re a massive fan of Jurassic Park, snap a shot with the huge dinosaur fossils at the Biodiversity Gallery.

Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum - dinosaur bones
Image credit: @tonywu98 via Instagram

ADMISSION FEE
$16 for Singaporeans | $20 standard rates
ADDRESS
2 Conservatory Drive, Singapore 117377
Opening Hours: Thursday 10:00 AM-06:00 PM  Show Time 
GOOGLE REVIEWS
4.6
(1968)
CONTACT INFORMATION
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT $16.00

[Closed] The Parkview Museum


parkview museum
Image credit: @parkviewmuseumsg via Instagram

You won’t see Batman at The Parkview Museum Singapore, located in Singapore’s very own “Gotham building”, but you’ll definitely find a good variety of international and local contemporary art pieces. Their past exhibitions include a large collection of Salvador Dali’s pieces as well as imperial Chinese stone Buddhist carvings.


[Closed] Singapore Philatelic Museum


singapore museum - philatelic museum
Image credit:
@catkellycat via Instagram

Delve into Singapore’s postal history at the Singapore Philatelic Museum which features rare collections like the 1854 Indian stamps that were used in the Straits Settlements. Visit the Orange Room as well to know more about the world’s first stamp, and send out some postcards while you’re there.

singapore museum - philatelic museum
Image adapted from:
@katcrane via Instagram

They also have occasional character themed galleries like The Little Prince in the Dark which give you a tactile experience with their blindfold tours, letting you get a taste of what it feels like to be visually impaired.


[Closed] The Maritime Experiential Museum


singapore museum - maritime

The Maritime Experiential Museum doesn’t just house interesting information about Singapore’s rich trade history but also has many interactive activities. These vary from reading nautical charts to putting your knot-tying skills to the test or taking a photo in true-to-era outfits at the Learning To Navigate Chamber.

singapore museum - maritime
An instrument used by sailors in the 1800s to determine latitude and longitude.

And if you’re a big fan of the 4D show at Universal Studios Singapore, you’ll love the Typhoon Theatre’s 4D show – a multi-sensory simulation of being on a ship that is navigating through a tumultuous storm.


Top museums to visit in Singapore


Whether it is to broaden your perspectives, deepen your cultural understanding or just to spend your free time, you’ll find a museum in Singapore that suits your interest. And with so many museums to choose from, you’ll have more than 1-2 to visit per month for the entire year. 

The next time you’re cafe-hopping, try adding museum-hopping into your itinerary too. 

For more arts and culture in Singapore: 


Cover image adapted from: Republic of Singapore Air Force
First published on 7th March 2019. Last updated by Aditi Kashyap on 17th April 2023.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.

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