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
- Best museums in Singapore
- 1. Museum of Ice Cream Singapore – Unlimited ice cream included
- 2. Children’s Museum Singapore – Fun & educational displays for kids
- 3. Hell’s Museum at Haw Par Villa – Offers insights into the afterlife
- 4. Madame Tussauds Singapore – Take pics with celebs up close
- 5. Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum – Meet rare species of reptiles
- 6. The Arts House – Formerly Singapore’s first Parliament House
- 7. The Battlebox – Former WWII site turned into a museum
- 8. Peranakan Museum – Recently revamped with new exhibits
- 9. Mint Museum of Toys – Unique vintage toys
- 10. Singapore Art Museum – Industrial gallery with in-house book cafe
- 11. Vintage Camera Museum – James Bond-style cameras
- 12. ArtScience Museum – Futuristic architecture at MBS
- 13. Singapore Musical Box Museum – Whimsical antique collectables
- 14. National Gallery Singapore – Former Supreme Court & City Hall
- 15. Red Dot Design Museum – Modern architecture for design buffs
- 16. The Intan – Traditional Peranakan shophouse
- 17. Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum – Top Gun vibes
- 18. National Museum of Singapore – Relic from 1849
- 19. Singapore Sports Museum – Sports exhibit for the whole fam
- 20. Asian Civilisations Museum – Art from Asia & Southeast Asia
- 21. Singapore City Gallery – Urban development geeks galore
- 22. Civil Defence Heritage Gallery – Singapore’s oldest fire station
- 23. Trick Eye Museum – Trippy optical illusion for the kiddos
- 24. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum – Jurassic World
1. Museum of Ice Cream Singapore – Unlimited ice cream included
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.
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
Image 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.
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.
Image 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.
Child: $10
4. Madame Tussauds Singapore – Take pics with celebs up close
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.
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.
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.
Above 7 years old: $10 (Local) | $14 (Tourist)
Above 60 years old: $6 (Local) | $14 (Tourist)
6. The Arts House – Formerly Singapore’s first Parliament House
Image 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.
Image 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.
7. The Battlebox – Former WWII site turned into a museum
Image 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.
8. Peranakan Museum – Recently revamped with new exhibits
Image 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.
9. Mint Museum of Toys – Unique vintage 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.
Image credit: @zxlzxl027 via Instagram
Free for children under 6
10. Singapore Art Museum – Industrial gallery with in-house book cafe
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.
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.
11. Vintage Camera Museum – James Bond-style cameras
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.
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.
12. ArtScience Museum – Futuristic architecture at MBS
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.
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.
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
13. Singapore Musical Box Museum – Whimsical antique collectables
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.
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.
14. National Gallery Singapore – Former Supreme Court & City Hall
Image 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.
Image credit: @halleaf via Instagram
15. Red Dot Design Museum – Modern architecture for design buffs
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.
Image adapted from: @jennywmlam via Instagram
16. The Intan – Traditional Peranakan shophouse
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.
17. Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum – Top Gun vibes
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.
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.
18. National Museum of Singapore – Relic from 1849
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.
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.
19. Singapore Sports Museum – Sports exhibit for the whole fam
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.
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.
20. Asian Civilisations Museum – Art from Asia & Southeast Asia
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.
Image credit: @museummagnifier via Instagram
21. Singapore City Gallery – Urban development geeks galore
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.
Image credit: @kakakwang via Instagram
22. Civil Defence Heritage Gallery – Singapore’s oldest fire station
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.
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.
23. Trick Eye Museum – Trippy optical illusion for the kiddos
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.
24. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum – Jurassic World
Image 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.
Image credit: @tonywu98 via Instagram
[Closed] The 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
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.
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
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.
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:
- Lesser-known art exhibits and museums in Singapore
- 7 free museum-level art installations in Singapore
- Things to do at art hub Gillman Barracks
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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