Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore Through Travel
If you’re going through your jet-setting phase and waiting for your next bucket list trip, here’s something to tide you over. From 27th May onwards, you’ll be able to douse yourself with nostalgia in a travel-themed exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore.
The installation, dubbed Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore Through Travel 1800s-2000s, will show off the quintessential parts of the Singapore experience. It’ll debut alongside a children’s food-themed exhibition.
4 interactive travel-themed zones
Upon entering the museum, you’ll be met with the flip board that was once displayed at Terminal 2. For those who don’t know, it’s been one of the iconic sights of Changi Airport since 1999. Take an obligatory pic, then follow the board’s instructions to “check in” and get your “boarding pass” to the 4 intriguing zones that are just right ahead.
Image credit: National Museum of Singapore
Titled Getting Around, the first zone draws attention to Singapore’s various modes of transport, from the old-school rickshaws and trishaws to the modern MRTs and buses. Here, you’ll be able to witness a replica of Singapore Airlines’ 1st generation suites cabins from its A380 aircraft.
Image credit: National Museum of Singapore
Within the second zone, known as Places to Stay, expect to see Raffles Hotel’s decade-old doorman uniform, MBS motifs, and posters of the iconic Crazy Rich Asian movie on display.
In Eating Out, you’ll find bits and pieces that honour Singapore’s hawker culture like the 1960s Tiger Beer trays, kopitiam cups, and an old menu from the first fast food chain restaurant on the island.
Image credit: National Museum of Singapore
Finally, at the Sights and Shopping zone, the souvenirs, storefront models, and touristy spots tell the story of Singapore as a fun nation that works hard and plays hard.
Arts, crafts & storytelling for kids
Image credit: National Museum of Singapore
Swinging its doors open on the same day as the exhibition, the museum’s annual Children’s Season will make your child and inner child’s heart sing.
Image credit: National Museum of Singapore
There’ll be a series of food-themed arts and crafts like DIY food packaging, puzzles, mason jar painting, a pretend play wet market, and storytelling sessions that’ll cover the topic of food. Admission for all activities is free. Just make sure you check the date and time of each event online prior to heading out.
Visit Now Boarding travel exhibition
Image credit: National Museum of Singapore
Watch the history of Singapore tourism unfold at the National Museum through this free travel exhibition, coming to you on 27th May.
Now Boarding: Experiencing Singapore Through Travel 1800s-2000s is free for all but you’re encouraged to reserve a spot on the National Museum website. Same goes for the Children’s Season family activities.
While you wait to visit the exhibition, play the Now Boarding mobile game to score some sweet gifts and familiarise yourself with the installation layout. It’s always a good idea to come prepared. The exhibition runs till 19th November so there’s plenty of time for you to pay it a visit.
Reserve a spot for the Now Boarding exhibit
Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
Date & time: 27th May-19th Nov 2023, 10am-7pm
Contact: 6332 3659
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Cover image adapted from: National Museum of Singapore