Best Museums in Singapore
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The 12 Best Museums in Singapore (COVID Edition)

Calling all art enthusiasts on the island: this one’s for you!

 With museums reopening and many even starting up digital tours, we’ve gathered a list of the best museums in Singapore that you can explore yourself, whether on-site or from the comfort of home.

You’ll find everything you need to plan your visit in this article—addresses, contact details, and even lists of virtual and on-site exhibits!

But before anything else, let’s take a look at admission fees first. This will give you an idea of how much to prepare for your art trips.

How Much Do Museums Charge in Singapore?

We’ve laid out each museum’s general admission fees for locals and tourists in the table below. Note that rates below may not include admission to special exhibits, though, as those typically command an extra fee.

MUSEUMADMISSION FEES (LOCALS AND PR HOLDERS)ADMISSION FEES (TOURISTS)
National Gallery SingaporeFree (Also applies to Gallery Insiders, children below 6 y.o regardless of nationality, local students and teachers, PWDs and their caregivers)$20
National Museum of SingaporeFree (Also applies to children below 6 y.o regardless of nationality)$15
Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum$16 (Adults)
$9 (Children, students, NSF, senior citizens, PWDs)
$21 (Adults)
$13 (Children, students, senior citizens)
Singapore Art MuseumClosed until 2026
*Fees may apply for exhibits in partner museums
Closed until 2026
*Fees may apply for exhibits in partner museums
Red Dot Design Museum$10 + Free $10 Voucher$10 + Free $10 Voucher
Science Centre SingaporeFree (Off-peak)
$6 (Adults; peak season)
$4 (3 to 12 y.o.; peak season)
$4 (Seniors; peak season)
$12 (Adults and senior citizens)
$8 (3 to 12 y.o.)  
The Battlebox$20 (Adults)
$10 (7 to 12 y.o)
$20 (Adults)
$10 (7 to 12 y.o)
Asian Civilisations MuseumFree (Also applies to children below 6 y.o regardless of nationality, local students, PWDs and their caregivers, seniors, NSF)$20
ArtScience Museum$16 (Future World exhibit only)
$12 (Applies to seniors, students, PWDs, children aged 2 – 12 y.o.)
$19 (Future World exhibit only)
$14 (Seniors, students, PWDs, children aged 2 – 12 y.o.)
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial HallFree$8 (Adults)
$5 (Seniors, students, PWDs)
Free (Children under 6 y.o., caretaker of PWD)

The Best Museums in Singapore

Here are our selections for museums on the island, without further ado!

1.   The Gem Museum Singapore

BEST FORExploring a wide variety of gemstones
TOP EXHIBITS●     Gemstone Formation
●     Mining and Extraction
●     Gem and Diamond Cutting (Lapidary)
●     Trade and Industry
ACTIVITIES●     Regular Talks, Workshops and Programs
●     Virtual Museum
PWD-FRIENDLYContact for more information
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSContact for more information
WEBSITEhttps://thegemmuseum.gallery/
ADDRESS9 Perak Road, Singapore 208130
CONTACT DETAILSCheck website for more information
OPERATING HOURSTuesday- Friday: 12pm – 5pm
Saturday: 11am – 3pm
Closed: Sunday and Monday

The Gem Museum Singapore is the country’s first and most comprehensive private gemology museum.

This was founded in 2015 by the husband-and-wife team, Mr Tay Kunming and Ms Loke Huiying, with the aim of bringing the knowledge of gemology to the public.

The museum’s route follows how gemstones are transformed from the mine to the market through different stages—formation, mining and extraction, gem and diamond cutting, trade and industry.

What we like about this museum is how it brings to light how gemstones are made and eventually brought into the market where many of us purchase them.

Not only do visitors get to know about the process, but they get to explore a wide variety of gemstones, rocks, and minerals from all over the world.

We think it’s great that they make the museum accessible online, especially in the time of COVID through their virtual museum with interactive exhibits.

Based on our experience of visiting this museum, we think that it’s a beautiful thing to experience and worth the trip! The museum is very informative and their staff is absolutely amazing and is very passionate about gems.

We like that both kids and adults alike can enjoy the place. Kids get a chance to touch some of the stones and their staff members are experts at handling kids too!

For everything that you get to learn, we like how the entry to the museum is also free!

What’s more is they have many other activities, workshops and programs you can try—especially those who have a keen interest in gems. We highly recommend visiting this museum!

Pros

  • Free entry
  • First and most comprehensive private gemology museum in Singapore
  • Knowledgeable and friendly staff
  • Kids and adults alike can enjoy

Cons

  • No contact information on website
  • Closed on Sundays and Mondays

2.   National Gallery Singapore

BEST FORAll 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-FRIENDLYYes
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSYes
WEBSITEhttps://www.nationalgallery.sg/
ADDRESS1 St. Andrew’s Road, #01–01, Singapore 178957
CONTACT DETAILS(+65) 6271 7000 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMon to Sun: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

We’re kicking things off with the National Gallery Singapore—home to the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Housed in the historical City Hall and former Supreme Court building, this art gallery is truly a marvel to behold.

There are so many reasons why we love this gallery, and why we think it’s worth visiting at least once. First, you won’t find a shortage of things to do here with over 9,000 works on display, which covers both permanent and special collections.

The gallery’s best known for the exhibitions “Siapa Nama Kamu?” and “Between Declarations,” which present the art history of Singapore and Southeast Asia dating back to the 19th century, respectively.

It’s perhaps the only one of its kind in the world to showcase these collections on this scale. And if you want to know more about the artists behind these works, we highly recommend availing of their free guided tour that comes with the general admissions ticket.

Alternatively, you can also jump in online to check out the works of 4 modern photographers in the museum’s first virtual 3D exhibition.

Otherwise, you can download their Gallery Explorer app, which is the perfect museum companion guide for self-guided tours.

As a tip, you can also normally head over to Visitor Services at B1 if you wish to borrow a device—free of charge; however, this has been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.

We also like the fact that this is one of the most inclusive art galleries in the island, so it’s just perfect for visitors of all ages from all walks of life. Apart from many activities and events, locals can even enjoy free admission.

Meanwhile, the standard admission rate for tourists is at $20, which grants you access to the gallery’s sub-galleries, as well as the City Hall chamber and Chief Justice’s office.

The gallery is also one of the most PWD-friendly museums in the island. Aside from the fact that the gallery is wheelchair-accessible, you may also book a sign language interpreter… and you can bring your service dog too!

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

3.   National Museum of Singapore

BEST FORAll 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-FRIENDLYYes
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSYes
WEBSITEhttps://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum
ADDRESS 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
CONTACT DETAILS(+65) 6332 3659 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMon to Sun: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

It’s also a no-brainer why the National Museum of Singapore made it to our list. As it’s the oldest museum in Singapore, you’ll get a pretty good glimpse of the island-nation’s history through its collections.

And indeed, history lies at the heart of its key exhibits, including the Singapore History Gallery and Modern Colony, which showcase the development of the island from the 13th century up to the end of the 19th century.

Unfortunately, guided tours are temporarily unavailable due to COVID-19. However, you can still go on a self-guided tour, thanks to their interactive Dome Bot that you can access via your smartphone.

Since it’s a national museum, it’s no secret that it can get flooded with tourists at times. But thanks to their live visitor update tool on their website, you can actually check to see if the museum is crowded or not, so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Of course, you can also check out their interactive exhibit online, which showcases Singapore’s response to public health crises over the years—a fitting display of today’s dynamic health landscape.

Apart from special events and workshops that the museum holds, they’re actually known for the annual Night Festival—a spectacle of performances, art installations, film screenings, and more. This event is currently postponed though, so you might want to put that in your watch list for next time!

We love that the museum is service-dog-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. What sets them apart though is that they have designated “Quiet Mornings” and quiet rooms meant for children with sensory challenges.

While this is temporarily suspended as well, the museum still welcomes group visits, especially from special education schools.

Admissions are also free for Singapore citizens, PR holders, and children under 6 years old, with special prices available for seniors, students, etc. Otherwise, the standard admission fee applies for tourists and foreign residents.

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.

4.   Asian Civilisations Museum

BEST FORAll 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-FRIENDLYYes
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSYes
WEBSITEhttps://www.nhb.gov.sg/acm
ADDRESS1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
CONTACT DETAILS(+65) 6332 7798 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMon to Sun: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Fri: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

If you find Asian antiquities and decorative art interesting, then you’ll find plenty of that and more at the Asian Civilisations Museum. One of its key highlights is Southeast Asian culture, with an entire section devoted to its rich maritime history.

The “Tang Shipwreck” is one of the most prominent pieces in the “Trade” section of the museum. It has more than a thousand pieces of well-preserved silver, gold, and ceramics on display that tell the story of the Indian Ocean trade.

So if this is something of particular interest to you, then we highly recommend checking this museum out! Not to mention that it’s quite friendly to kids too, with booklets and child-centric guided tours available upon request.

You can also check out a virtual version of their “Faith Beauty Love Hope” exhibition held in early 2021. This exhibit highlights a collection of major pieces from their permanent galleries.

True enough, one of our favourite features of this museum is its many tour options. You can choose to participate in their daily guided tours or you can use any of their online resources to go on a self-guided tour instead.

The museum welcomes service dogs, and is also wheelchair-accessible. You can also keep track of the museum’s crowd levels online so you can come whenever they aren’t jam packed, which is rarely the case regardless.

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

5.   Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

BEST FORStudents, 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-FRIENDLYYes
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSContact for More Information
WEBSITEhttps://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/
ADDRESSNational University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Drive, Singapore 117377
CONTACT DETAILS(+65) 6601 3333 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSTues to Sun: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Have you always wanted to see a real-life dinosaur’s fossils? You don’t have to wander far; just head over to the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum!

It’s one of the very few museums of its kind to feature Diplodocus fossils, as well as the flora and fauna of Southeast Asia. Not to mention that you can also observe the carcass of the sperm whale that was found in Jurong Island in 2015 up close.

It may not be the biggest natural museum out there but its unique collections show why we think it’s worth a visit. You would need about 2 to 3 hours to explore the exhibits—perfect for those who just want to take a quick afternoon off.

There are free guided tours that you can also take part in, but this is temporarily suspended until further notice.

Unlike major museums though, its lack of special activities and events for kids may be a drawback for some. However, the museum can accommodate schools and special group tours, which can be tailored to different levels and ages.

While there are no free admission fees in this museum, locals, students, PR holders, and more can enjoy discounted rates. Otherwise, admission fees are waived for NUS staff, students, and children below 3 years old.

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

6.   Singapore Art Museum

BEST FORAll 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-FRIENDLYCheck Partner Museums for More Information
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSContact Partner Museums for More Information
WEBSITEhttps://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/
ADDRESS71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555 (Closed Until 2026)
CONTACT DETAILS(+65) 6697 9730 | Online form available here
OPERATING HOURSMon to Fri: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (General Enquiries)

Allow us to begin by saying that the Singapore Art Museum’s (SAM) heritage buildings are closed for renovations until 2026, but we still think they’re worth a mention here for a couple of reasons.

SAM is home to an extensive collection of Southeast Asian and Singaporean contemporary art, covering many disciplines including paintings, sculptures, photography, and video.

In fact, they’re also the organisers of the Singapore Biennale—a bi-annual event that hosts the largest contemporary art exhibition in the island. If you’re an art enthusiast looking to discover new works, the next event is expected to happen in 2022 or 2023, in case you’re wondering!

Because the museum’s closed at the moment, expect to see temporary installations only, which are either exhibited outdoors within the museum’s vicinity (for free) or in SAM’s partner museums. You can catch a glimpse of their current exhibitions here.

Currently, SAM also continues to accommodate educational programmes for students and schools at partner institutions.

What makes their programmes unique and inclusive is that they also have a touch collection meant to accommodate visually-impaired students. They also have a programme that engages seniors in nursing homes through art.

From these initiatives alone, we’re expecting to see many great things ahead, especially once their heritage buildings reopen. So make sure to put them on your radar!

Pros

  • Outdoor installations onsite
  • Has exhibits in partner museums
  • Programmes available for students/seniors

Cons

  • Closed until 2026
  • Current exhibits are limited

7.   Red Dot Design Museum

BEST FORAdults, 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-FRIENDLYYes
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSContact for More Information
WEBSITEhttps://museum.red-dot.sg/
ADDRESSRed Dot Design Museum, 11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018940
CONTACT DETAILS(+65) 6514 0111 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSWed to Fri: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Sat to Sun: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Now, if you have an eye for design and are looking to be inspired by award-winning products, then go ahead and explore what the Red Dot Design Museum has to offer!

This museum features award-winning works of the Red Dot Design Award—an international competition that recognises only the best design and business concepts. You’ll learn about 300 carefully selected works displayed along the hallways of their two-storey glass building.

Every admissions ticket comes with a $10 food and shopping voucher, which you can use at their in-house café and store. The latter has high-end everyday items for sale, some of which were designed by the recipients of the award themselves.

So if you want to shop around for items sourced all over the world, we think the shop alone is also worth a visit. But if you want to make the most of your visit, then getting an admissions ticket is your best option.

That said, the museum’s collection is quite niche in a way that only adults and a select group of people may appreciate. For instance, industrial design students who are looking for inspiration in their next design project will find a visit to this museum useful.

By the way, with its strategic location at the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, you’ll also find a wide range of shops and restaurants at the museum’s doorstep, which makes it a perfect place for adults to dine and stroll around after their museum visit.

Pros

  • Houses award-winning concepts
  • Large shop selection
  • Central location
  • Free $10 voucher per admission ticket

Cons

  • Very niche market/audience
  • Small museum

8.   Science Centre Singapore

BEST FORAll 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-FRIENDLYYes
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSContact for More Information
WEBSITEhttps://www.science.edu.sg/
ADDRESSScience Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
CONTACT DETAILS(+65) 6425 2500 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSScience 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

A trip to Science Centre Singapore will teach you that learning about science can be pretty fun! With so many interactive exhibitions around the area, it’s no wonder why this science institution is a big hit among kids and kids at heart.

While there are several indoor and outdoor exhibitions, one of the crowd favourites is “Phobia²: The Science of Fear,” which allows you to understand how phobias can affect people’s daily lives. This is the perfect exhibit for everyone interested in psychology.

Another smasher is “Earth Alive,” which tackles Earth sciences and how natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions come to be. It’s also a permanent exhibition that takes about 60 minutes to explore, perfect for all ages.

Just beside the science centre is Snow City too—an indoor attraction that allows guests to experience snow in tropical Singapore.

With all these attractions in one huge complex, we’ve found it quite convenient for families to plan a fun-filled outing on a weekend.

Because of the educational nature of the science centre, it’s no surprise school programmes and child-friendly workshops are their forte.

And to make sure that they can be as inclusive as possible, most exhibitions are designed to have low sensory levels to accommodate children with sensory sensitivities.

The biggest drawback with Science Centre Singapore is that it’s closed from Mondays to Thursdays, making weekends packed with plenty of guests. So if you want to avoid crowds, we recommend visiting off-season, which also offers complimentary admissions 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

9.   The Battlebox

BEST FORAdults, 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-FRIENDLYLimited Accessibility (One Flight of Steps Required to Descend to Bunker; Wheelchairs Available inside Bunker)
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSContact for More Information
WEBSITEhttps://www.battlebox.com.sg/
ADDRESS2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622
CONTACT DETAILS(+65) 6338 6133 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSFri to Sun, Public Holidays: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

The Battlebox is no ordinary museum. As it’s a former underground military bunker, you’ll get a glimpse of how British forces made the decision to surrender Singapore to the invading Japanese during WWII through artefacts and multimedia.

What began as a top secret bunker and hub for British espionage soon became a forgotten piece of history after the war. But after its re-discovery in the 1980s, the bunker-turned-museum reopened in 1997, opening its doors to curious guests who wish to take a closer look.

You’ll need to take part in a 30-minute guided tour upon entry to the Battlebox, although you can freely roam around the bunker after the tour. We like that there are several time slots to choose from per day, despite the fact that they’re closed the majority of the week.

No need to worry about the museum being crowded, by the way, as the number of visitors per time slot is highly limited.

Because the tour’s packed with historical content, we think that this museum is more suitable for a mature audience. While children are welcome here, take note that there’s one flight of steps upon entering and leaving the Battlebox, which can pose a tiny challenge for parents with strollers and PWDs.

There are wheelchairs available for use inside the bunker though.

Bear in mind that photography and videography are prohibited in the Battlebox, contrary to other museums. You can take photos outside of the museum though, so better reserve your photo-ops before or after your visit.

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

10.   ArtScience Museum

BEST FORAll 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-FRIENDLYYes
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSYes
WEBSITEhttps://www.marinabaysands.com/museum.html
ADDRESS6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
CONTACT DETAILS(+65 6688 8888) | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMon to Sun: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Situated at the iconic Marina Bay Sands is ArtScience Museum, which is characterised by its lotus-shaped structure. The museum is known to host touring exhibitions, covering many famous artists like Andy Warhol and Van Gogh.

To give you more ideas of what they host, the latest touring exhibition to hit ArtScience Museum features around 200 artefacts of Star Wars props, costumes, and more.

So, if this is something up your alley, then be sure to keep an eye on ArtScience Museum for the latest pop culture exhibitions.

That aside, we think their permanent collection entitled “Future World” is also worth a visit. It’s an interactive digital exhibit that features different themes like “City in A Garden,” “Space,” and more, all of which make the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos!

This exhibit also creates a unique experience for kids due to its interactive nature. It may not be as elaborate as other museums but it’s this distinctive quality that makes the museum a great place for families to visit, nonetheless.

And with Marina Bay right at the corner, you’ll find plenty of dining options to choose from before or after your visit. In fact, you can squeeze in a bit of shopping, too!

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

11.   Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

BEST FORAll 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-FRIENDLYLimited Accessibility to First Floor
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSContact for More Information
WEBSITEhttps://www.sysnmh.org.sg/en
ADDRESS12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874
CONTACT DETAILS(+65) 6256 7377 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSTues to Sun: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

To conclude our list, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is not to be missed too. This humble museum is a national heritage site that showcases the life and work of the Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat Sen.

Tucked off Balestier Road, this historic villa was actually where Sun Yat Sen was based in Singapore many years ago. Here, you’ll find plenty of photographs and artefacts that let you understand the Chinese revolution, and the role Sun Yat Sen played in it.

Because of this highly niche subject matter, history enthusiasts may find this museum more interesting than others. But if you’d like to know more about the revolution, you’re welcome to participate in their free guided tour, which are either conducted in English or Mandarin.

The museum is also part of the Balestier Heritage Trail, which features a number of historical sites that are worth visiting, too.

Hence, we highly recommend putting this museum on your stop if you’re around the area or if you just want to take a quiet afternoon off. As a tip, you can get a trail map from the visitor’s desk of the museum.

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

12.   Mint Museum of Toys

Mint Museum of Toys
BEST FORToy Collectors and Afficionados
TOP EXHIBITS●     Vintage Toys
ACTIVITIES●     Guided Tours
●     Event Space
●     Permanent and Special Exhibitions
●     Adult Programs
●     Virtual Museum
PWD-FRIENDLYYes
ALLOWS SERVICE DOGSContact for More Information
WEBSITEhttps://www.emint.com/
ADDRESS26 Seah Street Singapore 188382
CONTACT DETAILSPhone: 8339-8966
Email: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSTuesday to Sunday: 9:30am – 6:30pm
Last admission: 5:30pm

MINT Museum of Toys is a modern contemporary museum founded by Chang Yang Fa. It showcases a wide collection of vintage toys and specialty collectable items. 

Some of the things you might see here include vintage posters, confectionery tin boxes, advertising signs and more. There are items that date back as far as the 1840’s coming from over 40 different countries around the world. 

There are four themed thematic levels in the museum namely Outerspace, Characters, Childhood Favourites and Collectables. On the rooftop lovel you’ll find the enamel sign gallery which is also a bar that offers a fantastic view of the City Centre.

The museum attracts visitors from all walks of life such as foreign tourists, locals, students and those just looking to rediscover their childhood. Mint Museum of Toys truly lives up to its name, giving visitors a ‘Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys’ (MINT).

Pros

  • Vast collection of toys and collectibles
  • Open to all ages
  • Wheelchair accessible

Cons

  • Closed on Mondays

FAQs about Museums in Singapore


And those are the best museums in Singapore! We hope our guide made it easier for you to plan your next visit.

Think there are other museums that also deserve to be on our list? Drop us a line and we’ll check them when we can.

If you’re a tourist who’s planning to visit Singapore soon, then be sure to check out our list of the best budget hotels in Singapore for great deals.