Whether you’re a local or you are planning on organizing a trip to Singapore, continue reading to discover the top 10, startling Singapore museums.
Table of Contents
1. The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
If you’ve always been fascinated by dinosaurs, be sure to visit the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, which is home to a variety of dinosaur skeletons. The museum even boasts three complete Sauropod skeletons. You’ll also get an opportunity to learn about the extinct species of animals, which once called Singapore home.
2. The Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium
The Maritime Experiential Museum was built to house the Jewel of Muscat, a replica of a historic dhow ship which the Sultanate of Oman gifted to Singapore. The museum also boasts 60,000 items which were salvaged from the Belitung shipwreck, which was discovered off the shore of Java. If you have children in tow, also be sure to visit the museum’s world class aquarium, which boasts a variety of sea creatures, including sharks.
3. The Asian Civilizations Museum
The Asian Civilizations Museum display artworks and handicrafts from ancient Asian civilizations. Touring the corridors, you can expect to see ancient Chinese ceramic figures which were placed in burial tombs and a wine flask that was created during the Tang dynasty. You’ll also get to browse through items which were salvaged from the Tang Shipwreck which was discovered in 1999. The Tang Shipwreck was a 9th century cargo ship which sailed throughout Asia.
4. The Singapore Art Museum
The Singapore Art Museum houses a large collection of contemporary Southeast Asian art. The Singapore Art Museum is housed in a restored 19th century schoolhouse and holds the honor of being Singapore’s very first art museum. Should you visit, you’ll be able to view a variety of contemporary pieces, which were created by some of Singapore’s most highly regarded artists.
5. The Alive Museum
The Alive Museum is an optical illusion museum, which allows you to interact with carefully painted 4D illusions. The museum currently boasts around 80 optical illusions, that will allow adults and children of all ages to let their imaginations run wild. Whilst visiting the museum, you’ll be able to take photographs “feeding” giraffes and engaging in a battle with a video game character. You can even take a photo as a mermaid.
6. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
This museum is located in Chinatown and is home to the Buddha Tooth’s sacred Relic Chamber, which boasts ornate gold tiles and a golden stupa. The museum is also home to a beautiful rooftop garden, which houses a variety of displays. If you visit, you’ll also get an opportunity to witness real life ceremonies such as the closing ceremony which features an ancient drum and bell ritual.
7. The Changi Museum Singapore
The Changi Museum, teaches visitors about the Japanese occupation of Singapore, which took place from 1942 to 1945. Visitors can take a 45 minute guided tour of the museum or browse the museum and its collection of wartime memorabilia on their own. Examples of some of the items on display include photographs, drawings and letters which produced by Singaporean prisoners of war.