National Museum of Singapore

NileGuide Expert tip:

There is an enormous amount of information to take in here - try to spread it out over a few days if you have the time.

Description:

• The National Museum of Singapore re-opened in 2006 to world-wide acclaim, its dusty archaic exhibition of old replaced by the modern, high-tech attraction that stands proudly today.
  
  The main focus of the museum is the Singapore History Gallery, which allows visitors to walk through the country's history, starting in the 14th century, and taking you through the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and his influence, the difficult times of World War II and the Japanese occupation, and on to the building of modern Singapore. The excellent Audio Companion provided to each visitor supplements the visual displays with interviews, dramatised scenarios and personal accounts.
  
  Free guided tours of the Singapore History Gallery are held at 11am and 2pm on Monday to Friday, and at 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30 pm on Saturday & Sunday.
  
  Accompanying the History Gallery, there are four Singapore Living Galleries, which celebrate Singaporean society and culture through the years through Food, Fashion, Photography and Film respectively.
  
  The 2003-2006 refurbishment saw a new modern extension, built entirely of glass, added to double the size of the original colonial building which dates from 1887. A one-hour guided tour of the museum gives more insight into its impressive architecture – these are held every second and last Saturday of the month at 2.30pm.
  
  OPENING HOURS
  Singapore History Gallery 10am - 6pm, daily (last admission, 5.30pm)
  Singapore Living Galleries 10am - 8pm, daily (last admission, 7.30pm)
  Free admission from 6pm - 8pm, daily
  
• © NileGuide2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010