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Top Things to Do in the National Museum of Singapore That’s Not Just Gallery Viewing

The National Museum of Singapore is hands down one of my favourite spots in the city (and trust me, we’ve got plenty of incredible museums to choose from). This stunning 19th-century gem is a treasure trove of Singapore’s rich history and heritage.  

It’s an absolute haven for history buffs. But the fun doesn’t stop there! This museum offers so much more than exhibits, from engaging workshops to family-friendly playdates for the little ones!  

Planning a visit? Here’s a comprehensive guide to the museum and top things to do while you’re there!

Things to Know

Website
Address: 93 Stamford Rd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
Contact Details: +65 6332 3659
Admission Fee: 

  • Locals and Permanent Residents: Free
  • Foreigners: $24 for adults, free for children, $18 for seniors

How to Get There

By Train: You can reach the museum by MRT, with the closest stations being Bencoolen MRT Station on the Downtown Line, just a 5-minute walk from Exit B, or Bras Basah MRT Station on the Circle Line, also a 5-minute walk from Exit A. Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station is another option, but it’s about a 10-minute walk away.

By Bus: Nearby stops include the SMU Bus Stop along Bras Basah Road, serviced by routes such as 7, 14, and 111, and the Singapore Art Museum Bus Stop on Bencoolen Street, with buses like 65 and 147 stopping there.

By Car: Parking is available at the museum’s basement car park via Fort Canning Road or nearby lots at the YMCA and the Singapore Management University. 

Things to Do

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You can take a tour around the museum’s Singapore History Gallery, an exhibit dedicated to artefacts and artworks throughout the different stages of Singapore’s history. Taking a tour here is a must if it’s your first time! 

Each tour takes around an hour to complete and includes a tour guide who will walk you through the exhibit in chronological order. You’re free to join in with other tour groups or schedule a private tour in advance. 

Tips: 

  • Note that tours can be given in multiple languages such as French, Japanese, Mandarin, and Korean. If you want a tour in these languages, you must secure a booking at least a week in advance. There are specific times that these tours will be given, so check out this calendar to find which time slot your preferred language is available! 
  • Each tour group can only accommodate a maximum of 15 people. If you’re looking for a larger group, I recommend contacting the Visitor Services Desk to book a private group tour instead. You can also learn more here.

Marvel at the beauty of singing chandeliers at the Wings of a Rich Manoeuvre 

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If you’re all about the visuals, then I highly recommend you pay the Wings of Rich Manoeuvre exhibit a visit. It’s a dazzling interplay of light and motion, floating high above the bridge that connects the museum’s old wing with its modern counterpart.

Imagine chandeliers crafted from gleaming stainless steel, dripping in precision-cut Swarovski crystals, and bathed in LED light. They don’t just sparkle; they dance, shifting into patterns that resemble glittering wings gliding effortlessly through the air!

Tip: The display will continue moving throughout the day, so there’s no need for you to keep watch of schedules. I do recommend dropping by early in the morning, though, so you can capture the display in full with your camera without any crowds! 

Relive your childhood memories at Play:Date

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If you’re taking your children with you to the museum, I highly recommend signing up for Play:Date. This fun and interactive activity is open to guests of all ages but preferably those with a playful side to them (and are young at heart). 

You and your kids will interact with colourful artworks located just outside the museum. They’re inspired by arcade games, so you’ll need to be quick on your feet and use some mental skills to solve puzzles and play games together. 

Tip: Larger-than-usual crowds are expected on weekends, with potential long queues for the showcase and games. To avoid the crowds, visitors are encouraged to visit Play:Date during weekdays or return at a later time during the showcase.

Take your grandparents to the museum’s monthly senior-friendly workshops

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The museum hosts monthly workshops called Reunion designed to welcome senior citizens and those with dementia and mild cognitive impairment for a day of learning and socialising. 

The programs and workshops range from exclusive tours, arts and crafts making, and even facilitated meet-ups with other seniors where they can handle objects, showcase their talents, and create mementoes for friends and family back home. 

Tips: 

  • All of the senior-friendly workshops and programs are facilitated by the museum’s Care Facilitators. Guests are free to bring their own companions or designated guardians to ensure the safety and comfort of the participating elderly. 
  • Reservations must be made at least one month in advance of the desired program date. Each booking requires a minimum number of participants. You can search and learn about the maximum capacities of each workshop, as well as the schedules, here.

Dive into the museum’s efforts for conservation and history preservation with their school programs

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The museum’s school programs give so much insight into how they preserve our nation’s treasures and historical works. What I really appreciate is their commitment to giving students the chance to dive deeper into history. 

The programs cater to students from elementary to high school, offering workshops that are tailored to their grades and skill levels.

If you’re a teacher or have kids who love history, I highly recommend enrolling them in one of the museum’s fantastic school programs, like Historical Investigation or docent-led tours. 

Tips: 

  • Because there are only so many docents and tour slots available, it’s best for larger school groups to go for a self-guided visit instead.
  • Docent-led tours last about an hour and are offered in English, Mandarin, or Japanese. Just a heads-up: they’re only available for the Singapore History Gallery unless otherwise mentioned for other galleries.

Sign up to become a volunteer at the museum! 

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If you see yourself in the world of museums, I highly recommend volunteering to be a part of the museum’s roster. You can sign up to become a museum host, tour guide, or even care facilitator for various events and usual day-to-day operations. 

Your assignment will be based on your skill set and experience. If you have experience working with seniors and kids with special needs, you’ll most likely be assigned to become a care facilitator. 

If you can speak another language, then you can sign up to become a tour guide. Schedules will vary, but you can learn so much more about volunteering here

Tips: 

  • I recommend signing up to become a Friends of the Museums member if you want to regularly join in on cultural programmes, docent training, and study groups. This is a great way to help the museum and also contribute to the ongoing efforts to preserve Singapore’s history and heritage! 
  • Note that volunteers who wish to become museum tour guides for other languages must complete a proficiency test provided by the museum.

Where to Eat

Cafe Brera

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Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Contact Details: +65 8413 6360
Pricing: $$
Website

Cafe Brera is more than just a café. It’s a cosy spot specially designed with seniors in mind, which is such a lovely touch. The menu features flaky pastries, breads, and other goods inspired by local flavours, and even international brunch options.

What I found especially thoughtful were the dysphagia-friendly dishes for those with swallowing difficulties. 

It’s obvious they’ve put in a lot of effort to make this place feel welcoming for everyone. If you’re popping by the museum, I’d definitely say give it a go. You won’t regret it!

Tips: 

  • The best time to visit the cafe is in the early morning as soon as it opens or during brunch hour. The morning is when the cafe is quiet and tables are often empty, giving you lots of space and privacy before your visit to the museum. Brunch hour is when they’re slightly busier, but their brunch options are a must-try! 
  • There are a few steps leading inside the cafe. If you’re with someone in a wheelchair, ask the staff members for assistance!
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