I’m on to my final few Singapore posts now, and they’re more like collation/summary posts. As I was writing about my experiences in Singapore, I realised one of the things I absolutely love about visiting is that there are so many incredible museums, all within close distance of each other, which make learning and exploring an absolute joy – no matter your interests!
From history and heritage to art and quirky options, there really are too many to cover (the list below has taken me at least 5 visits!). So if you’re looking for museum options in Singapore, read on to find a complete list of what’s on offer.
Looking for a detailed itinerary for Singapore? Read my post HERE.
Important: All costs included in this post are in Singapore Dollars.
History Museums
Must See: Singapore National Museum
Opening Times: Daily, 10am – 7pm
Cost: $36 (Adult, All Access)
My absolute favourite museum in all of Singapore is the wonderful National Museum. The Singapore History Gallery is the heart of the experience, tracing the nation’s journey from its early trading port days to the vibrant, multicultural metropolis it is today. Thoughtfully curated exhibits, personal narratives, and interactive displays bring the stories to life. I learned so much about this incredible country and everything its been through.
Changi Chapel & Museum
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30am – 5:30pm
Cost: $9 (Adult, All Access)
Tucked away in the eastern corner of the island, the Changi Chapel and Museum offers one of Singapore’s most moving historical experiences. Unlike the grand narratives told elsewhere, this space feels deeply personal; a quiet tribute to the civilians and prisoners of war who endured the Japanese Occupation in Singapore during World War II.
Inside the galleries, letters, sketches, and diary entries reveal stories of courage, creativity, and survival. It’s not a large museum, but it’s emotional weight lingers – and it’s deeply personal to me and my husband, as it’s here his ancestor was imprisoned and later died during WW2.
You can read more about my visit to Changi Chapel and the other WW2 sites across Singapore HERE.
Fort Siloso
Opening Times: Daily, 9am – 6pm
Cost: Free
Perched on the western tip of Sentosa, Fort Siloso is an echo of Singapore’s military past. Once part of the island’s coastal defense system, the fort’s preserved gun emplacements, tunnels, and barracks offer a vivid glimpse into the island’s strategic role during World War II. As an added bonus, you can also climb the Skywalk here for a panoramic view of the coastline; a nice balance to the war history.
Battlebox at Fort Canning
Opening Times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
Hidden beneath the lush greenery of Fort Canning Hill lies the Battlebox, a former British underground command centre that played a pivotal role during World War II. It was here, in February 1942, that the decision was made to surrender Singapore to Japanese forces; a turning point that reshaped the region’s history.
Top Tip: Above ground, Fort Canning Park is peaceful and the perfect place to spend half a day. You can read more about it in my Guide to Singapore’s Civic District HERE.
Reflections at Bukit Chandu
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am – 5pm
Cost: $7 (Adult, All Access)
Perched on a quiet hill in Kent Ridge Park, Reflections at Bukit Chandu tells one of Singapore’s most poignant wartime stories. This interpretive center commemorates the brave soldiers of the Malay Regiment who made their last stand here during the Battle of Pasir Panjang in February 1942.
Inside the restored colonial bungalow, immersive galleries trace the regiment’s formation, values, and the fierce defense of the ridge against overwhelming odds. Personal accounts, wartime artifacts, and multimedia displays bring to life the courage and sacrifice of figures such as Lieutenant Adnan Saidi, whose leadership has become a symbol of loyalty and resilience.
You can pair it with a beautiful hike out in nature via the Southern Ridges, which you can read more about HERE.
Former Ford Factory
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am – 5pm
Cost: $7 (Adult, All Access)
Standing along Upper Bukit Timah Road, the Former Ford Factory is one of Singapore’s most historically significant wartime sites. It was here, on 15 February 1942, that British forces formally surrendered to the Japanese army; marking the fall of Singapore.
Today, the restored building houses a museum that chronicles the events leading up to the surrender, as well as life under the Japanese Occupation. The preserved surrender room remains the emotional centerpiece, offering a stark reminder of the moment that reshaped the nation’s future. Through photographs, personal testimonies, and wartime artifacts, the exhibitions place human stories at the heart of a global conflict.
Heritage Museums
Must See: Asian Civilisations Museum
Opening Times: Daily, 10am – 7pm
Cost: $12 (Adult, All Access)
Set along the banks of the Singapore River, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is a celebration of the diverse cultures that shaped Singapore’s identity. Housed in a stately colonial-era building, the museum explores the artistic and cultural heritage of Asia — particularly China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Islamic world — and the centuries of trade and exchange that connected them. It’s an absolute highlight of Singapore’s Museum scene.
Chinatown Heritage Centre
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Cost: $25 (Adult, All Access)
Tucked within restored shophouses along Pagoda Street, the Chinatown Heritage Centre offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Singapore’s early Chinese migrants. Step through its doors and you’re transported back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when new arrivals crowded into tiny quarters above bustling streets in search of opportunity.
You can read more about Chinatown in my Area Guide HERE.
Indian Heritage Centre
Opening Times: Tuesday – Thursday, 10am – 7pm. Friday – Saturday, 10am – 8pm. Sunday 10am – 4pm.
Cost: $8 (Adult, All Access)
Rising like a modern interpretation of a traditional stepwell in the heart of Little India, the Indian Heritage Centre is a vibrant celebration of the Indian community’s contributions to Singapore and Southeast Asia. The museum itself takes visitors on a journey through centuries of migration, trade, faith, and culture.
Peranakan Museum
Opening Times: Daily, 10 am – 7 pm
Cost: $18 (Adult, All Access)
The Peranakan Museum is a vibrant tribute to the unique Straits Chinese culture that emerged from centuries of intermarriage between Chinese settlers and local Malay communities. The result is a rich hybrid heritage; distinct in language, cuisine, fashion, and ritual. In a city celebrated for its multiculturalism, the Peranakan Museum offers a deeper appreciation of one of Singapore’s most distinctive cultural communities.
Art, Science & Design Museums
Must See: National Gallery
Opening Times: Daily, 10am – 7pm
Cost: $20 (Adult)
Dominating the civic district, the National Gallery Singapore is a treasure trove of Southeast Asian art housed within two beautifully restored colonial landmarks (the former Supreme Court and City Hall). The gallery’s collection spans modern and contemporary works from across the region, highlighting Singaporean artists alongside those from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and beyond.
If you’re visiting, also be sure not to miss the beautiful rooftop for panoramic city views in the stunning dome of the museum.
Red Dot Design Museum
Opening Times: Monday – Friday, 11am – 7pm. Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Cost: $12 (Adult)
The Red Dot Design Museum is a playground for creativity and innovation. Unlike traditional art museums, it celebrates design in all its forms, and the museum’s dynamic exhibitions feature award-winning products from around the world, as well as conceptual works that challenge the boundaries of design. Interactive displays invite visitors to engage with the creative process, making the experience both educational and inspiring.
For travelers interested in innovation, creativity, or simply the beauty of well-designed objects, the Red Dot Design Museum is a must see unique museum.
ArtScience Museum
Opening Times: Sunday – Thursday, 10am – 7pm. Friday – Saturday, 10am – 9pm.
Cost: $41
Shaped like a striking lotus flower along the Marina Bay waterfront, the ArtScience Museum is where creativity meets technology. Its architecture alone is a sight to behold, but inside, the museum offers immersive exhibitions that blend art, science, culture, and innovation. It’s even home to a world famous teamLab experience.
The museum is hands-on and explores themes ranging from digital innovation to the intersection of art and natural phenomena. Multimedia displays, augmented reality experiences, and large-scale installations make every visit engaging for both adults and children.
Singapore City Gallery
Opening Times: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Cost: Free
A hidden gem in the heart of the Civic District, the Singapore City Gallery offers a fascinating glimpse into how the city has transformed over the decades. The highlight is the massive, intricately detailed scale model of Singapore. Interactive exhibits guide visitors through the evolution of housing, transportation, and sustainable development, showing how careful planning has shaped Singapore into the modern metropolis it is today.
Given Singapore’s transformation from small port city in 1965 to the global metropolis it is today, I actually found this museum super interesting and one a lot of other countries could learn from!
Singapore Discovery Centre
Opening Times: Monday – Friday, 12pm – 6pm. Saturday – Sunday, 11am – 7pm
Cost: $10 (Adult)
The Singapore Discovery Centre is an interactive museum that combines learning, technology, and fun to showcase the nation’s past, present, and future. It’s designed for families, students, and curious travelers who want to explore Singapore’s history, defense, and urban development through hands-on experiences.
Other Museums
Hell’s Museum
Opening Times: Daily, 10am – 6pm
Cost: $22 (Adult)
For something truly unique in Singapore’s museum scene, Hell’s Museum dives into a topic most cultural institutions steer clear of – death and the afterlife. It uses quite vivid displays and interpretation to explore how different religions and cultures around the world have imagined life beyond death.
The museum guides you through specially curated exhibits that reveal the beliefs, rituals, and symbolism associated with death, dying, and moral judgment. Highlights include insights into the infamous Ten Courts of Hell, interpretations of funeral rites, and comparative perspectives on the afterlife, making it as educational as it is eerie.
It’s also set within the grounds of the incredibly whacky Haw Par Villa. You can read my guide HERE (coming soon).
Singapore Air Force Museum
Opening Times: Currently closed for renovations, please check the website
Cost: Free
Tucked beside Paya Lebar Air Base, the Singapore Air Force Museum tells the story of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, from its early beginnings to its modern role in the nation’s defence. The museum combines indoor galleries with outdoor aircraft displays, giving visitors a close‑up look at iconic jets, helicopters, trainer planes, and defence systems that have shaped Singapore’s aviation history.
MINT Museum of Toys
Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 9.30am – 6.30pm
Cost: $30 (Adult)
An absolute childhood wonderland, the MINT museum is a delightful and nostalgic stop for travellers of all ages. Housed in a charming heritage shophouse, this quirky museum is dedicated entirely to toys, from rare vintage treasures to beloved childhood classics from around the world.
Other
There are still a few other museums across Singapore that I haven’t got around to visiting yet. Hopefully I will one day, and just in case one takes your fancy:
- Singapore Maritime Gallery: Covers Singapore’s maritime trade history.
- Singapore Philatelic Museum / Singapore Stamp Museum: Focused on stamps and postal history.
- Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum: Natural history museum with fossils, biodiversity exhibits, and a notable dinosaur collection.
- Singapore Science Centre: I include the Discovery Centre above, but the Science Centre is larger, interactive, and more focused on science and technology exhibitions.
- The Intan: A private Peranakan home-museum; smaller, but offers an intimate, authentic experience beyond the Peranakan Museum. This museum has to be booked in advance and I’ve never quite made it work timing wise!
So there you have it – so many museum options for such a tiny nation!! And given I’m a massive museum maniac, I’m always happy when I visit and never fail to find something interesting to do. What do you think? Would you want to visit any of these on a visit to Singapore? And if you want to find out more about this amazing country, you can check out my other posts below.
Let me know what you think in the comments; stay safe and happy travelling!
- Singapore 2 Day Itinerary HERE
- Singapore Layover Guide HERE
- Free things to do in Singapore HERE
- Gardens by the Bay HERE
- Singapore Botanic Gardens HERE
- Mount Faber & The Southern Ridges Walk HERE
- Singapore’s Best Gardens HERE
- Singapore’s WW2 history HERE
- Jurong Lake Gardens HERE
- MacRitchie Treetop Walk HERE
- Rail Corridor Walking Guide HERE
- Bukit Timah Nature Reserve HERE
- Singapore Museums HERE
- Civic District Area Guide HERE
- Sentosa Area Guide HERE
- Chinatown Area Guide HERE
- Marina Bay Area Guide HERE
- Bukit Timah Area Guide HERE
- Hotel Reviews: Raffles Singapore HERE, Conrad Marina Bay HERE, The Clan Hotel HERE.
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