Singapore Mobility Gallery museums in singapore

25 Best Singapore Museums: Art, History & Hidden Gems That Will Make You Appreciate the Lion City in a New Way

Singapore’s museums are so much more than people expect—think futuristic art, ancient shipwrecks, wartime secrets, and even a museum dedicated to toys. Whether you want to dive into history, geek out over design, or just escape the heat for an afternoon, here’s my guide to the 25 best Singapore museums!
Total
0
Shares

Just a heads up: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you book through them (at no extra cost to you). Your support helps me keep Rachel IRL going, so thank you! To read more, please see my affiliate disclosure.

When we initially planned our trip to Singapore as a simple stopover destination on our way to Vietnam, I didn’t expect to be quite so taken with all that Singapore itself had to offer. 

In addition to the many neighborhoods to explore, things to eat, and things to do in Singapore, I soon discovered just how engaging, thought-provoking, and downright exciting this tiny city-state’s museums would be. Whether it was tracing Singapore’s rise from a tiny trading port to a global metropolis, getting lost in interactive contemporary art, or diving into stories from WWII that still shape the country today, every museum in Singapore I visited left me with a deeper appreciation for this city.

And another thing… Singapore museums are the perfect escape from the heat and humidity. With its tropical climate, this city is no stranger to sudden downpours, and a museum visit makes for an ideal dry, air-conditioned refuge on a stormy afternoon – while also making you feel like a more cultured human in the process! It’s a win-win! Whether you’re here for the history, the art, the science, or just a break from the weather, this list covers the absolute best museums in Singapore for every kind of traveler.

Like to map it out?

Find all the spots featured in this post below!

Delve into Singapore

The 25 Best Singapore Museums for Every Interest

The Singapore museum scene is so much more than people expect—it’s not just about history (though there’s plenty of that); it’s also packed with cutting-edge contemporary art, mind-blowing science exhibits, and quirky, only-in-Singapore experiences. 

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for something cool to do on a rainy day, this list has the absolute best museums in Singapore worth your time. And if you want to see more while saving money on tickets, don’t miss the Museum Pass Singapore—more on that below!

Real Talk:

Singapore – while less affected than some of its Southeast Asian neighbors – is not immune to overtourism, gentrification, and environmental damage. So please: don’t be an asshole when you travel here (or anywhere).

If you’ve made it to my blog, I’d like to think you too care about preserving the integrity of the places you visit – but I’ve seen enough disrespectful behavior from Western tourists to know it’s worth saying out loud:

If you’re going to make locals’ lives harder, just stay home.

things to do in singapore marina bay sands

Explore Singapore’s Best Museums Without Spending a Fortune on Tickets

Want to see the best of the Singapore museum scene without overpaying? The Museum Pass Singapore lets you customize your cultural adventure by choosing a package for 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 museums—so you only pay for what you actually plan to visit. Whether you’re into cutting-edge art, wartime history, or mind-blowing science exhibits, this pass gives you flexible access to some of the top Singapore museums.

How It Works:

  • Choose a pass for 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 museums based on how much time (and energy) you have.
  • Gain entry to must-visit spots like ArtScience Museum, National Gallery Singapore, and the Fort Canning Battlebox.
  • Skip the hassle of multiple ticket purchases – just show your pass and start exploring!

Why Get the Museum Pass?

  • Save Money – It’s cheaper than buying individual tickets.
  • Flexible & Customizable – Pick only the Singapore museums you actually want to see.
  • Easy to Use – One pass, multiple museums—no need to fumble with different bookings.

Design & Art Museums in Singapore

Singapore’s art scene is as dynamic as the city itself, blending traditional Southeast Asian influences with cutting-edge contemporary works. Whether you’re drawn to classic masterpieces, experimental installations, or innovative design, these museums showcase the best of the region’s artistic talent.

National Gallery Singapore museums

If you only have time for one art museum in Singapore, make it this one. The National Gallery Singapore isn’t just the country’s biggest art museum – it’s one of the most important museums in Southeast Asia given it hosts the world’s largest public collection of Southeast Asian art. Not to mention, the museum is housed in the stunningly restored Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, which are worth visiting for the architecture alone.

Inside, the gallery walks you through Southeast Asia’s rich artistic history, from 19th-century colonial-era works to the modern and contemporary pieces that define the region today, featuring luminaries like Georgette Chen and Raden Saleh.

Singapore’s National Gallery is an absolute must for anyone who wants to get a deeper understanding of Singapore’s cultural roots and the broader Southeast Asian art scene.

📍 CBD (Central Business District)
🕓 10am – 7pm daily

2. Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark: For Contemporary Art Enthusiasts

The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is going through a bit of a glow-up these days. While its original Bras Basah building is under renovation, it’s set up shop in an industrial warehouse at Tanjong Pagar Distripark—and honestly, it suits the museum’s vibe! 

The exhibitions here focus on bold, thought-provoking contemporary art, featuring everything from massive multimedia installations to interactive pieces that make you stop and think (or just stand there wondering if you get what’s happening at all).

The museum has a reputation for pushing boundaries and featuring artists who challenge the norm, and they even host frequent artist talks and workshops. To give you an idea of what to expect, some recent exhibits include Yee I-Lann’s “Mansau-Ansau,” which transforms batik and woven textiles into striking political statements about colonial history, as well as “Everyday Practices,” which tries to prove that even the most ordinary routines—folding laundry, repeating daily rituals—can be reimagined as powerful artistic expressions.

Is every exhibit here going to blow your mind? Probably not. But SAM is one of those museums where even if you don’t love everything, you’ll at least walk away feeling like you saw something different – and in a city full of (sometimes overly) polished, tourist-friendly attractions, that alone makes it worth your time.

📍 Tanjong Pagar
🕓 10am – 7pm daily

3. The Private Museum: For Independent & Emerging Artists

If you prefer your art experience without the crowds (or the pretentiousness), The Private Museum is the perfect spot. This independent, non-profit space is all about showcasing under-the-radar artists in an intimate setting. The exhibitions change frequently, but the curation is always on point – expect a mix of contemporary, experimental, and personal works that feel refreshingly different from the mainstream gallery circuit.

What makes this place even more special is the building itself—a beautifully preserved historic house that once belonged to a prominent local family. The architecture alone is worth a visit, with its elegant colonial-style façade and cozy interiors that feel more like stepping into a private collector’s home than a typical white-walled gallery. 

That’s exactly the vibe here: intimate, unpretentious, and personal. No overwhelming maze of galleries, no giant tour groups—just you, some seriously interesting art, and maybe a friendly curator who’s happy to chat about the pieces.

📍 District 9
🕓 10am – 7pm weekdays, 11am – 5pm weekends

things to do in singapore-341

Located in the trendy, tree-lined enclave of Dempsey Hill, REDSEA Gallery is one of Singapore’s top contemporary art spaces. It’s the kind of place where you can wander in and casually admire the paintings and sculptures… or, if you have some deep pockets, actually buy one.

The gallery showcases a mix of established and emerging artists from Singapore and around the world, covering everything from striking modern paintings to eye-catching sculptures. It leans a little more commercial, but that doesn’t take away from the quality of the works on display. Even if you’re not looking to drop thousands on a piece of art, it’s a great place to get inspired.

📍 Dempsey Hill
🕓 10am – 9pm daily

Printmaking and paper-based art don’t always get the hype they deserve, but STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery proves they absolutely should. This is one of Singapore’s most unique art spaces, doubling as both a gallery and a working studio where artists experiment with print and paper techniques.

Their exhibitions often feature stunning limited-edition works created in collaboration with international artists, so you’ll see things here that you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about seeing how the pieces are made –  if you’ve ever wanted to know what goes into creating a high-quality print, this is the place to learn.

Book a guided tour if you want an even closer look at the process behind paper crafts, or take part in a hands-on workshop and walk away with your own one-of-a-kind souvenir – they offer everything from Japanese woodblock printing to marbling!

📍 Robertson Quay
🕓 10am – 7pm Monday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm Sunday

Singapore museums

6. Red Dot Design Museum: For Fans of Innovative Design

This is not your typical art museum—it’s a shrine to good design in all its forms, from cutting-edge industrial products to sleek, award-winning everyday items. The Red Dot Design Museum celebrates the best of contemporary product and graphic design, featuring winners of the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards.

Expect to see everything from futuristic gadgets to reimagined furniture that will probably make you think, why isn’t everything designed this well? The space itself is on the smaller side, but it’s packed with fascinating exhibits that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for design thinking.

📍 Marina Bay
🕓 11am – 6pm Tuesday – Sunday, closed on Mondays


History & Heritage Museums in Singapore

Most tourists come to Singapore expecting a futuristic skyline, luxury shopping, and an over-the-top airport, but what they don’t realize is that this city has had one of the most fascinating historical transformations in the world. 

The leap from a sleepy fishing village to a mega metropolis wasn’t just about sheer luck—it was a story of migration, colonialism, war, resilience, and an almost obsessive dedication to reinvention. These museums don’t just preserve the past; they explain why Singapore is what it is today. 

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to dig deeper than the Marina Bay selfie crowd, this is where to start.

7. National Museum of Singapore: For Those Who Want the Basics (and More!)

best singapore museums

If you want to understand Singapore, start here. The National Museum of Singapore isn’t just the oldest museum in the country—it’s also one of the most impressive. Housed in a grand 19th-century colonial building with sleek modern additions, the museum takes you on a journey through Singapore’s transformation from a tiny trading outpost to one of the world’s most advanced cities.

This isn’t just a collection of old documents and relics—the exhibitions here are immersive and well-curated, mixing historical artifacts, digital installations, and even sensory experiences. One standout? The Story of the Forest, a breathtaking digital installation that transforms old botanical illustrations into a 360-degree experience, making you feel like you’ve stepped inside a living painting.

📍 Colonial District
🕓 10am – 6:30pm daily

8. Asian Civilisations Museum: For the Story of Singapore’s Multicultural Heritage

best museums in singapore

Singapore didn’t become a major trading hub overnight—it was built on centuries of migration, cultural exchange, and global connections. The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) tells that story, showing how influences from China, India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia all came together to shape the region.

Set in a stunning neoclassical building along the Singapore River (the very river that made Singapore such a key player in trade), ACM’s exhibits dive into everything from intricately carved temple statues to ancient gold jewelry and porcelain once traded along maritime routes.

The Tang Shipwreck Collection is a standout of the Singapore Civilization Museum—this treasure trove of ninth-century ceramics and artifacts, discovered in a sunken ship off Indonesia’s coast, is basically a time capsule of the global economy a thousand years ago. It proves that Singapore’s role as a trading hub goes back centuries, and is sure to leave you feeling a new appreciation for modern Singapore as well.

📍 Colonial District
🕓 10am – 7pm Sunday – Friday, 10am – 9pm Saturday

9. Peranakan Museum: For a Deep Dive on Singapore’s Most Unique Culture

If the previous museums give a good overview of the way Singapore came to be so uniquely multicultural, the Peranakan Museum lets you see up close and personal just how vibrant and intricate Singapore’s cultural history really is. Peranakans—descendants of early Chinese settlers who blended their traditions with Malay influences—have a culture that’s as bold and colorful as the artifacts on display here.

Recently reopened after a major renovation, the museum showcases everything from extravagantly embroidered kebayas (traditional clothing) to ornate beaded slippers and wedding furniture so elaborate it looks like it belongs in a palace. The level of detail in Peranakan craftsmanship is next level, and the exhibits do a great job of explaining the deep traditions behind it all.

If you love a good aesthetic, this museum is a goldmine—think bold colors, intricate patterns, and plenty of photo-worthy corners.

📍 Museum District
🕓 10am – 7pm daily, 10am – 9pm Saturday

10. The Intan: For a Charming (and Exclusive) Look into Peranakan Culture

For a more personal take on Peranakan culture, The Intan is a must. Unlike the Peranakan Museum, which gives you the broad picture, The Intan is an intimate, private collection housed in a beautifully restored shophouse. Every single item has been personally curated by owner Alvin Yapp, who leads the tours himself.

Visiting here feels less like a traditional museum trip and more like stepping into someone’s home (because, well, it is Alvin’s home). His passion for Peranakan culture is infectious, and his storytelling makes the artifacts come alive in a way that no museum label ever could.

📍 Joo Chiat
🕓 10am – 7pm daily, visits strictly by appointment

things to do in singapore little india

11. Indian Heritage Centre: For a Closer Look at Singapore’s Indian Heritage

Tucked away in the heart of Little India, the Indian Heritage Centre is one of Singapore’s most underrated museums. It tells the story of the Indian community’s contributions to Singapore, from the early traders who arrived centuries ago to the waves of migrants who helped shape the nation.

The exhibits range from ancient artifacts—think beautifully carved temple statues and intricate gold jewelry—to more modern displays that explore Bollywood’s influence and the evolution of Indian festivals in Singapore. The building itself is a cool blend of traditional Indian design and sleek contemporary architecture, making it worth a visit for the aesthetics alone.

📍 Little India
🕓 10am – 6pm Tuesday – Sunday, closed on Mondays


Science, Nature & Innovation Museums in Singapore

Being a city that’s always looking toward the future, it’s no surprise that Singapore has some of the most engaging science and innovation museums around. These aren’t your standard, dry collections of old exhibits—expect immersive installations, futuristic technology, and hands-on experiences that make learning genuinely fun. Whether you want to geek out over AI, marvel at dinosaur fossils, or get a behind-the-scenes look at Singapore’s urban planning, these museums prove that science and innovation are anything but boring.

artscience museum singapore

12. ArtScience Museum: For Those Who Don’t Want to Choose Between Art & Science

The ArtScience Museum is hands-down one of the coolest museum experiences in Singapore. Housed in the iconic lotus-shaped building at Marina Bay Sands, this place is all about blurring the line between technology, creativity, and human expression.

Its permanent Future World exhibition is a mind-bender—think massive, interactive digital installations where walls, floors, and even you become part of the art. The Singapore Museum of Art and Science the type of place where you’ll walk through a glowing forest, get lost in an endless cascade of digital waterfalls, and interact with AI-generated artworks that shift based on your movements all within the space of two hours. Temporary exhibitions vary, but past themes have included everything from space exploration to Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions.

📍 Marina Bay
🕓 10am – 7pm Sunday – Thursday, 10am – 9pm Friday & Saturday

13. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum: For Dinosaur Lovers

The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is home to a seriously impressive collection of fossils, rare specimens, and over a million biological artifacts that tell the story of our planet.

The true stars of the show are three towering dinosaur skeletons that steal the spotlight in the museum’s grand hall. These aren’t just any fossils—they’re some of the most complete dinosaur skeletons ever found in Southeast Asia, and seeing them in person is enough to make anyone feel like a kid again. Beyond dinosaurs, the museum dives into Southeast Asia’s biodiversity, showcasing everything from giant squid to rare orchids and even a preserved specimen of the now-extinct Singapore Tiger.

Located on the National University of Singapore (NUS) campus, this Singapore museum is not as central as the others, but it’s absolutely worth the trip – just be sure to plan ahead!

📍 Kent Ridge
🕓 10am – 6pm Tuesday – Sunday

14. Science Centre Singapore: For Curious Minds Who Want to Get Hands-On

Designed to make science fun and interactive, the Science Centre Singapore is packed with live demos, hands-on exhibits, and quirky experiments that bring everything from physics to space exploration to life.

One of the coolest attractions is the Omni-Theatre, a massive dome screen that makes IMAX look basic—perfect for space documentaries that make you feel like you’re actually floating in orbit. Then there’s the Fire Tornado Show, where a 6-meter-high whirlwind of flames is created before your eyes, and the EcoGarden, where you can see how sustainable technology is being used to grow plants in the most unexpected ways.

If you’ve got kids (or are just a big kid at heart), this place is way more fun than you’d expect. Set aside at least half a day—you’ll lose track of time fast.

📍 Jurong East
🕓 10am – 5pm daily

15. Singapore Discovery Centre: For a Look at Singapore’s Future (and Its Quirky Side)

The Singapore Discovery Centre is part museum, part theme park, part immersive learning experience—basically, a crash course in what makes Singapore tick. If you’ve ever wondered how a tiny island with no natural resources managed to become a global powerhouse, this place does a surprisingly good job of breaking it all down.

The exhibitions here are refreshingly creative—one moment, you’re stepping into a simulation of Singapore’s future, and the next, you’re testing out an augmented reality war strategy game used in military training. It’s an unexpected mix of history, innovation, and national identity, with a strong focus on Singapore’s defense, sustainability, and urban planning.

📍 Jurong West
🕓 12pm – 6pm weekdays, 11am – 7pm weekends

Ever wondered how Singapore’s crazy-efficient public transport system actually works? The Singapore Mobility Gallery is where you get the inside scoop on how the city’s buses, MRT, and roads all work together to keep millions of people moving like clockwork.

It sounds niche, and that’s because it is! But trust me—this place is fascinating, especially if you’re interested in city planning, sustainability, or the future of transportation. There are interactive exhibits where you can plan your own MRT network, test self-driving vehicles, and see how AI is shaping the future of urban mobility.

This Singapore museum is inside the Land Transport Authority (LTA) headquarters, so it’s not a super touristy spot. But if you’re into urban development or smart cities, it’s an absolute hidden gem.

📍 Kampong Java
🕓 9:30am – 5pm weekdays, closed weekends


Unique & Niche Museums in Singapore

Not all Singapore museums are about serious history or fine art. Some are just downright bizarre, ridiculously fun, or surprisingly insightful in ways you’d never expect. Singapore has its fair share of museums that don’t quite fit the mold, but that’s exactly what makes them worth visiting.

17. Haw Par Villa: For Kitsch-Hunters & Fed-Up Parents 

Haw Par Villa is what happens when you mix Chinese mythology, Buddhist teachings, and a total lack of restraint. Built in 1937 by the creators of Tiger Balm, this massive outdoor sculpture park-slash-museum is unlike anything else in Singapore.

The main attraction here is the infamous Ten Courts of Hell, a series of dioramas depicting all the gruesome ways sinners get punished in the afterlife. We’re talking people getting sawn in half, thrown onto mountains of knives, or boiled alive in cauldrons. It’s horrifying, fascinating, and the kind of thing that sticks with a little kid forever. Beyond that, the park is filled with colorful (and sometimes unintentionally hilarious) statues of Chinese deities, folklore heroes, and mythical creatures.

things to do in singapore-354

📍 Pasir Panjong
🕓 9am – 8pm daily

18. Mint Museum of Toys: For a Nostalgic Trip Through Childhoods Around the World

Mint Museum of Toys singapore museums

Hidden inside a sleek modern building near City Hall, the Mint Museum of Toys is four floors of pure nostalgia. This private collection houses over 50,000 vintage toys from the 1800s to the 1980s, featuring everything from old-school tin robots and antique teddy bears to original Star Wars and Mickey Mouse memorabilia.

The Singapore Museum of Toys is surprisingly well-curated, dividing toys by region—so you’ll see rare Japanese collectibles next to American pop culture icons, alongside European vintage playthings that look straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. Even if you’re not a toy collector, it’s a fascinating look at how childhood and entertainment have evolved over the decades.

📍 CBD
🕓 9:30am – 6:30pm Tuesday – Sunday

Singapore Mobility Gallery museums in singapore

Most people visit Singapore and never stop to think how the hell did this tiny island turn into a mega metropolis? If you’re even a little curious, Singapore City Gallery lays it all out in the most interesting, visually engaging way possible.

The highlight here is the giant 3D scale model of Singapore, an incredibly detailed miniature city that lets you see how everything from skyscrapers to green spaces fit together. But beyond that, the museum dives into the urban planning strategies, sustainability efforts, and mind-blowing foresight that have shaped modern Singapore.

Did you know that Marina Bay didn’t even exist until the government literally built it? Or that Singapore has an entire underground logistics system to keep things running efficiently? This place answers all those questions and more, proving that Singapore’s success wasn’t an accident—it was meticulously planned from day one.

📍 Chinatown
🕓 9am – 5pm Monday – Saturday


War & Military History Museums of Singapore

Singapore’s gleaming skyline and hyper-modern efficiency make it easy to forget that not that long ago, this was a battleground. During World War II, Singapore fell to the Japanese in what was one of Britain’s most shocking ever military defeats, leading to three and a half years of brutal occupation. The city we see today was built in part from the ashes of that era, and these Singapore war museums offer a sobering, deeply fascinating look at the strategies, sacrifices, and stories of those who lived through it.

Each of these sites focuses on a different facet of Singapore’s WWII experience—whether it’s the military defenses that failed to hold back the invasion, the underground war rooms where crucial decisions were made, or the heartbreaking realities of life under occupation. If you think war history is all dry dates and battle maps, these places will change your mind.

  • Fort Canning Battlebox – A underground bunker where British commanders made their fateful decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese, located right in the middle of Singapore’s CBD. The guided tour is one of the best WWII experiences in the city, giving you a front-row seat to the tensions and missteps that led to the fall of Singapore. It’s also one of the most centrally located if you’re short of time!
  • Fort Siloso – The only preserved coastal defense fortress in Singapore, Fort Siloso is packed with wartime bunkers, cannons, and tunnels that give you a real sense of what it was like for soldiers defending the island.
  • Changi Chapel & Museum – This deeply moving Singapore war museum tells the stories of prisoners of war and civilians who were held at Changi during the Japanese occupation. Letters, personal objects, and testimonies bring the horrors and resilience of those years to life in a way that sticks with you long after you leave.
  • Reflections at Bukit Chandu – A smaller but powerful tribute to the Malay Regiment soldiers who made a last stand at Pasir Panjang, fighting against overwhelming odds during the invasion. This museum in Singapore shines a light on an often-overlooked part of WWII history, giving these soldiers the recognition they deserve.
  • Former Ford Factory – The very room where the British signed their unconditional surrender to the Japanese in 1942 is preserved here, along with exhibits that break down how Singapore went from colonial stronghold to occupied territory in a matter of days.
  • Singapore Air Force Museum – Not WWII-focused like the others, but a fascinating look at how Singapore built up its own air defense after the war, ensuring it would never be left vulnerable again. If you’re into aircraft, this place is full of vintage fighter jets and military aviation history.
Singapore museums

P.S. When you book using my links, you help support Rachel IRL at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win!

Ready to explore the best museums in Singapore?

Exploring Singapore museums was easily one of the most unexpected highlights of my trip. Each one offered something completely different – thought-provoking contemporary art, immersive history exhibits, stunning architecture, and even a few surprises I didn’t see coming.

If you’re planning to visit a few on your own trip to Singapore, don’t forget to grab the Museum Pass Singapore – it’ll save you money and make your cultural deep dive that much easier.

Downloadable
Google Maps

Save time and explore like a local with my curated Google Maps. Get all my best recommendations, hidden gems, and tips in one easy-to-use guide—no note-taking required!

Liked this post? Pin it for later!

Keep in touch!

Sign up below to receive my monthly newsletter, featuring tips for how to travel smarter and more authentically.

I’ll share stories from the road, suggestions for where to travel next, and much more!

    Total
    0
    Shares
    things to do in katong singapore - chin mee chin

    12 of the Best Things to Do in Katong, Singapore: Discover Vibrant Joo Chiat Road, Amazing Laksa & More!

    Katong was our first stop in Singapore—and honestly, it set the bar high. From colorful shophouses and spicy laksa to vintage shops and beachy walks, this underrated neighborhood has it all. Here’s everything we loved (and ate) while exploring Katong and its buzzy main artery, Joo Chiat Road.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    I consent to my name, email, and comment being stored and processed by Rachel IRL according to the Privacy Policy. I understand my IP address may also be collected to prevent spam.

    You May Also Like

    Get a FREE Google Maps download!

    Arrive at your destination with a pocketful of tried and true Rachel IRL approved recommendations. Enter your email below for a promo code to access one FREE Google Map download from my shop right in your own Google Maps app.