Culture is the key to the heart of a nation. Singapore's rich diversity has produced a place that beautifully teems with eclectic traditions in local customs. Recognized as a cultural melting pot, if you’re someone who is deeply drawn to age-old tales, traditions, and rich history, you’re in for a treat in Singapore. From streets dotted with temples to enlightening museums at every nook and corner, there’s something for everyone in this country.
Experience the fusion of art and science at the ArtScience Museum, witness Chinatown's past come to life at the Chinatown Heritage Centre, and step into 2D paintings on the walls, floors, and ceilings at the TrickEye Museum. Singapore has a wonderful way of showcasing art, history, and, of course, its unique quirks and charms. Dive into these museums and attractions for a wonderful cultural experience.
5 Must-See Artifacts in Singapore
1Ann Siang Hill Park
Located in the Chinatown Heritage centre, Ann Siang Hill Park is a must-visit! Housed in a quiet enclave amidst the hustle and bustle of Chinatown the Ann Siang Hill Park has colorful shophouses that will give you an insight into the lives of the early immigrants in Singapore. You will be able to visit places of worship from the 1800s while strolling through the park. While walking through the Ann Siang Hill Park you will also be able to discover different tree species which include tamarind trees, cinnamon trees, nutmeg trees and breadfruit trees.
2Thian Hock Keng Temple Mural
Another hidden gem in the Chinatown Heritage Centre is the Thian Hock Keng Temple mural. The mural was created on the back of the wall of the Thian Hock Keng Temple by Yip Yew Chong. The forty meter long mural is a testament and tribute to the lives of Singapore’s early Hokkien. The early Hokkiens were a dialect group hailing from the south-eastern Fujian province in China. The sacrifice of this particular group of immigrants in Singapore, greatly influenced and shaped modern-day Singapore.
3The Buddha Tooth Relic
Located in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Singapore, the Buddha tooth relic is believed to be the left canine tooth of Buddha. The relic is proudly displayed in a grand stupa that is made from 320 kilograms of gold and which weighs a staggering 3,500 kilograms. Of the 320 kilograms of gold that were used, 234 kilograms of the gold was donated to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Singapore by devotees. Though only monks are allowed inside the area that houses the tooth relic, you can still see the relic from a public viewing area.
4‘The Spirit of Singapore’ Boat Ride
‘The Spirit of Singapore’ Boat Ride is not to be missed when you visit the Madame Tussauds Museum in Singapore. This boat ride is the first such ride in this museum in Singapore. On the ‘Spirit of Singapore’ Boat Ride, you will sail through a lush and tropical fantasy garden where you will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the native plants and other flora of Singapore. If you are looking for an experience that will give you a detailed insight into Singapore, then go for ‘The Spirit of Singapore’ boat ride at Madame Tussauds Singapore.
5The Future World Exhibition
The Future World Exhibition is a permanent exhibition at the Art Science Museum in Singapore. You can immerse yourself in a world of art, science, magic and metaphor as you move through the collection of the digitally interactive installations in this exhibition. The exhibition will take you on an awesome journey through four key narratives: ‘City in a Garden’, ‘Sanctuary’, ‘Park’ and ‘Space’. It's worth noting that the ‘Sanctuary’ and ‘Park’ zones of the Future World Exhibition are currently closed for renovations, but you can visit the other zones of the exhibition for a reduced price.
9 Best Museums in Singapore
Are you as thrilled by optical illusions as we are? Originating from Korea, the Trick Eye Museum in Singapore promises a mind-boggling time! Located on Sentosa Island, the 800-square-meter museum is divided into six themed zones. Step into paintings on the walls, ceilings and ground and witness yourself become a part of the artwork! As Singapore's first interactive 4D museum, the Trick Eye Museum aims to portray the cosmopolitan nature of Singapore by blending Eastern and Western influences into all its exhibits. Where as most museums advice you to not touch the artwork - the Trick Eye Museum suggests just the opposite! Enter a world of augmented reality for a guaranteed good time.
Trick Eye Museum Highlights
- Eco Garden
- AR Trickeye
- Aqua Trickeye
- Rainbow Garden
Recommended Trick Eye Museum Tickets
Trick Eye Museum Reviews
Wonderful experience first time visit there is alot to explore really amazing worthwhile visit. Thanks will visit again. Sure 💯
- Amit, Headout, March 2022
Kids had a blast and took plenty of photos to share with other friends and family
- Kashyap, Headout, December 2022
#2 Chinatown Heritage Centre
Must-see Museum in Singapore
Chinese culture is a huge part of Singaporean culture. Dive even deeper into China's rich history at the Chintatown Heritage Centre. Watch the vibrant past of Chinatown comes to life with within the four walls of this museum. Housed in restored shop houses, the heritage centre holds some of deepest and darkest secrets from the early 1950’s. Experience an honest, revealing glimpse into Chinatown’s early days in Singapore.
Chinatown Heritage Centre Highlights
- Ann Siang Hill Park
- Detective Conan in Chinatown Mural
- Thian Hock Keng Temple Mural
- Al-Abrar Mosque
As the name suggests, the ArtScience Museum is an ultramodern fusion of art and science under one roof. Step into the future as your witness science take up an artistic approach, bringing you an ethereal experience. Partnering with a globally renowned Japanese group, the Art Science museum believes in merging the two together with the help of digital technology. The intriguing exhibitions at this museum have received several acclamations and rave reviews from well-known journals. The museum is divided into Nature, Town, Park and Space sections that combine interactive 4D technologies, with light and sounds to provide you a sensory experience. Tempted? You shouldn’t miss this one!
Art Science Museum Highlights
- Future World Exhibition
- Patricia Piccinini: We Are Covered Exhibition
- MENTAL: Colours of Wellbeing Exhibition
- VR Gallery
Recommended Art Science Museum Tickets
Arts Science Museum Reviews
Great interactive displays. Friendly staff and not much queuing. The plastic exhibition was very well curated.
- Helen, Headout, March 2021
The Arts and Science Museum has three exhibitions on at the moment. The first one is an impressive interactive light display which the kids adore so it's pretty busy with kids running around. However it's well controlled so no crowding in certain sections. The other two displays are much more ordinary and fewer visitors although interesting for older kids and adults
- Frances, Headout, December 2020
Located in Chinatown, this magnificent Buddhist temple is, in fact, a recent addition to Singapore’s must-visit destinations. Constructed in 2007, the temple is bound to leave you awestruck with its intricately designed interiors and comprehensive exhibits on Buddhist art. The temple gets its name from a left canine tooth that was recovered from the Buddha’s funeral pyre in Kushinagar, India. You can view the tooth on display in the temple’s premises, along with other revered artifacts of the Buddha kept inside The Buddhist Cultural Museum. Every Saturday, at 2 PM, you can enjoy a 1 1/2 - 2 hrs long guided tour of the temple. The tours are conducted free-of-charge by the temple's Volunteers guides. Limited slots are available and reserved on a first-come-first-serve basis - so be sure to snag your slot.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
- Left canine tooth of Buddha
- Buddhist Culture Museum
- Sacred Light Hall
- Eminent Sangha Museum
- Rooftop Garden
Previously recognized as the Singapore History Museum, the National Museum of Singapore is the largest local museum in the city. You can divide your visit into two sections: the Singapore History Gallery (which traces the history of the country) and the Singapore Living Gallery (which focuses on themes including food, fashion, film and photography). Apart from the exhibits within, the National Museum of Singapore is also praised for its beautiful, neo-classical architecture that is fused with modern glass fixtures. The museum truly celebrates the Singaporean culture and walks you through the timeline of transformation that the country has observed since the early 14th century.
National Museum of Singapore Highlights
- Singapore Gallery
- Life in Singapore: The Past 100 years Galleries
- ‘Story of the Forest’ immersive art installation
Recommended National Museum of Singapore Tickets
National Museum of Singapore Reviews
Loved seeing the history of Singapore from the pre-colonial period to its days as a British colony to World War 2 and modern times
- Lucas, Headout, August 2022
I booked this ticket with a discount offered due to previous purchasing. Totally worth it visiting the museum do understand more about Singapore history.
- Ana, Headout, April 2022
Choose from dozens of tours and explore the city's iconic hotspots and enticing neighborhoods with a professional, local guide. From tours of Little India and China Town to pub crawls and river cruises, experience just about anything. City tours are a great way to maximize your time. They're also a perfect way to get an insider's peak into Singaporean culture. In other words - there's no better way to orient yourself with Singapore!
Singapore City Tours Highlights
- Little India Tour
- Chinatown Tour
- River Cruises
Recommended Singapore City Tours Tickets
Visit the world's favorite wax museum - but with a fantastic Singaporean twist! At 'Images of Singapore LIVE', uncover the nation's extraordinary story of transformation from a humble fishing village to the 21st century powerhouse it is today. Aboard the ‘Spirit of Singapore’, embark on a fun water journey. Watch Singapore’s native plants come to life as the smell of lilies and jasmine fills the air. Be whisked away into the the amazing F1 Singapore night race and experience the thrill of a grand prix race. Experience the Singapore Flyer as a Singapore Airlines A380 thunders by, on its way to Changi International Airport. And, of course, enter he world of Madame Tussauds and get up close and personal with your favorite global celebrities. Meet, interact with and snap some selfies with rock stars, historic icons, athletes, film and TV A-listers and musicians, plus national and international heroes including Jack Neo, Gurmit Singh as you take a trip back to history and straight to stardom.
Madame Tussauds Singapore Highlights
- ‘Images of Singapore LIVE’ Exhibition
- ‘Spirit of Singapore’ boat ride
- F1 Singapore Night Race
- Singapore Flyer
Recommended Madame Tussauds Singapore Tickets
Madame Tussauds Singapore Reviews
It was really awesome and mind-blowing experience!We have enjoyed our trip there and it's a very remarkable and highly recommended and suitable for all ages.
- Arumugam, Headout, December 2020
‘Peranakan’ refers to a culturally rich and unique ethnic group that came about with both Chinese and Malay people in Singapore. This ten-gallery museum exhibits the world’s largest and best overview of the Peranakan life in three floors. Explore ancient artifacts and documents – ranging from silver, furniture, textiles and crockery – that reflects the Peranakan culture in Singapore. The second and third level of the museum is dedicated to several religious and social ways of living that the Peranakans have followed from eons.
Peranakan Museum Highlights
- 12-Day Peranakan Wedding
- Stories of prominent Peranakans in Singapore’s history
- Evolution of Pernakans and their culture
Recommended Peranakan Museum Tickets
The MINT Museum of Toys is all your childhood dreams come true! With over 50,000 pieces of vintage toys, including rare and one-of-a-kind pieces, the toys are sourced from 40 countries and even date back to the mid-19th century. This five-story temple of toys is a haven for children and adults. Enjoy a moment of nostalgia with your family on a tour at the MINT Museum of Toys.
MINT Museum of Toys Highlights
- Galleries devoted to vintage enamel signs
- Private collection of more than 8,000 toys from over 40 countries
Recommended MINT Museum of Toys Tickets
Tips to Experience Museums in Singapore
Make a note of these handy tips when visiting any of the museums in Singapore.
- Wear comfortable footwear when visiting the museums in Singapore.
- Book your tickets to the museums in Singapore in advance and online. By booking tickets online, you can get good deals on tickets such as combo deals and skip-the-line tickets.
- Where available, try and opt for guided tours for the museums of Singapore.
- If you want to go for a self-guided tour, you can use the multilingual audio guides that are readily available in the museums of Singapore.
- Skip-the-line tickets for the museums in Singapore give you priority access to the museums and help you skip the waiting queues at the entrance.
- Try to plan your visit to the museums in Singapore during the off-peak season to get better deals and avoid the crowds
FAQs
The Chinatown Heritage Centre, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and Madame Tussauds Singapore are some of the best museums in Singapore.
Most museums in Singapore do charge an entrance fee, but on certain days of the year they offer discounted rates and free admission.
The TrickEye Museum is the newest museum in Singapore.
There are no restrictions for entering most of the museums in Singapore. However, if you wish to visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Singapore, you have to be dressed appropriately-no bare backs, off-shoulder tops, shorts or mini-skirts are allowed.
Most museums in Singapore do allow visitors to click pictures and make videos during their visit. But this varies from museum to museum so it is a good idea to check this beforehand.
