National Museum of Singapore: A Visitor Guide | Singapore Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews, website)

The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in the country, with roots dating back to its establishment in 1849 as the Raffles Library and Museum. Housed in a magnificent colonial-era building that was completed in 1887, the museum serves as the primary repository for the cultural and historical heritage of the nation. It offers a deep and compelling exploration of the identity of Singapore, blending 19th-century elegance with state-of-the-art museum technology.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Why You Should Visit

For travelers who wish to understand how Singapore evolved from a 14th-century fishing port into a 21st-century global metropolis, this museum is indispensable. The galleries provide a high-tech, sensory-driven journey through time. Unlike traditional museums with static displays, this institution uses large-scale video installations, surround soundscapes, and digital interfaces to bring personal stories and historical events to life.

What is Special About It?

• The Rotunda Dome: As you enter the main hall, look up to see the stunning dome that rises 88.5 feet (27 meters) above the floor. It features 50 Victorian-style stained glass panels that were meticulously restored to their original 1887 brilliance during a major redevelopment project.
• The Glass Rotunda: This modern, 52-foot (16-meter) tall structure is a contemporary interpretation of the original dome. It houses Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time, a signature multimedia experience that uses light and art to explore the 700-year history of the island.
• Historical Treasures: The museum is home to the ‘Singapore Stone’, an 11th-century fragment containing an undeciphered ancient script, and the ‘William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings’, which consists of 477 high-fidelity illustrations of local flora and fauna from the early 1800s.

History and Architecture

• Neoclassical Majesty: The original building was designed by Sir Henry McCallum in a Neo-Palladian style. You should notice the symmetrical facade, the grand columns, and the triangular pediments. If you look closely at the exterior facade, you can spot carved unicorns, which were part of the Coat of Arms of Queen Victoria.
• Modern Integration: In 2006, the museum reopened with a massive modern extension made of glass and steel. These two wings are linked by a self-supporting glass passage that rises nearly 36 feet (11 meters) from the ground, offering a dramatic view of the exterior ‘fish-scale’ zinc tiles of the old dome.
• Wartime Resilience: During the Japanese Occupation (1942–1945), the museum was renamed the Syonan Hakubutsu Kan. British and Japanese scientists worked together to protect the collections from looting and damage, ensuring that much of the history of the region survived the war.

Self-Guided Information

Traveler Tip

You should begin your visit on the second floor at the Glass Rotunda and follow the spiral walkway downward. This path is designed to transition you seamlessly from the digital, artistic forest world into the core history galleries. If you are visiting on a weekend, you should check for free guided tours in English, which typically begin at the ground floor information counter.

Back to your Self-Guided Singapore Walking Tour

Where do you want to go now?

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

Other popular Purple Travel Guides you may be interested in:

Like this Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel Guide? Pin these for later: