Best 28 Museum and Art Galleries in Singapore
A museum is a structure that houses the treasures of ancient history or the past. Museums are important places to visit if you want to learn about history. An art gallery is a space dedicated to displaying works of visual art such as paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Other examples include pottery, metal art, and furniture. If you enjoy museums and art galleries, we have compiled a list of the best 28 museums and art galleries in Singapore for you to visit!
Have you been informed?
The Mona Lisa, one of the most valuable paintings in the world, is currently housed in the Louvre.
Source: Louvre.fr
The Louvre is the world’s largest museum, covering 72,735 square meters and housing approximately 38 thousand works of art dating from the prehistoric era to the twenty-first century.
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1. ArtScience Museum
Source: ArtScience Museum
Source: ArtScience Museum
Through this central narrative – City in a Garden, Sanctuary, Park, and Space – Future World takes visitors on an exciting journey of discovery. Explore the worlds of art, science, magic, and metaphor through a series of digital interactive installations. This ongoing exhibition was developed in collaboration with teamLab, a well-known interdisciplinary art collective.
Location | 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974 |
Contact number | +65 6688 8888 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Sun: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Website | https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum.html |
Speciality | Through a collection of digital interactive installations, immerse yourself in a world of art, science, magic, and metaphor. |
2. National Gallery Singapore
Source: National Gallery
Source: National Gallery
The National Gallery is a public institution and national museum dedicated to art and culture in Singapore’s Civic District. The National Gallery Singapore is a world-class visual arts institution that manages the world’s largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian modern art. In the heart of the Civic District, in the birthplace of modern Singapore.
Location | 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #01 – 01, Singapore 178957 |
Contact number | +65 6271 7000 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Sun: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Website | https://www.nationalgallery.sg/ |
Speciality | The National Gallery Singapore is a world-class visual arts institution that manages the world’s largest public collection |
3. National Museum of Singapore
Source: National Museum
Source: National Museum
The National Museum of Singapore, founded in 1887, is the country’s oldest museum with a forward-thinking attitude. It uses cutting-edge technology to present the nation’s legacy and development beneath its 19th-century colonial exterior. Its galleries present new perspectives on the Singapore story while transporting you on an immersive journey in which creative storytelling redefines the traditional museum experience. This museum is one of Singapore’s best national galleries to visit.
Location | 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897 |
Contact number | +65 6332 3659 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Sun: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Website | http://nationalmuseum.sg/ |
Speciality | Uses cutting-edge technology to present the nation’s legacy and development beneath its 19th-century colonial exterior |
4. STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery
Source: STPI
Source: STPI
STPI is a dynamic creative workshop and contemporary art gallery which was founded in 2002 as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting artistic experimentation in the mediums of print and paper. It has become one of Asia’s most cutting-edge destinations for contemporary art. STPI is a member of the national Visual Arts Cluster, which includes the National Gallery Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum.
Location | 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236 |
Contact number | +65 6336 3663 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Sat: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Website | http://www.stpi.com.sg/ |
Speciality | Asia’s most cutting-edge destinations for contemporary art |
5. Asian Civilisations Museum
Source: Asian Civilisations Museum
Source: Asian Civilisations Museum
The Asian Cultural Museum (ACM) is Singapore’s national museum of Asian antiquities and decorative arts. As Asia’s only museum with a pan-Asian focus, ACM is dedicated to exploring Asia’s rich artistic heritage through our outstanding collection of masterpieces and ground-breaking special exhibitions. ACM focuses on the numerous historical connections between Asian cultures and civilizations, between Asia and the rest of the world.
Location | 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555 |
Contact number | +65 6332 7798 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Sun: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Website | http://www.acm.org.sg/ |
Speciality | Only museum with a pan-Asian focus, ACM is dedicated to exploring Asia’s rich artistic heritage through our outstanding collection of masterpieces and ground-breaking special exhibitions |
6. Gajah Gallery
Source: Gajah Gallery
Source: Gajah Gallery
Gajah Gallery is a Singapore art gallery that exhibits artwork related to Asia’s socio-cultural interests. Jasdeep Sandhu founded it in 1995 to promote Southeast Asian Contemporary Art, with a focus on Indonesian Contemporary.
Location | 39 Keppel Rd, #03-04, Singapore 089065 |
Contact number | +65 6737 4202 |
Operating Hours | Mon: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tue to Sat: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sun: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Website | http://www.gajahgallery.com/ |
Speciality | Exhibits artwork related to Asia’s socio-cultural interests |
7. Red Dot Design Museum
Source: Red Dot Design Museum
Source: Red Dot Design Museum
A boutique museum along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade. The Red Dot Design Museum is the physical manifestation of the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Award. Learn and enjoy good design from one of the world’s most prestigious design awards, which features works from a variety of disciplines such as innovative products, research concepts, communication works, and art.
Location | 11 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018940 |
Contact number | +65 6514 0111 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Fri: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sun: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Website | http://museum.red-dot.sg/ |
Speciality | Physical manifestation of the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Award |
8. Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark
Source: Singapore Art Museum
Source: Singapore Art Museum
SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark is the museum’s new contemporary art space, located in a historic port, presenting contemporary art from a Southeast Asian perspective to artists, art lovers, and art enthusiasts.
Location | 39 Keppel Rd, #01-02, Singapore 089065 |
Contact number | +65 6697 9730 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Sun: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Website | http://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/ |
Speciality | Presenting contemporary art from a Southeast Asian perspective to artists, art lovers, and art enthusiasts |
9. Gillman Barracks
Source: Gillman Barracks
Source: Gillman Barracks
Gillman Barracks is a contemporary arts cluster in Singapore that houses international art galleries, restaurants, and the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore in restored colonial barracks. Many people are unaware of this hidden gem in Singapore due to its remote location, but your efforts to get there will be rewarded. In a very calm and relaxing environment, half a dozen art galleries showcase modern Singaporean and international artists.
Location | 9 Lock Rd, Singapore 108937 |
Contact number | Not specified |
Operating Hours | Mon to Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sun: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Website | Not specified |
Speciality | Calm and relaxing environment, half a dozen art galleries showcase modern Singaporean and international artists |
10. Indian Heritage Centre
Source: Indian Heritage Centre
Source: Indian Heritage Centre
The Indian Heritage Centre is a cultural centre and museum in Singapore that celebrates Indian Singaporeans’ culture, heritage, and history. The 3,090 square meter centre, located on Campbell Lane in the Little India precinct, opened on May 7, 2015.
Location | 5 Campbell Ln, Singapore 209924 |
Contact number | +65 6291 1601 |
Operating Hours | Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Website | http://www.indianheritage.org.sg/ |
Speciality | Cultural centre and museum in Singapore that celebrates Indian Singaporeans’ culture, heritage, and history |
11. Singapore Musical Box Museum
Source: Singapore Musical Box Museum
Source: Singapore Musical Box Museum
Since the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Music Box has been an important symbol of European culture. This first music box museum in Singapore aims to share with the public the historical background of the music box from its rise to its fall and how it came to Singapore in the nineteenth century. This museum is one of Singapore’s best national galleries to visit.
Location | 168 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068619 |
Contact number | +65 9864 6021 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tue: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Wed: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Thu: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Fri: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Website | http://www.singaporemusicalboxmuseum.org/ |
Speciality | First music box museum in Singapore aims to share with the public the historical background of the music box |
12. The Cathay Gallery
Source: The Cathay Gallery
Source: The Cathay Gallery
Cathay Organisation, an iconic building synonymous with classic entertainment, has been entertaining generations for more than 80 years. Cathay Organisation and founder Dato Loke Wan Tho founded Cathay in 1939. Since its inception, it has been a distinct landmark, achieving many firsts, including the first skyscraper, the first air-conditioned cinema, and the first cinema in Singapore to screen American and British films.
Location | 2 Handy Rd, #02-16 The Cathay, Singapore 229233 |
Contact number | Not specified |
Operating Hours | Mon to Fri: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sat: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Sun: Closed |
Website | https://thecathay.com.sg/the-cathay-gallery |
Speciality | Iconic building synonymous with classic entertainment, has been entertaining generations for more than 80 years |
13. Vintage Camera Museum
Source: Vintage Camera Museum
Source: Vintage Camera Museum
Around 1000 cameras are on display, ranging from replicas of the world’s biggest camera, the mammoth camera, to the most recent technological marvel, an 11-gram camera. Other unusual cameras on display at the museum include a walking stick camera, spy cameras, pigeon cameras, 3D cameras, and pistol cameras, to name a few.
Location | 8C Jln Kledek, Singapore 199263 |
Contact number | +65 6291 2278 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Sun: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Website | https://www.vintagecamerasmuseumsg.com/ |
Speciality | Around 1000 cameras are on display, ranging from replicas of the world’s biggest camera, the mammoth camera, to the most recent technological marvel, an 11-gram camera |
14. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Singapore
Source: Natural History Museum
Source: Natural History Museum
The Lee Kong Chian Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum located on the National University of Singapore’s Kent Ridge Campus. It is named after Lee Kong Chian, a well-known Chinese businessman and philanthropist who was active in Malaya and Singapore from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Location | 2 Conservatory Dr, Singapore 117377 |
Contact number | +65 6601 3333 |
Operating Hours | Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Website | http://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/ |
Speciality | Natural history museum located on the National University of Singapore’s Kent Ridge Campus |
15. Changi Chapel & Museum
Source: Changi Chapel & Museum
Source: Changi Chapel & Museum
The newly redesigned Changi Chapel and Museum (CCM) presents new content and artefacts in an intimate and engaging format to tell the story of the prisoners of war and civilians interned in Changi prison camp during the Japanese occupation. As part of the renovation, the National Museum of Singapore, which manages CCM, has been collecting stories and personal items from former internees’ families that highlight their personal experiences.
Location | 1000 Upper Changi Rd N, Singapore 507707 |
Contact number | +65 6242 6033 |
Operating Hours | Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Website | http://www.nhb.gov.sg/changichapelmuseum |
Speciality | Presents new content and artefacts in an intimate and engaging format |
16. Objectifs – Centre for Photography & Film
Source: Objectifs
Source: Objectifs
Objectifs is a film and photography-focused visual art space in Singapore and was established in 2003. The mission of Objectifs is to foster authentic voices in visual storytelling and to inspire and broaden perspectives through the power of images. They accomplish this by presenting a year-round programme of exhibitions, screenings, workshops, talks, mentorships, and residencies. Objectifs is one of Singapore’s best national galleries.
Location | 155 Middle Rd, Singapore 188977 |
Contact number | +65 6336 2957 |
Operating Hours | Mon: Closed
Tue to Sat: 12:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sun: 12:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Website | http://www.objectifs.com.sg/ |
Speciality | Film and photography-focused visual art space in Singapore |
17. MINT Museum of Toys
Source: MINT Museum of Toys
Source: MINT Museum of Toys
The MINT Museum of Toys, located at 26 Seah Street, houses a world-class collection of vintage toys and collectables in an award-winning international contemporary building. It was officially opened on March 5, 2007, by Mr George, Minister of Foreign Affairs. This is one of the best National Galleries in Singapore to visit.
Location | 26 Seah St, Singapore 188382 |
Contact number | +65 6339 0660 |
Operating Hours | Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
Website | http://www.emint.com/ |
Speciality | Houses a world-class collection of vintage toys and collectables in an award-winning international contemporary building |
18. REDSEA Gallery
Source: REDSEA Gallery
Source: REDSEA Gallery
REDSEA Gallery, founded in 2001, is one of Singapore’s leading contemporary art galleries. It has firmly established its reputation as an institution representing a highly exclusive and international selection of well-respected and emerging artists, both locally and in the larger Asian art market. REDSEA Gallery is located in the heart of Dempsey Hill, which was once a colonial army barracks and is now one of Singapore’s architectural and cultural heritage sites. It also provides private client and corporate consultancy services, art rentals, and art history talks.
Location | 9 Dempsey Rd, #01-11 Dempsey Hill, Singapore 247697 |
Contact number | +65 6732 6711 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Wed: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thu and Fri: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sat: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sun: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Website | http://www.redseagallery.com/ |
Speciality | Provides private client and corporate consultancy services, art rentals, and art history talks |
19. Chinese Heritage Centre
Source: Chinese Heritage Centre
Source: Chinese Heritage Centre
The Chinese Heritage Centre (CHC), founded in 1995, aims to advance knowledge and understanding of ethnic Chinese communities around the world. The CHC is a non-profit organization governed by an international Board of Governors. The CHC works to raise public awareness and understanding of Chinese history, culture, and tradition in Singapore and around the world.
Location | 46 Nanyang Ave, Singapore 639817 |
Contact number | Not specified |
Operating Hours | Mon to Fri: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat and Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Website | https://www.ntu.edu.sg/chc |
Speciality | Works to raise public awareness and understanding of Chinese history, culture, and tradition |
20. Trickeye @ Southside
Source: Trickeye @ Southside
Source: Trickeye @ Southside
Trickeye @ Southside is a one-of-a-kind museum featuring a wide range of 3-dimensional artworks for interactive optical illusions. The illusion is fantastic; a lot of work goes into it, and when combined with the AR experience, it all comes to life. Visitors can use the augmented reality experience to take fun pictures and videos.
Location | 80 Siloso Road, Southside, Blk B, #01-04, Singapore 098969 |
Contact number | +65 6592 0607 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Fri: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Website | https://trickeye.com/sg/ |
Speciality | Featuring a wide range of 3-dimensional artworks for interactive optical illusions |
21. Science Centre Singapore
Source: Science Centre Singapore
Source: Science Centre Singapore
Singapore Science Centre is a scientific institution in Jurong East that promotes science and technology education to the general public. The Singapore Science Center is the leading Science Center in the region, with twelve exhibition galleries and over 1,000 interactive exhibits.
Location | 15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore 609081 |
Contact number | +65 6425 2500 |
Operating Hours | Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Website | http://www.science.edu.sg/ |
Speciality | Promotes science and technology education to the general public |
22. Malay Heritage Centre
Source: Malay Heritage Centre
Source: Malay Heritage Centre
Istana Kampong Glam, also known as Istana Kampong Gelam in Singapore, is a former Malay palace. It’s near Masjid Sultan in Kampong Glam. In 2004, the palace and its grounds were renovated to become the Malay Heritage Centre. It is one of the best international galleries to visit in Singapore.
Location | 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501 |
Contact number | +65 6391 0450 |
Operating Hours | Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Website | http://malayheritage.org.sg/ |
Speciality | A museum with changing exhibits on Singapore’s history and culture, as well as related performances. |
23. Singapore City Gallery
Source: Singapore City Gallery
Source: Singapore City Gallery
The Singapore City Gallery depicts Singapore’s dramatic transformation over the last 50 years into one of Asia’s most liveable cities. It tells the story of Singapore’s development through 40 interactive and immersive exhibits that detail planning challenges and innovative solutions to them.
Location | 45 Maxwell Road The URA Centre, Singapore 069118 |
Contact number | +65 6221 6666 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed |
Website | https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Singapore-City-Gallery |
Speciality | Tells the story of Singapore’s development through 40 interactive and immersive exhibits |
24. National Heritage Board
Source: National Heritage Board
Source: National Heritage Board
The National Heritage Board (NHB) is Singapore’s heritage custodian, responsible for telling Singapore’s story, sharing Singapore’s experience, and conveying Singapore’s spirit. NHB’s mission is to preserve and celebrate diverse communities’ shared heritage for education, nation-building, and cultural understanding. It is in charge of national museums and heritage institutions, setting policies for heritage sites, National Monuments, and national collections.
Location | 61 Stamford Rd, #03-08, Singapore 178892 |
Contact number | Not specified |
Operating Hours | Mon to Thu: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Sat and Sun: Closed |
Website | http://www.nhb.gov.sg/ |
Speciality | Singapore’s heritage custodian, responsible for telling Singapore’s story, sharing Singapore’s experience, and conveying Singapore’s spirit |
25. Battlebox
Source: Battlebox
Source: Battlebox
The Fort Canning Bunker, formerly known as the Headquarters Malaya Command Operations Bunker, was built beneath Fort Canning Hill in Singapore during the Malayan Campaign and the Battle of Singapore as an emergency, bomb-proof command centre.
Location | 2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622 |
Contact number | +65 6338 6133 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Thu: Closed
Fri to Sun: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Website | http://www.battlebox.com.sg/ |
Speciality | Built beneath Fort Canning Hill in Singapore during the Malayan Campaign and the Battle of Singapore as an emergency, bomb-proof command centre |
26. Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Source: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Source: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, also known as Wan Qing Yuan and formerly Sun Yat Sen Villa, is a two-story colonial-style villa in the Singapore suburb of Balestier. A peaceful villa in which to learn about Singapore’s role in assisting Sun Yat Sen with his revolution. The museum also documents the larger story of Singapore’s Chinese community from colonial times to the 1950s. This museum is one of Singapore’s best national galleries to visit.
Location | 12 Tai Gin Rd, Singapore 327874 |
Contact number | +65 6256 7377 |
Operating Hours | Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Website | https://www.sysnmh.org.sg/ |
Speciality | A peaceful villa in which to learn about Singapore’s role in assisting Sun Yat Sen with his revolution |
27. The Air Force Museum
Source: The Air Force Museum
Source: The Air Force Museum
The Air Force Museum has the biggest collection of classic aircraft (exterior and interior), including the A4, Huey, Alouette, and trainer jets. In addition, they have an impressive exhibit of Singapore Air Force historical artefacts (such as control panels and cockpits), an interactive museum Gallery, and a gift shop. They also have professional museum staff and not forgetting to mention – free admission!
Location | 400 Airport Rd, Singapore 534234 |
Contact number | +65 6461 8507 |
Operating Hours | Mon: Closed
Tue to Sat: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sun: Closed |
Website | https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/rsaf/about-the-rsaf/air-force-museum |
Speciality | The Air Force Museum has the biggest collection of classic aircraft |
28. Former Ford Factory
Source: Former Ford Factory
Source: Former Ford Factory
The former Ford Factory is located on Jalan Bukit Timah Atas in Singapore’s Bukit Timah district. It is the site where, following the Battle of Singapore, the British army led by Lieutenant General Arthur Percival surrendered to the Japanese army led by Lieutenant General Yamashita Tomoyuki on 15 February 1942.
Location | 351 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 588192 |
Contact number | +65 6462 6724 |
Operating Hours | Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Website | https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/former-ford-factory/overview/ |
Speciality | The site where the British army surrendered to the Japanese army |
SUMMARY
-FAQ-
Is admission to National Gallery Singapore free?
The collection is free to the public. There is a fee for special exhibitions. Tickets can be purchased in the gallery on the day of the event, online, or by phone in advance.
What can we do at the National Gallery Singapore?
The exhibitions and programs are open to all visitors, including non-Singaporeans. Visitors will gain exposure and knowledge about useful things from this program.
What is National Gallery Singapore known for?
The National Gallery Singapore houses one of the world’s largest collections of South East Asian art. The National Gallery Singapore has a large floor area of 64,000 square meters and is housed in two former civic buildings in the city’s heart.
Can you eat at National Gallery?
Dine indoors in an elegant dining hall or on the veranda with local bar bites and sunset cocktails while taking in views of Singapore’s skyline.