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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.

1. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

12. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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-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.