For such a small country, Singapore hosts many great museums and galleries. So get a little culture these school holidays by enjoying a day out at some of my favourite museums. Whether you choose the more significant well-known exhibitions or venture out and explore the smaller quirky ones, Singapore has so many on offer. Here is a list of 8 museums in Singapore worth visiting.

MUSEUMS

National Museum of Singapore

You can not hit the museum circuit without visiting the National Museum, whether you spend the day browsing the many exhibitions (which are currently free, so check before you go) or decide to split your day in half by visiting Fort Canning first. 

The kids will love some of the permanent exhibitions, especially in the Glass Rotunda (Story of the Forest), or maybe that is just me because I am a big kid at heart. The oldest established museum in Singapore, located at 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897, is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. However, the Glass Rotunda closes at 6.15 pm.

IRAS Gallery

Want something a little different? Well, why not try IRAS gallery, located on the 1st story of The Revenue building? This exciting museum outlines Singapore’s Tax history dating back to 1819. You can wander through the museum on a self-guided educational tour, with thrilling displays and interactive games that help explain Singapore’s tax system. 

This museum is educational and exciting; it is smaller than most museums but has loads of history and information. You can find the museum at Revenue House, 55 Newton Road, and the opening hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

ArtScience museum

Before heading to Marina Bay, check out what exhibitions are on, as there are few to choose from. Each exhibition has an entry fee, and it works out more cost-effectively if you can purchase the exhibitions together in one day (they sell out fast, so book ahead of time). 

This museum has excellent little workshops for the children to get their hands on. So you could spend your day wandering around the exhibitions or split it up by entertaining the kids at the Marina Bay Sands. The ArtScience Museum is at 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974, next to the Marina Bay Sands. Opening hours are from 10 am to 7 pm daily. 

Battlebox

What better way to discover Singapore’s history than to visit the war tunnels at Fort Canning and spend the day at Fort Canning exploring the little pockets of history around the park, then head deep into the tunnels on a self-guided tour? Read the new restrictions on the Battlebox website before you make the journey to Fort Canning Park.

Follow Singapore’s journey from discovery to surrender; opening hours are between 1030am and 4 pm, Friday to Sunday. There are many options for lunch, including The Salon at Hotel Fort Canning, which was once the former British Far East Command Headquarters during World War II.

The Former Ford Museum

If you have ventured to Battle Box and explored the tunnels, then The old Ford Museum is your next stop. The story continues here as the British surrender to the Japanese. Ensure you download the app before you go, as the app will not only guide you along with the museum but also ensure your experience is that little bit extra with the 4D experience. 

Book a timeslot at the Former Ford Museum here before you go, remembering that you can only book no earlier than two days before, and time slots do go fast, so be ready. 

Singapore Sports Museum

Singapore Sports Museum is at 6 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397698, opened from 10 am to 8 pm during the week and open until 9 pm on weekends. This museum provides insight into the training regime of a professional athlete and highlights some of Singapore’s history. 

There are three Guided tours to choose from, available on weekdays, along with some great crafts for kids at the museum’s Children’s Activity Corner. Outside the museum, there is plenty to do, from access to a Skate park to playing on a Giant Chessboard. 

The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum 

The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum are more of a family collection than a museum. Located at ORTO, 81 Lor Chencharu, Singapore 769198, opens from Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm daily. The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum currently holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest turtles and tortoises worldwide collection. Book tickets for The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum online here before you go.

Trick Eye Museum

I love a trick eye museum; I have been to quite a few over the years, so this one is no different; it will entertain the kids for hours. However, bookings are needed to be made online before you go due to restrictions so that you can book a spot on the trick eye museum website here.

Tickets to The Trick Eye Museum in Sentosa are bought singularly or as a package. There are a few different packages to choose from, so you can combine other activities on your day out at Sentosa. The museum is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily.

Would you like to read about more things to do in Singapore?

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20 fun things to do in Singapore at night [2024]

Pullman Singapore Orchard: A Perfect Blend of Work, Leisure, and Luxury in 2024

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Thanks for taking the time to read the blog. I hope this post has given you the necessary information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or travel advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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