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The Oldest Museum In The Lion City: National Museum Of Singapore

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The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest and largest museum in Singapore that was established in the late 1800's. With its humble beginnings as a library during the colonial rule, it has since expanded it reach and at present aims to showcase the birth and development of the Lion City to its present day glory. It is a must visit destination in Singapore for anyone wanting to learn about the fascinating history of the Garden City.

National Museum of Singapore: Quick Facts

National Museum of Singapore
  • Other Names: Singapore History Museum (1993-2006), Raffles Library and Museum (1849-1965)
  • Year of opening: 1849
  • Timings: 10 AM - 7 PM, daily
  • Architect: Henry E. McCallum
  • Architectural style: Neo-Palladian

Why Is The National Museum of Singapore Famous?

National Museum of Singapore

National Museum of Singapore's History & Architecture

National Museum of Singapore

History of National Museum of Singapore

  • The National Museum of Singapore was first opened as an extension of the library at the Singapore Institution in 1849. Back then it was referred to as the Raffles Library and Museum.
  • In 1863, the library/museum was relocated to the Town Hall. It was in 1882 that a decision was made to create an independent building for the museum.
  • The building officially opened its door in 1887 and was chalked out to be a museum for zoology specimens.
  • After almost a century, the museum was to become a separate entity from the Raffles Institution in 1960. By 1965, around the independence of Singapore, the museum shifted its focus to showcase the history and development of Singapore through the years.
  • After several relocations, renovations, and back-and-forth over its name, the National Museum of Singapore stands as an iconic landmark on Stamford Road, Singapore.
National Museum of Singapore

Architecture of National Museum of Singapore

  • While the Raffles Library and Museum did technically exist before the construction of the building, it was still an extension of the Singapore Institution.
  • In 1884, work began to create a separate building for the library. The library was designed by the Colonial Architect Sir H.E. McCallum in a Neo-Palladian silhouette and was inaugurated in 1887.
  • At the start of the 1900's the popularity of the museum and it needed to be expanded in order to house its growing collection; and so the Singapore government made the decision to expand the museum rather than relocating.
  • The first major renovation was completed in 1907 which added a second parallel block to the back of the museum, thus keeping the main facade of the building intact. In 1961 an additional wing was added to expand the museum.
  • The latest renovation of the National Museum of Singapore took place from 2003 to 2006 during which time the museum was temporarily shifted to Riverside Point. Through it all, the museum kept its 19th century architecture untouched.

Things To Do At National Museum of Singapore

National Museum of Singapore
National Museum of Singapore
National Museum of Singapore

Plan Your Visit To National Museum of Singapore

Check out our detailed visitor's guide to National Museum of Singapore for the best time to visit, visitor tips, and other helpful information.

Where Is National Museum of Singapore Located?
What Are The National Museum of Singapore Timings?
National Museum of Singapore
National Museum of Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions About The National Museum of Singapore

What is the National Museum of Singapore?

The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum of the nation and is a national monument of Singapore. It shows the history and development of the Lion City through its galleries and exhibitions.

Where is the National Museum of Singapore located?

National Museum of Singapore is located in 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897 | Find on Map

What are the National Museum of Singapore opening hours?

National Museum of Singapore opening hours are Monday - Sunday: 10 AM - 7 PM. On Quite Mornings the museum will open at 9 AM.

Why should I visit the National Museum of Singapore?

National Museum of Singapore offers you the chance to learn the history and development of the bustling nation of Singapore over the years through its various artefacts and exhibitions.

How do I book tickets to visit the National Museum of Singapore?

If you are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, you have free admission to the National Museum of Singapore. If you are a tourist visiting Singapore, you can book your tickets online.

How much does it cost to visit the National Museum of Singapore?

National Museum of Singapore offers free entry to Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Tourists can purchase National Museum of Singapore tickets online starting at SGD 15.

Who designed the National Museum of Singapore?

National Museum of Singapore was designed by colonial architect Henry E. McCallum.

When did the National Museum of Singapore open?

The National Museum of Singapore’s independent building was inaugurated in 1887. Since then it has undergone multiple renovations and expansions over the years.

Why is the National Museum of Singapore important?

The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in Singapore and houses galleries containing artefacts that showcase the development of Singapore. It has been named as a national monument of Singapore by the National Heritage Board.

Is it worth visiting the National Museum of Singapore?

Yes, the National Museum of Singapore offers visitors a chance to learn about the fascinating history of Singapore in a welcoming and immersive environment, making it an attraction worth visiting while you are in Singapore.