Singapore museum roundup
Entertaining visitors and children needn't cost the earth, JASSMIN PETER visits Singapore's main museum attractions - ideal for visitors, school holidays or just broadening your own
knowledge and escaping the heat.
Asian Civilisations Museum Spread over 11 themed galleries, this microcosm of Asian civilisations focuses on the rich material cultures of Singapore's multi-ethnic society. 1 Empress Place. Open: Mon 1pm-7pm. Tues-Sat 9am-7pm & Fri 9am-9pm.
Tel: 6332 2982, www.acm.org.sg
Changi Museum An important educational institution and resource centre, this museum honours those who lived and died during the Japanese occupation in Singapore at the time of World War II. The chapel at this Museum has also served as place of solitude and remembrance for prisoners-of-wars and their families.
1000 Upper Changi Road North. Open: Daily 9:30am-5pm. Tel: 6214 2451, www.changimuseum.com
Civil Defence Heritage Gallery (Fire Station) Housed in the Central Fire Station, discover the evolution of fire engines in Singapore since the 1800s and experience real-life fire fighting action through interactive stations. Visit the gallery's public education corner to learn how to handle a real-life emergency. 62 Hill Street, Central Fire Station. Open: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Tel: 6332 2996, www.scdf.gov.sg
Ford Motor Factory This is the historic site where the British surrendered to the Japanese in 1942 and captures memories and reflections of the hardships faced by those who lived through World War II. A garden plot behind the gallery features wartime crops including tapioca, sugar cane and bananas. 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road. Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm & Sun 12pm-5:30pm.
Maritime Museum View a collection of South-East Asian ship models, rare maritime charts, photographs, equipment and artefacts including a 100-year old steam crane. Learn about the evolution of shipping as well as the ingenious fishing methods of bygone days. Artillery Avenue, Sentosa. Open: Wed-Sun 10am-6pm.
Tel: 6275 0133.
MINT Museum of Toys houses nostalgic vintage toys and childhood memorabilia, with over 50,000 one-of-a-kind examples. Originating from more than 40 countries, each toy reflects international cultural trends and century-old historical events. 26 Seah Street. Open: Daily 9:30am-6:30pm. Tel: 6339 0660, www.emint.com
Peranakan Museum Explore the living culture of Singapore's Peranakan communities - of mixed Chinese, Malay and Javanese heritage - through authentic collections via interactive state-of-the-art audio, visual effects and multimedia stations. 39 Armenian Street. Open: Mon 1pm-7pm,
Tues-Sun 9am-7pm. Tel: 6332 7591/ 2982/3275, www.peranakanmuseum.sg
Red Dot Design Museum examines the concept of great product and brand design, featuring world-class and award-winning exhibits. 28 Maxwell Road #02-16. Tel: 6534 7001, www.reddottraffic.com
Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum Discover on ground and suspended aircraft displays, armament and air defence artillery, including the Bloodhound Missile, support equipment and aircraft engines, such as the Rolls Royce Bristol Viper. RSAF Museum, 400 Airport Road. Open: Tues-Sun 8am-5pm. www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/ air_force/about/museum.html
Singapore Art Museum (SAM) Marvel in modern and contemporary South-East Asian artworks or visit SAM at 8Q - the museum's extension building - for diverse, contemporary art practices including painting, sculpturing, installations, film and video, performance, sound art, new media and photography. SAM 71 Bras Basah Road. SAM at 8Q, 8 Queen Street. Open: Daily 10am-7pm & Fri 10am-9pm. Tel: 6332 3222, www.singaporeartmuseum.sg
Singapore Fort Siloso Asia's largest collection of guns and cannons dates back to the 17th century. Explore underground tunnel complexes and view original war memorabilia. Visit the World War II Surrender Chambers tableaux depicting the British and the subsequent Japanese surrender. Sentosa Island. Open: Daily 10am-6pm. Tel: 6275 0388, www.sentosa.com.sg
Singapore Police Heritage Centre Relive famous police cases through aural history excerpts and interactive games. View former Police Commissioners' personal collections, specialised equipment used to deal with rioting crowds, police paraphernalia and other artefacts. Police Headquarters, New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawady Road. Open: Tues-Thurs 10am-5pm & Sat 10am-1pm. Tel: 6478 2123, www.spf.gov.sg/spfheritage
Singapore Science Centre Home to more than 1,000 interactive science exhibits and shows, this is a science playground for both children and adults. This Centre houses a five-storey dome-shaped Omni-Theatre, screening IMAX - movies promising an unforgettable cinematic experience. 15 Science Centre Road. Open: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm & Fri 10am-9pm, Omni-Theatre: Tues-Sun 10am-8pm. Tel: 6425 2500, www.science.edu.sg
Sports Museum Honouring the nation's top athletes, sports treasures include the country's first Olympic medal, won by Singaporean Tan Howe Liang, the All-England Badminton Cup and a selection of gold medals from the World Games. Singapore Sports Council, 230 Stadium Boulevard. Tel: 6500 5114, www.sportsmuseum.com.sg
For exhibition listings, ticket prices, free activities and upcoming events visit each museum's website.
Posted Jul 2011
