My Personal Guide

Three Museums That Changed How I See Singapore

After spending countless weekends exploring Singapore's cultural scene, these three museums stand out not just for their collections, but for the experiences they offer. Here's what I discovered.

50+ Museums Visited
3 Must-See Picks
5 Years Exploring

Why These Three?

I'll be honest – when I first moved to Singapore five years ago, I had no idea where to start with the museums. There are so many options, and honestly, some are better than others. After visiting over 50 museums across the city, I've narrowed it down to three that genuinely impressed me.

What makes these museums special isn't just what's inside – it's how accessible they are, how well they tell their stories, and most importantly, the feeling you get when you leave. I've dragged friends to mediocre museums before, and I won't do that to you.

Each museum on this list has something unique. The National Museum taught me about Singapore's transformation in a way that actually stuck with me. The ArtScience Museum blew my mind with its interactive exhibits – I spent three hours there and didn't notice time passing. And the Asian Civilisations Museum? It's where I finally understood the depth of Asian art and culture.

I'm sharing practical details too – how I actually got there, what I paid, when I went (and when I wish I'd gone instead), and what surprised me. This isn't a generic travel guide. This is what I learned from actually visiting these places, multiple times.

National Museum of Singapore exterior
01

National Museum of Singapore

This was my first real introduction to Singapore's history, and it completely changed my perspective. I've been back three times now, and each visit reveals something new. The way they've curated the journey from ancient trading port to modern city is genuinely impressive – you don't just read about it, you experience it.

What surprised me: The glass rotunda installation by teamLab. I wasn't expecting something so modern in a historical museum, but it works perfectly. I spent 20 minutes just watching the digital forest evolve.

Free admission 10:00-19:00 Best: Weekday mornings
Read my full guide →
ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands
02

ArtScience Museum

I'll admit, I was skeptical at first. "Art and science together?" But this place is incredible. The Future World exhibition by teamLab is unlike anything I've experienced. I went with a friend who doesn't usually like museums, and even she was amazed. The way the installations respond to your presence is mind-blowing.

Pro tip: Book tickets online. I made the mistake of showing up on a Saturday afternoon and waited 45 minutes. Weekday mornings are much better.

From SGD 19 10:00-19:00
Read my full guide →
Asian Civilisations Museum building
03

Asian Civilisations Museum

The building itself is worth the visit – it's a beautiful colonial structure right on the Singapore River. But what really got me was the depth of the collection. I thought I'd spend an hour here, but I ended up staying for three. The Southeast Asia gallery especially – I learned things about the region's history that I never knew.

My favorite part: The Chinese ceramics collection. Some of these pieces are over a thousand years old, and they're in perfect condition. It's humbling to see craftsmanship that old.

From SGD 12 10:00-19:00
Read my full guide →

What I Learned From Visiting These Museums

Three things that stood out to me after all these visits

Incredibly Easy to Reach

One thing I love about Singapore's museums – you don't need a car. Every museum on this list is within walking distance of an MRT station. I've taken friends who were visiting, and they were amazed at how accessible everything is. No complicated directions, no expensive taxis.

Stories That Actually Stick

I've been to museums where I forgot everything the moment I left. Not these. The way they present history and culture actually makes you think. I found myself discussing what I saw with friends days later. That's the sign of a good museum – it doesn't just show you things, it makes you understand them.

Exhibits You Can't See Elsewhere

Some of the artifacts in these museums are genuinely unique. Ancient Southeast Asian treasures, contemporary digital art installations, historical documents – you won't find these collections anywhere else. That's what makes visiting them special. It's not just a museum, it's an experience you can only have here.

Loading...