The National Museum of Singapore aims to redefine the conventional museum experience in its cutting edge presentation of the region's history. After three years of redevelopment, the museum opened in 2006 as the largest museum in Singapore. Its striking location is a combination of the neo-classical former Raffles Library and Museum and glass and metal expansion. The original structure features a stunning rotunda with 50 stained glass pieces; architectural additions include a 16-meter-high glass rotunda that serves as the entryway.
Also part of the new addition, the Glass Passage is one of the world's largest outdoor self-supporting glass structures. At four stories high, the box-like corridor connects the old and new museum facilities and offers unobstructed views of the historic dome in its entirety.
Aside from the breathtaking architecture, the museum has two main galleries where guests can see national treasures such as the Singapore Stone, the Gold Ornaments from the Sacred Hill, and the Daguerreotype of Singapore Town, one of the earliest photographs of Singapore. Guests of the Singapore History Gallery can travel different "paths" of the nation's history while those visiting the Singapore Living Galleries can explore stories and artifacts under the themes of food, fashion, film and photography. The museum is also popular for its vibrant events and festivals, cutting edge rotating exhibitions and informative lectures and workshops.
The museum has plenty of spaces to accommodate groups of 20 to 200 people. The Singapore History Gallery is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM and the Singapore Living Galleries are open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM. Regular admission, which includes entrance to both galleries, is S$10 for adults and S$5 for children under 18 and seniors. Additional charges may apply for special exhibitions, programs and performances. Group rates are available. For more information: +65 6332 3659
