Museums and Culture in Singapore
New arrivals quickly discover that Singapore offers much more than just shopping malls. If you’re looking for cultural things to do here, for example, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Across the island, you’ll find museums and galleries filled with world-class artworks and exhibitions.
National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery opened its doors to the public on 24 November 2015. Home for the National Collection, as well as other South-east Asian works from the 19th century to the present day. Located in the Civic District, it occupies the former City Hall and Supreme Court heritage buildings, making it the largest visual arts venue in Singapore.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
The Esplanade sits on prime waterfront land by Marina Bay, and offers a complete lifestyle experience – dining, shopping, and the performing arts. It houses multiple venues including a concert hall, theatre and several more intimate recital studios and performance spaces. The structure itself is a sight to see – its unique architectural design is thought to resemble a durian, the region’s beloved tropical fruit.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
This Tang Dynasty-style temple was constructed in 2002 to house the tooth relic of the historical Buddha and serve as a Chinese Buddhist cultural centre. It holds regular services and provides educational opportunities and welfare services. The complex also includes a museum with ancient artefacts.
Asian Civilisations Museum
Situated directly across the river from Boat Quay and the Fullerton Hotel, the Asian Civilisations Museum has 11 galleries, showcasing over 1,300 artefacts from China, Southeast Asia and West Asia. The museum has an action-packed event schedule to suit all ages, cultures and tastes.
Peranakan Museum
Peranakans are part Chinese, part Malay, and part descendants of the original, non-Malay inhabitants of Singapore. This museum, located around the corner from the National Museum, consists of 10 permanent galleries, each of which explores various aspects of Peranakan life including the elaborate 12-day Peranakan wedding, the role of Nyonyas (Peranakan women) and traditional foods.
New arrivals quickly discover that Singapore offers much more than just shopping malls. If you’re looking for cultural things to do here, for example, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Across the island, you’ll find museums and galleries filled with world-class artworks and exhibitions.
National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery opened its doors to the public on 24 November 2015. Home for the National Collection, as well as other South-east Asian works from the 19th century to the present day. Located in the Civic District, it occupies the former City Hall and Supreme Court heritage buildings, making it the largest visual arts venue in Singapore.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
The Esplanade sits on prime waterfront land by Marina Bay, and offers a complete lifestyle experience – dining, shopping, and the performing arts. It houses multiple venues including a concert hall, theatre and several more intimate recital studios and performance spaces. The structure itself is a sight to see – its unique architectural design is thought to resemble a durian, the region’s beloved tropical fruit.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
This Tang Dynasty-style temple was constructed in 2002 to house the tooth relic of the historical Buddha and serve as a Chinese Buddhist cultural centre. It holds regular services and provides educational opportunities and welfare services. The complex also includes a museum with ancient artefacts.
Asian Civilisations Museum
Situated directly across the river from Boat Quay and the Fullerton Hotel, the Asian Civilisations Museum has 11 galleries, showcasing over 1,300 artefacts from China, Southeast Asia and West Asia. The museum has an action-packed event schedule to suit all ages, cultures and tastes.
Peranakan Museum
Peranakans are part Chinese, part Malay, and part descendants of the original, non-Malay inhabitants of Singapore. This museum, located around the corner from the National Museum, consists of 10 permanent galleries, each of which explores various aspects of Peranakan life including the elaborate 12-day Peranakan wedding, the role of Nyonyas (Peranakan women) and traditional foods.
