Are your children bored of spending their weekends at home? Well then, it is time to introduce them to an activity that is both fun and educational and begin with trips to the top museums in Singapore.
Seeped in rich culture and history, the museums in Singapore offer a fascinating look into the island with an immersive learning experience. Which is why we have curated a list of 9 top museums in Singapore and exhibitions that you must attend with your kids. Especially now that the June holidays are just about over.
These museums have something for every age group. It also helps that your children will come back home more enriched and knowledgeable about their culture and history. So, it’s a complete win-win!
9 Top Museums In Singapore Your Kids Will Love In 2021
1. Orient Express
Image courtesy: OrientExpress/ Facebook
Visit the museum, if you experience luxury travel from the 1900s. The exhibition showcases some of the most stunning objects and documents that detail the centuries-old history of the Orient Express train.
You shouldn’t miss the opportunity, as it will give you an option to explore the tracks and landscapes that generations before had once travelled. There’s also a restaurant that showcases menus that are both contemporary and befitting of the Orient Express era.
If you plan to visit the exhibition, then make sure to dine in the replica restaurant car. You have the option to go for brunch, lunch, high tea or even dinner. But, don’t miss the menu that has been crafted by the two-time 3 Michelin star French chef, Yannick Alléno.
When: 12 December 2020 – 12 September 2021
Cost: From $25
2. Art Science Museum: Future World: Where Art Meets Science
This futurist world has been created in collaboration with the Japanese art and technology collective teamLab. It is labelled as “Singapore’s largest digital playground.”
This exhibition will take you on an exciting journey of discovery through options like– City in A Garden, Sanctuary, Park and Space.
It is a unique“intersection between art, science, technology and culture.” Your kids will have a gala time as they wander in awe at the light installation, the giant slide to the drawing activities where they can colour with their special crayons. They can even scan their little creations and watch them appear live on TV. There is unlimited fun to be had!
When: Permanent exhibition
Cost: Singapore Residents: Adult: S$16, Child: S$12
Tourists: Adult: S$19, Child: S$14
Timing: Daily: 10 am to 7 pm (Last admission at 6 pm)
Note: Due to COVID-safety guidelines, the artwork Sliding through the Fruit Field is only available for viewing. It is not there for public interaction.
3. Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom
Artist Dale Chihuly is known for his work with blown glass. At the Bay’s Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom exhibition, he brings his larger-than-life installations and sculptures.
You cannot afford to miss this exhibition, this is Dale’s first major exhibition in Asia. Along with your kids, even you will get to enjoy the beauty and wonder of Chihuly’s exhibition right at the lap of nature.
When: 23 April 2021 to 1 August 2021
Cost: Starts from $8
Timings: Monday to Friday: From 9 AM – 9 PM
Weekends & Public Holidays: 9 AM to 10 PM
4. Gardens by the Bay
Image courtesy: iStock
Gardens by the Bay will surely be your kids’ favourite futuristic garden after they visit here. Obviously, this is not a museum, but you have different exhibits to explore with your kids. From heritage garden, art sculptors, floral fantasy, and outdoor gardens, there are many options for everybody.
A visit here will educate your kids about the plants seldom seen in this part of the world.
Cost: Floral Fantasy Singapore Resident rate for an adult is U.P: SGD 10 (special rate). For a child, it is SDG 5.
Note: Fantasy Theatre (‘Flight of the Dragonfly’ 4D Ride) will remain closed until further notice.
5. National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore is one of the world’s largest public collections making it a great place for a family visit. It highlights the key works of pioneer Singaporean artists such as Cheong Soo Pieng, Georgette Chen, and Liu Kang. They were popular for their Nanyang art style.
The museum is located in two historical buildings– the former City Hall and Supreme Court.
Within the National Gallery, you have different workshops. If you are with your kids, you can visit the National Gallery, the Keppel Centre for Art Education. It is a space where your kids will give wings to their creativity. As your kids try their hands with the DIY experiments under the guidance of established artists, remind them to also explore the different art tutorials.
It opens at 10 am. If you are planning a visit to the gallery, please take note of the cleaning time. You need to avoid these timings.
Cleaning and disinfection Timings:
- 12 pm to 1 pm
- 3 pm to 4 pm
- After 7 pm
6. National Museum of Singapore
As you know, the National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in Singapore. If your kid is 5 years and above, this is the perfect place for them to explore the rich heritage of the island.
Your child can walk past the wooden ship, or marvel at the tank. There are multi-sensory experiences like the touch-screen displays, and smelling pods for your elder ones.
They hold many virtual events which your kids can make the most out of it. The insightful videos from the museum curators, collaborative showcases with local writers, there are also virtual tours that they live stream on Facebook. Tell your kids to make the most out of it.
Timing: Daily: 10 am to 7 pm.
6.15 pm (Glass Rotunda)
6.30 pm (All other galleries)
Cost: There are various workshops that take place inside the museum and the price varies for each. There are some free events as well. For instance, you could attend the Recess Time Memories: A Lunchbox-Making Workshop that costs $20 per adult-child pair. You will get one set of ingredients and materials to make your own lunchbox. It is suitable for kids who are 4 years and up.
Date: 17 July
Timing: 10.30 am – 12 pm/3.30pm – 5pm
7. India Heritage Centre
The Indian Heritage Centre houses five permanent galleries. There is also a museum shop and programming and an activity space. If you are at the venue, don’t miss these two exhibitions.
Indians in Singapore- Past and Present exhibition
The exhibition highlights the experiences of the Indian community in both Singapore and Malaya during the colonial period. It also shows the contributions of the Indian and South Asian communities to Singapore’s nation-building efforts.
When: Permanent exhibition
Cost: It is free for Singaporeans and kids under 6. The rate is $6 for a standard adult.
If you are interested to know more about the Sikh community, here’s something for you.
Sikhs in Singapore – A Story Untold
This exhibition is presented in three parts: the community’s origins, the various narratives of Sikh migrants to Singapore. It will give you a glimpse into the life experiences of contemporary Sikhs.
When: 27 March to 30 September 2021
Cost Free for Singaporeans and PRs
8. National Design Centre
National Design Centre is centrally located in Bras Basah-Bugis. It is a popular venue if you want to attend design-focused showcases and programmes.
You can’t miss a trip to the NDC because the award-winning conserved building is an emblem for outstanding Singaporean design and architecture.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (9 am to 9 pm)
Cost: Free
9. Trick Eye Museum
Image courtesy: Trick Eye Museum/ Facebook
This is a place where your kids can have a lot of fun. Trick Eye Museum is all about optical illusions. Your kids will get six themed zones to explore.
But, you know what’s the best part- unlike, other museums, visitors here are free to touch and interact with all the displayed exhibits. So yes, a museum without “Do not touch” signs.
Don’t forget to click on some awesome photos at the museum. It is a guarantee that you will laugh your heart out when you see these photos later.
Cost: $21.25 (adults)& $17 (children)
So book your tickets in advance to ensure that your kids have a great time. When you step out, do remember to wear your masks, maintain hand hygiene, and avoid large crowds. Stay safe!
Lead/Featured image courtesy: National Museum of Singapore/ Facebook
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