Today’s International Museum Day and we at Hugosave thought of compiling a list of local museums to check out without paying a cent! Also, it’s a nice chill place to be inspired for the future and be educated by the past while enjoying free aircon. LOL.
Former Ford Factory
This is a permanent World War Two exhibition presented by the National Archives of Singapore at the historic Former Ford Factory. This was the exact location where the British forces surrendered unconditionally to the Imperial Japanese Army on 15 February 1942, making it extra meaningful.
The exhibition presents the events and memories surrounding the British surrender, the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, and the legacies of the war. Through oral history accounts, archival records and published materials, the exhibition highlights the diverse experiences of people in Singapore during this crucial time in our history. Admission is free Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, children aged 6 and below, Friends of the Museums (FOM) and 1 guest of each FOM member. Foreign visitors can also visit the Former Ford Factory for a small fee of $7 (subjected to 7% GST).
Opening hours and more information on how to get there can be found here: https://corporate.nas.gov.sg/former-ford-factory/overview/
Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
For those looking for a more interactive experience that is free for all and still filled with meaningful lessons on history and culture, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre would be right up your alley. Titled ‘Singapo人: Discovering Singaporean Chinese Culture’, this engaging exhibition, split into zones, will bring you through the evolution that Chinese culture in Singapore has gone through.
Interaction with other cultures, encouraged by geographical proximity and social diversity over many years has birthed a Chinese Singaporean identity that is complex and unlike other communities in the world. Visitors would each be given a wrist-tag at the entrance and there will be various touch-points throughout for visitors to interact with by answering questions. There are also mini educational games that make learning about Singapore’s Chinese culture much more enjoyable! This exhibit is also suitable for children as it is a good mix of learning and play.
Be sure to check the website for updated opening hours to plan your visit: https://singaporeccc.org.sg/singaporen-exhibition/
The Jews Of Singapore
Perhaps a more intriguing and less talked about part of Singapore’s history is the Jews of Singapore. Home to Southeast Asia’s oldest Jewish community, the museum illustrates the many stories of Singapore Jews. From simple traders to Singapore’s First Chief Minister and top legal representation, learn more about how they have contributed deeply to nation-building.
Interested visitors can book a time slot here (It’s free for everyone!): https://singaporejews.com/museum/visit-us/
Singapore has always been dubbed as a melting pot of cultures, so it is no surprise that the city state is filled with so many cultural and historical institutions. Take your pick of museums and go start your journey of exploration today!
The Malay Heritage Centre
The Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) provides wonderful cultural exposure and learning opportunities for every visitor, and acts as a vital heritage institution for the Singaporean Malay community. Through its exhibits, programmes and activities, the Centre hopes to honour the past while providing a means for present-day expression. The Malay Heritage Centre is presently under the management of the National Heritage Board in partnership with the Malay Heritage Foundation. It’s free for Singaporeans!
National Museum Singapore
The nation’s oldest museum seeks to inspire the world with its intriguing stories and historic facts about Singapore. Its history dates back to 1849, when it first started as a section of a library at the Singapore Institution. The exhibits within the neo-classical building together build a progressive showcase of Singaporean history, culture and art. Walk through the museum and you will discover centuries worth of history! Admission is free all year round for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PR), children aged 6 and below, locally based students and teachers, as well as persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their caregivers.
Some must-visit permanent exhibits are: A Voyage of Love & Longing, Growing Up and Modern Colony. Be sure to check the website for updated opening hours and exhibition details: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/visitor-information
Other National Heritage Board museums and heritage institutions that are free for locals include the Asian Civilisations Museum, The Peranakan Museum, Indian Heritage Centre, Malay Heritage Centre and Reflections at Bukit Chandu. Foreign visitors can also visit these places for a small fee as stated on their websites.
Interesting non-free museums but we’ve got a good deal!
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous and don’t mind paying a little, here are some novel museums to check out. Good news is, we managed to find savings for you!
MINT Museum of Toys Singapore
MINT has amassed a whopping collection of over 50,000 items, and of those 8,500 are on display in the museum! Ranging from the 1840s to 1980s, the items were collected from more than 40 countries and are now displayed in the four-level of the museum, classified by themes—Outerspace, Characters, Childhood Favourites and Collectables. The rooftop level even has a bar overlooking the City Centre.
Book now: https://bit.ly/3FVqGvC
Madame Tussauds
The world famous wax museum probably needs no introduction. Visitors who want to take selfies with their favourite celebrities or relive their favourite shows by being “on set” can make those a reality! The museum has an exciting line-up of activities and exhibits such as Marvel Universe 4D, Ultimate Film Star Experience and a new Catriona Gray wax figure!
Book now: https://bit.ly/3LlJ0yM
ArtScience Museum
Don’t let the seemingly small museum fool you. The multi-award winning museum houses 21 gallery spaces to house exhibits across art, science, culture and technology. Ongoing exhibits include Future World: Where Art Meets Science, a collection of digital interactive installation; Radical Curiosity: In the Orbit of Buckminster Fuller, where you get to look into the mind of the American inventor; Hope from Chaos: Pandemic Reflections, a reflection of life in a pandemic; Attack On Titan: The Exhibition, showcasing the hit anime series.
Book now, save up to 29% off admission: https://bit.ly/3LprCt0