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The Singapore History Museum, originally opened in 1887, is an architectural gem with each of its two levels reflecting a different order of Greek classical architecture. Of particular note are the three-dimensional reconstructions of historical scenes and events tracing Singapore's development from a sleepy fishing village to the present day metropolis. Another exhibit shows the world of a wealthy Straits Chinese family at the turn of the century, complete with elaborate Peranakan furnishings and finery. The Children's Discovery Gallery is another compelling attraction, with interactive exhibits designed to explain Singapore's cultural heritage, visual and per forming arts.
In addition to the Singapore History Museum, Singapore offers a number of museums with specific themes.
Opening hours : 9.30am to 6.00pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Friday : 9.30am to 9.00pm, no admission charges after 6.00pm [Top]
Changi Prison Chapel and Museum
The Changi Museum was relocated to its new home on 15 February 2001. It replaces the former Changi Prison Chapel and Museum (built in 1988) that had to make way for the expansion of the Changi Prison.
In honouring the spirit and commitment of those who rose from the depths of adversity, the Museum inspires future generations to come and deepen their appreciation of the heroic and inspirational stories that took place in Changi. The Changi Museum is dedicated to all those who lived and died in Singapore, in particular the Changi area, during the dark years of World War II.
Through documentation of significant events of the Japanese Occupation, the Museum functions as an important educational institution and resource centre. As for the Prisoners-of-War (POWs) and their families, it is a site that allows closure of the many emotional scars of the war years.
The Changi Chapel, housed within the open-air courtyard of the new museum, is a representative replica of the many chapels that were built during World War II. Today, it stands as a monument for those who would not buckle under Japanese rule, and who kept their faith and dignity in the face of seemingly hopeless odds.
Letters, photographs, drawings and personal effects in the museum tell a horrific story of over three years of war and imprisonment for more than 50,000 civilians and soldiers in Changi. From the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 till the Japanese surrender in September 1945, life was a daily struggle against humiliation, loss of freedom, hunger and disease. Yet it was here, where conditions were at their worst, that we hear of stories that were heroic, touching, and most of all, inspirational. The highlight within is a series of magnificent wall paintings called The Changi Murals, painstakingly recreated from the originals painted by Bombardier Stanley Warren. Visitors are also able to view screenings of videos such as 'Changi Through The Eyes of Haxworth' and 'Elizabeth Choy'. Tucked in a quiet corner of the museum is 'The Changi University', a research area that houses a collection of rare books and literature depicting life during the war years.
Next to the museum is 'The Bark Cafe', an open-air restaurant where one can relax, unwind and enjoy fine dining with family and friends. The restaurant offers a range of food based on cosmopolitan cuisine; ala carte menus and a good range of beverages are available.
There are Sunday services conducted by various church groups at the Changi Chapel every Sunday at 9.30am and 5.30pm. Visitors are welcome to join these services.
Open:9.30am to 4.30pm (daily unless otherwise advised)
Admission:Free.
Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour
Location: 1000 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507707
Tel: (65) 6214 2451 Fax: (65) 6214 1179
Getting there: Take SBS bus 2 from Tanah Merah MRT station (EW4). Alight at the bus stop right in front of Changi Chapel and Museum (after Changi Women's Prison/Drug Rehabilitation Centre).
(Visitors wishing to view the Changi Murals at nearby Changi Camp have to write in to the Public Affairs Department, MINDEF at fax: (65) 6764 6119 for approval.) [Top]
Singapore Mint Coin Gallery
An impressive collection of coins, medals and medallions from all over the world is found at the Singapore Mint's exhibition gallery. Visitors can mint their own souvenir coins at the gallery's coin press.
Open: 9am - 4.30pm (Mon to Fri)
Admission: Free
Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour
Location: 20 Teban Gardens Crescent Singapore 608928
Tel: (65) 6566 2626 Fax: (65) 6565 2626 / 6567 2626
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Singapore Air Force Museum
The Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum traces the development of the Republic of Singapore Air Force from its early days as the Royal Air Force in 1927 to the present. The museum resides on 10,600 m2 of land, with a total built-up area of 4,600 m2. The exhibition area comprises an outdoor gallery and the History of Aviation gallery on the first level. On the second level are eight indoor galleries. The museum showcases colonial cap badges, Bloodhound missiles and artefacts, including planes such as the Hunter Hawker, the SF260 Marchetti and the A4-S Skyhawk.
Open: 8.30 am to 5 pm (Tue - Sun except public holidays)
Admission: Free
Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour
Location: 400 Airport Road, Paya Lebar Airbase, Singapore 534234
Tel: (65) 6461 8507 Fax: (65) 6461 8505
Getting There: Take SBS bus 94 (except on Sundays and public holidays) from Eunos MRT station (EW7) or SBS bus 90 from Toa Payoh bus interchange. [Top]
Royal Selangor Pewter Museum
Pewter, an alloy combining tin, copper and antimony, is a specialty of Southeast Asia. The Pewter Museum showcases a private collection of 75 items ranging from tobacco boxes, oil lamps, intricate Chinese lanterns with lotus motifs to pewter making tools as old as 100 years or more. The museum also features daily demonstrations of traditional pewter processes.
Open: 8:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
Admission: Free
Approximate Touring Time: 30 minutes
Location: 32 Pandan Road Singapore 609279
Tel: (65) 6268 9600 Fax: (65) 6268 6300
Getting There: Take the MRT to Clementi Station (EW23), then take a taxi or SBS bus 78.