20 TOP RATED Museums to Visit in Singapore
I wanted to put together the ultimate guide to help visitors to Singapore decide which museums they should visit during their time in the country. Read on below for more detail on what the museum is, when it’s open, how to get there, and how much it costs.
| Museum | Rating (Reviews) | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hell’s Museum | 4.9 (900) | S$20 |
| National Gallery | 4.6 (14k) | S$20 - S$30 |
| National Museum | 4.6 (13k) | S$15 |
| Asian Civilisations Museum | 4.6 (5k) | S$25 |
| Singapore City Gallery | 4.6 (2.3k) | Free |
| LKC Museum | 4.6 (2.2k) | S$27 |
| Children’s museum | 4.6 (600) | S$16.35 |
| ArtScience Museum | 4.5 (14k) | S$32 - S$48 |
| Museum of Ice Cream | 4.5 (4k) | S$37 |
| Indian Heritage Centre | 4.5 (1.5k) | S$8 |
| MINT Museum of Toys | 4.5 (1.3k) | S$30 |
| Former Ford Factory | 4.5 (1.2k) | S$7.13 |
| Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall | 4.5 (700) | S$8 |
| Singapore Art Museum | 4.5 (500) | Free |
| Red Dot Design Museum | 4.4 (5.1k) | S$12 |
| Perankan Museum | 4.4 (1.8k) | S$12 |
| Air Force Museum | 4.4 (800) | Free |
| Singapore Maritime Gallery | 4.4 (300) | Free |
| Malay Heritage Centre | 4.3 (1.7k) | Temporarily closed |
| Singapore Chinese Heritage Centre | 4.3 (100) | S$12 |
I’m glad Hell’s Museum won, it’s located in Haw Par Villa, one of my favourite places to bring tourists when they visit Singapore. All rankings are based on Google reviews, ranked first by the stars then by the number of reviews.
Data of reviews referenced in this guide was current as of 2024.
1. Hell’s Museum
The Hell’s Museum is a collection of paid exhibits located within Haw Par Villa. It offers a unique glimpse into various cultural beliefs and interpretations of the afterlife, with a focus on Asian traditions.
I think it’s the most unique attraction on this list so I’m glad that other people agree with me and rate it number 1! (4.9 stars out of 5 is hard to beat)
It features vivid detailed dioramas and statues depicting scenes from the afterlife, including moral tales and the consequences of one’s actions on earth. Visitors are encouraged to contemplate the nature of existence, morality, and the human condition through the lens of afterlife beliefs.
My Singaporean friends used to tell me how creepy the museum was, but I find it very interesting.
I love bringing visitors to Haw Par Villa to see the expressions on their faces at how weird everything is. The Hell’s Museum is an interesting part of any trip here.
Location: Adjacent to Haw Par Villa MRT station on the circle line, the museum is part of the Haw Par Villa park.
Hours: Hell’s Museum is open from 10am to 6pm ever day except Mondays.
Price: An adult ticket costs S$20.
For further details, check out their website here.
2. National Gallery
The National Gallery of Singapore is an architectural marvel home to over 8,000 artworks, making it one of the most comprehensive public collections of Singaporean and south-east Asian art.
Singaporean and south-east Asian art are the speciality here. Last time I went the feature exhibits were about local art since the 19th century.
Don’t make my mistake though - you need to buy a ticket to look around. The first time I went to the gallery I thought I was browsing the free exhibits (there were no ticket barriers) until an attendant asks me for my ticket - I didn’t have one and was directed downstairs to buy.
I also like coming here for the bar. It offers great rooftop views over the downtown Singapore area, even though it’s not on a very high storey. Odette, one of Singapore’s most well regarded (and most expensive restaurants) is also located in the National Gallery.
Location: In the Civic District, near City Hall MRT station.
Hours: The National Gallery is open from 10am to 7pm.
Cost: Tickets for the National Gallery start at S$20 for adults but can go up to S$30 depending on access to special exhibits.
For more details, check out their website here.
3. National Museum
Not to be confused with the National Gallery, the National Museum of Singapore is Singapore’s oldest and offers a profound journey through the nation’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The National Museum features a wide range of exhibits from colonial era (and earlier) up to Singapore’s modern-day achievements. There are artifacts, photos, and interactive displays to engage with.
Exhibits of the museum come in themes including the Singapore river, the nation, and the Singapore Living Gardens which focuses on food, fashion, film, and photography.
There are also activities and rotating exhibits geared towards families and children.
Location: In the central area of Singapore, near Dhoby Ghaut, Bras Basah and Bencoolen MRT stations.
Hours: The National Museum is open from 10am to 7pm.
Cost: Tickets for the National Museum cost S$15 for adults.
More details can be found on the National Museum website here.
4. Asian Civilisations Museum
The Asian Civilisations Museum showcases a vast array of artifacts from across the broad continent of Asia. It features ancient relics, intricate textiles, fine porcelain, and unique artifacts woven together to tell stories of diverse Asian civilisations.
The museum employs technology and interactive installations to make the history engaging and accessible to visitors of all ages. I’ve found it a great place to brin the whole family. Guided tours are also available.
I really liked the gift shop, it has some of the more unique options for gifts and souvenirs available.
Location: In the Civic District, half way between City Hall and Raffles Place MRT stations.
Hours: The Asian Civilisations Museum is open from 10am to 7pm, with late opening until 9pm on Fridays.
Cost: Adult tickets cost S$25.
The Asian Civilisations Museum’s website is here.
5. Singapore City Gallery
The Singapore City Gallery chronicles Singapore’s dramatic transformation over the past 50 years. While not technically a museum, it is very interesting; I like to bring visitors here then go on to Maxwell food centre afterwards to eat the famous Tian Tian chicken rice.
The highlight here is the giant central area model where you can visualise at scale what Singapore looks like: Heritage buildings, skyscrapers, interesting back streets, and opportunities to explore.
The gallery also advertises the principles and strategies behind Singapore’s urban development, including land use, transportation, and sustainable living.
Location: Inside the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) building, near Maxwell or Tanjong Pagar MRT stations.
Hours: The City Gallery opens from 9am until 5pm, closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Cost: Free
The URA maintains the Singapore City Gallery website here.
6. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
If you’re fascinated by the world of science, technology, and innovation then the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is a destination you cannot miss. The LKC Museum is named in honour of prominent Singaporean Lee Kong Chian who contributed significantly to Singapore’s educational and technological advancement.
Interactive exhibits and displays are the highlight at the LKC Museum. You can engage, learn, and have the kids play with the exhibits making it a memorable and educational experience. Exhibits include robotics, biotechnology, and the future of urban living.
It’s a great one to bring kids to, even if it’s a bit further to travel from the centre of town.
Location: Part of the National University of Singapore, located out in the west about half an hour away from the downtown area by public transport.
Hours: The LKC museum opens from 10am until 6pm daily except Mondays.
Cost: S$27 for an adult.
For more details, check out the museum website here.
7. Children’s Museum
As the name suggests, the Children’s Museum targets children. It features a range of interactive exhibits that encourage play, exploration, and learning. Each exhibit is crafted to simulate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among young visitors.
There are themed zones covering topics such as history, culture, science, and art. As well as family-friendly workshops, storytelling sessions, and hands-on projects.
The permanent exhibit – A Voyage Back Through Time – takes families on a ride through history.
Location: Located near Fort Canning Park,it’s a nice walk over from Bras Basah but it’s slightly closer to City Hall MRT station.
Hours: Children’s Museum is open from 9am until 5:45pm.
Cost: S$16.35 for an adult.
The children’s museum gets really busy, check out their website here to book tickets in advance.
8. ArtScience Museum
Everyone sees the outside of the ArtScience Museum – it is an iconic part of the Marina Bay skyline. If you visit the Merlion or the Marina Bay Sands observation deck, you’ve seen the ArtScience Museum.
This museum celebrates the intersection of art, science, technology, and culture, offering a unique museum experience that is visually captivating and educational. It utilises the latest in digital and interactive technology to create engaging, hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
Very kid friendly – the ArtScience Museum is another one on this list that is great if you’re visiting Singapore with kids.
Location: Next to Marina Bay Sands, closest MRT is Bayfront.
Hours: ArtScience Museum opens from 10am to 7pm.
Cost: S$32 for an adult.
The ArtScience Museum is run by Marina Bay Sands, check out their website here.
9. Museum of Ice Cream
This is an immersive experience claiming to blend art, installation, and the universal love of ice cream. Most of the stories I’ve heard say it’s a great Instagram spot and little else.
There are a series of themed rooms, each designed with unique Instagram-worthy installations that celebrate the joy and creativity of ice cream.
An interactive display is also available to learn about the history and making of ice cream.
The Museum of Ice Cream is not unique to Singapore, there are 5 similar museums located in America. I’m personally not much of a fan of the ice cream museum, though perhaps I’m not in the target demographic.
Location: A tough one to get to, it’s located in the west part of the city near Dempsey Hill; suggest taking a taxi to get there.
Hours: The Museum of Ice Cream from 10am to 9pm (closes early on Mondays and Wednesdays; closed on Tuesdays).
Cost: S$37 to S$43 - they charge more for ‘peak’ hours (e.g. weekends)
The Singapore page of the Museum of Ice Cream can be found here.
10. Indian Heritage Centre
Serving as a vibrant cultural gateway into the diverse Indian heritage of Singapore, as well as the contributions of the Indian community to Singapore’s multicultural landscape, this heritage centre is housed in a striking building inspired by traditional Indian architecture.
There are five permanent galleries showcasing a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays tracing the history of the Indian diaspora in Singapore and south-east Asia.
I like bringing visitors to Tekka Centre afterwards – it has some great options for Indian food, particularly desserts. If you’re there at lunch time, I also like the prawn noodles from the Chinese side of the hawker centre.
Location: Little India, near Little India MRT or Jalan Besar MRT stations.
Hours: The Indian Heritage Centre is open from 10am to 6pm, but is closed on Mondays.
Cost: S$8 for an adult.
Find out more about the Indian Heritage Centre here.
11. MINT Museum of Toys
The Moment of Imagination & Nostalgia with Toys (MINT) museum is home to a world-class collection of vintage toys and collectable items, spanning from the 1840’s to the 1970’s. It features over 50,000 pieces from more than 40 countries, including rare and unique toys that are hard to find elsewhere.
The toys and collectables include:
- Action figures
- First-edition comic books and novels
- Cards and board games
- Costumes and clothing
- Bicycles and pedal cars
For older visitors it can be a great nostalgia trip through their childhood years, and for the younger generation it’s an opportunity to explore the toys of yesteryear. There is plenty of interaction available here to keep the kids engaged.
Location: Near Bugis, an interesting walk over from Bugis MRT or Esplanade MRT. One of my favourite souvenir stores is nearby, check out wheniwasfour for some genuine Singapore souvenirs.
Hours: MINT Museum of Toys is open from 9:30am to 6:30pm, and is closed on Mondays. Night at the Museum is open from 7:30pm to 10:30pm every day (even Mondays).
Cost: S$30 for an adult and S$20 for a child.
The MINT Museum of Toys website can be found here.
12. Former Ford Factory
It’s a war museum, yet it’s housed in the original Ford Motor Factory (a historic building in its own right).
This is the location where the British forces surrendered during the second world war, and it features a wealth of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that narrate the story of the occupation of Singapore.
There are interactive multimedia displays and guided tours offering insightful perspectives on the impact of the war on Singapore and its people.
Location: On Upper Bukit Timah Rd, along the former rail corridor walking trail. There isn’t a nearby MRT station yet, so I recommend taking a taxi or a bus to get there.
Hours: Former Ford Factory opens from 9am to 5:30pm.
Cost: S$7.13 for an adult.
The Former Ford Factory website is a bit weird, but it can be found here.
13. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
The Sun Yat-Sen memorial hall is housed in a beautifully preserved two-story villa which Sun Yat-Sen stayed in when he visited Singapore.
For those unfamiliar, Sun Yat-Sen was a revolutionary leader who played a pivotal role in ending the Qing Dynasty’s rule over China.
Inside the memorial hall are photographs, personal belongings, and historical documents chronicling Sun’s life and his connections with Singapore. It also provides valuable insights into the history of the Chinese diaspora in south-east Asia, and their contributions to the Chinese revolution.
Location: Balestier, in the inner-north. It looks close to Toa Payoh on the map, but there’s a river in between that means you can’t walk over. Take a taxi or a bus to get there.
Hours: The Memorial Hall is open from 10am until 5pm.
Cost: S$8 for an adult.
Find out more about the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall here.
14. Singapore Art Museum
The Singapore Art Museum is a dynamic canvas where traditional and contemporary art forms converge, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Singapore’s cultural heritage and the broader south-east Asian art scene.
What makes SAM a must-visit for anyone exploring Singapore is its focus on contemporary art, especially works from Singapore. It embraces a wide array of mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, and video art. Each exhibit tells a story about the region – its complex history, rapid modernisation, or the narrative of the people who live here.
Due to renovation works, the Singapore Art Museum is currently operating out of a smaller location in Tanjong Pagar.
Location: Temporarily located at the Tanjong Pagar Distripark, you need to take a bus or taxi to get there.
Hours: Singapore Art Museum currently opens from 10am to 7pm.
Cost: Due to the renovation works and temporary location, entry is currently free.
Keep an eye on the renovation of the Singapore Art Museum on their website here.
15. Red Dot Design Museum
I only learnt recently that this has nothing to do with Singaporean’s moniker of “little red dot” referring to their own country (which can appear as a small red dot on maps of the world).
The Red Dot Design museum embodies what it means to compete in the international Red Dot Design Awards. This means it focuses on those who distinguish their business activities through design (you can learn more about the international Red Dot Design awards here).
Hosted collections include the latest trends in product, communication, and concept design from around the world.
The exhibits are interactive, and there’s a design market where you can purchase unique objects, gadgets, and gifts created by award-winning designers.
Location: Next to Marina Bay Sands (opposite side of the ArtScience Museum), nearest MRT is Bayfront.
Hours: The Red Dot Design Museum opens from 11am to 7pm, opening at 10am on weekends.
Cost: S$12 for adults.
More information and Red Dot and the Red Dot Design Museum can be found here.
16. Peranakan Museum
Peranakan people are the descendants of early southern-Chinese migrants who settled in south-east Asia, concentrated around the colonial ports in the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia. Having been far removed from China for so many generations, they have developed their own culture, language, food, and customs that blend in those of their neighbours.
The Peranakan museum specialises in showcasing the rich heritage of the Peranakan communities in southeast-Asia, particularly those from Singapore, Malacca, Penang, and Indonesia.
The museum’s collection highlights intricate beadwork, textiles, porcelain, and furniture as examples of Peranakan skilled craftsmanship and vibrant aesthetic.
Galleries are themed to tell the stories and history of different aspects of Peranakan life including weddings, traditional ceremonies, and the distinctive hybrid cuisine.
Location: Armenia street, near Bras Basah and City Hall MRT stations.
Hours: The Peranakan Museum opens from 10am to 7pm, with extended hours until 9pm on Fridays.
Cost: S$12 for adults.
Find out more about the Perankan Museum here.
17. Air Force Museum
The Republic of Singapore Air Force Museum chronicles the development and achievements of the RSAF, from its early days as part of the Malayan Volunteer Air Force to its current status as a world-class institute.
Exhibits focus on the impressive collection of aircraft, including fighters, helicopters, and transport planes each with its own story of service in the RSAF.
There are interactive simulators and audio-visual displays that allow visitors to experience flight and learn about the operational capabilities of the RSAF. A heritage section includes history of the RSAF as told through photographs, uniforms, and equipment.
Guided tours are also available.
Location: Next to an air base of course, Paya Lebar Air Base - take a taxi or bus to get there.
Hours: The Singapore Air Force Museum opens from 9am to 4pm, and is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays.
Cost: Free!
The Air Force Museum website here has more details about what’s on at the museum.
18. Singapore Maritime Gallery
The Singapore Maritime Gallery explores Singapore’s transformation into one of the world’s leading international maritime centres, highlighting its pivotal role in global trade and the maritime industry.
There are interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the bustling world of maritime operations, from navigation to shipbuilding.
Highlights include Singapore’s efforts in maritime conservation and protecting marine biodiversity.
Location: Near the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, and the Marina South MRT station.
Hours: The Singapore Maritime Gallery opens from 9am to 6pm.
Cost: Free!
The Singapore Maritime Gallery website is here for more information.
19. Malay Heritage Centre
Under renovation until end-2025, the Malay heritage centre is the focal point in Singapore for showcasing the culture, heritage, and contributions of the Malay community in Singapore and the region.
It is housed in the former Istana Kampong Glam, the ancestral royal palace of Malay royalty in Singapore, providing a historic backdrop to the rich cultural narratives.
When open, it will feature permanent galleries and exhibits on the history, social life, and cultural expressions of the Malay community as told through artifacts, multimedia displays, and interactive installations.
Location: Kampong Glam, best reached by bus or taxi; it is near Bugis MRT.
Hours: The Malay Heritage Centre is closed for renovation until the end of 2025.
Cost: Due to the length of time it’s been closed, we’re not sure what the price will be when it opens.
Find out more about the re-opening of the Malay Heritage Centre here.
20. Singapore Chinese Heritage Centre
A vibrant centre dedicated to promoting understanding, appreciation, and celebration of Singapore’s Chinese cultural heritage.
The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre hosts a variety of exhibitions that delve into the traditions, practices, and contributions of the Chinese community in Singapore.
There are art installations, performances, and events exploring the creativity and innovation o Chinese Singaporean artists.
Location: Far out west at the Nanyang Technological University
Hours: The Chinese Heritage Centre opens from 9:30am to 5pm.
Cost: S$12 for an adult
The Singapore Chinese Heritage Centre website here has more information about the centre.
Further Reading
Need help getting around Singapore? Check out my transport guides here:
Looking for more ideas on what to do in Singapore? Check out the guide I put together to unique things that you can do in Singapore here.
