Discover Singapore’s Museum Highlights: Best Galleries & Live Exhibitions – Lifestyle News

Singapore’s Museum Scene: Not Just Stiff in Their Socks

Think museums are for pigeons and old gray‑heads? Think again. Singapore’s cultural landscape is a mash‑up of slick national spaces, quirky private gems, and everything in between – all designed to keep you moving, thinking, and sometimes, outright laughing.

What’s in the Mix?

• Cutting‑Edge Art Galas – From digital installations that flicker to masterpieces that pop, these venues let you experience art in three‑dimensional, mind‑reading ways.
• History That’s Not a Snoozefest – Interactive timelines, live reenactments and digital scavenger hunts make the past feel fresh and totally Instagram‑worthy.
• Sweet‑Sonic Surprises – Picture a museum full of ice‑cream as the centerpiece; it’s a fizzy treat for the taste buds and a nostalgic nostalgia trip.
• Wild Excursions – You’ll find museums that double as escape rooms, pop‑up exhibitions, and pop culture festivals that are less “museum” and more “once‑in‑a‑lifetime party.”

Pick Your Paradise

Whichever vibe you’re after – a muse on modernness, a walk through time, or a giggle‑laden gig – this list has a spot that’s practically screaming for your face‑time. Grab a ticket, walk in, and let the fun unfurl. After all, if museums can tug at your taste buds and tickle your brain, why not shake up the whole notion of “stuck in a basement with dusty portraits” ?

Museum of Ice Cream Singapore

I’ll Call a Show for Sweetness: Singapore’s Own Museum of Ice Cream!

Picture this: a land where every corner feels like a candy‑land dream, where you can slurp a pina‑colada scoop that’s basically a chill seaside vacation, bounce in a room that’s literally a sugary trampoline, and dip your toes in a giant pool of sprinkles. Yep—this is the Museum of Ice Cream in Dempsey, and it’s delivered on a 60,000‑square‑foot stage of pure pastel power.

What’s the Scoop?

Thanks to its 14 immersive installations, the museum is a sugar‑coated playground that makes kids (and adults who refuse to grow up) laugh, sing, and maybe get a little playful mess on their clothes. Here’s a quick tour of the must‑see spots:

• California Dreaming – dip into a pina‑colada swirl that feels like a tropical vacation, without the sunburn.
• Inflatable Room – bounce your sugar rush away in a room that’s as bouncy as your favourite marshmallow.
• Potong – indulge in a nostalgic taste of childhood, complete with creamy delights that make grown‑ups sigh.
• Sprinkle Pool – dive into a sea of rainbow confetti to feel like you’re in a candy whale’s tail.

And hang on—this place doesn’t charge for free‑flow ice cream. That’s right; you can scoop everything you want, let that sweet stream flow. It’s literally a free‑floating feast of flavors!

How to Get in the Sweet Spot

Tickets start at $38 for groups of four or more and rise to $40 for smaller parties of two or three. For the quickest line‑cut, book online at your convenience—just head to the official site and snag your pass.

Visit It

The Museum of Ice Cream Singapore is located at 100 Loewen Rd, Singapore 248837. Call +65 6632 7142 for any questions.

It’s open from Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 10:30 pm. Go in, soak up the sugary vibes, and leave with a belly full of dazzling delights and a heart with a sweet new story to tell.

Da Vinci, The Exhibition

Da Vinci’s Genius Hits the Singapore Science Centre

What’s the scoop? Leonardo da Vinci isn’t just a master painter—he was a true Renaissance super‑hero with talents in anatomy, engineering, optics and a whole lot more. And now his brilliance is on full display right here in the city, thanks to Aurea Exhibitions based in Argentina.

Highlights of the Show

• Over 50 life‑sized replicas of da Vinci’s inventions – think the legendary human‑powered helicopter and other nuts and bolts he dreamed up.
• Authentic reproductions of his most iconic paintings, so you can admire his artistry up close.
• Only a few hours away from the iconic Mona Lisa – no need to hop across the Atlantic!

Visitor Details

Admission is pretty simple:

• À la carte adult tickets: $18
• UOB Cardholders get a 10 % discount with the promo code DVUOB10

When & Where

The exhibition runs from now until January 2, 2022 at The Annex, Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore 609081.

Opening hours: Friday–Sunday – 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.

Contact

Phone: +65 6425 2500

Asian Civilisations Museum

Step Back into Edo‑Japan (and Live It In Today)

Got a craving for a quick “time‑travel” adventure? Grab your passport to Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto at the Asian Civilisations Museum. The show runs until Oct 17, 2021 and turns your ordinary museum stroll into a whirlwind through 18th‑century Japan.

What the Exhibit Is All About

• over 150 stunning ukiyo‑e prints – think beautiful women, fierce sumo wrestlers, dramatic cherry blossoms, and more
• second section: an intimate gallery of Kyoto’s geishas captured by Wong’s camera – perfect for those craving a dash of mystery and grace
• after the old‑school vibes, explore #SGFASHIONNOW, a cross‑culture runway putting contemporary Singapore fashion front‑and‑centre (running until 19 Dec 2021)

Easy‑Peasy Admission

For Singapore residents and PRs:

• Permanent galleries – free!
• All‑access tickets, including the Edo show – $12 each

And if you’re a Klook fan or a UOB cardholder, you can slash your ticket cost:

• Two‑for‑one weekday all‑access packs on Klook – two tickets for just $12
• UOB cardcard members enjoy a $10 discount on a minimum $60 spend (plus the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers they already love)

Location & Hours

Asian Civilisations Museum
1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
⏰ Open daily 10 am–7 pm
+65 6332 7798

ArtScience Museum

ArtScience Museum’s New Exhibits: Get Ready to Warp Your Brain

We’ve all fallen in love with the ArtScience Museum—a slick playground where art, science, and tech collide. And this year, it’s pulling out all the stops with two brand‑new shows that prove the future is now.

Virtual Realms: Videogames Transformed (Until Jan 9, 2022)

Step onto a giant dance floor under a swirling light sculpture and watch music leap into action when you move—thanks to UNITY’s interactive tech. Next, dive into a virtual ball pit from PLAY and see how your swirls generate pixel‑powered fun. And if you’re into patterns, COMMAND your screen to blend kaleidoscopic graphics RIGHT in front of you. All this is basically a cardio‑session for your brain—so don’t forget that looping soundtrack.

Orchestral Manoeuvres: See Sound. Feel Sound. Be Sound. (Until Jan 2, 2022)

Imagine a gallery where 32 world‑class composers and nerd‑artists collide. The walls are humming from sound‑sculptures that clang, crackle, and actually—yes—play the piano by themselves! It’s a sonic banquet that turns every headphone into a front‑row seat.

Ticket Prices & How to Save

• Virtual Realms – $16
• Orchestral Manoeuvres – $16

If you’re a UOB Card member booking through Klook and double‑up with a SingapoRediscovers voucher, you can slash $10 from a minimum spend of $60 – that’s just a small price for an adventure that’s worth every second.

Location & Hours

• Address: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
• Phone: +65 6688 8888
• Open daily: 10am–7pm

Bring your curiosity, bring your sneakers, and let the ArtScience Museum turn your day into something more than just a museum visit.

The Gem Museum

Discover the Sparkling Secrets of The Gem Museum

Ever wondered what it feels like to have a date with something that truly glitters? The Gem Museum in Singapore offers a dazzling adventure where romance meets science.

What Makes It So Shimmering?

• From Mine to Market – Follow the full journey of a gem, from the earth’s depths to the polished shop display.
• Raw Wonders – Get a close‑up with spectacular specimens, including mind‑blowing color‑shifters.
• Cut Above the Rest – See stones fashioned into countless styles, each more eye‑catching than the last.
• Hands‑On Examining – Grab a professional loupe and put your detective skills to the test.
• The Rock Garden – Watch living mining in motion right in the museum’s own backyard.

Plan Your Visit

Ticket details are straightforward: $18 for each adult guest.

Location & Hours

• Address: 26 Kandahar St, Level 2, Singapore 198888
• Phone: +65 6734 3172
• Hours:
  • Tues‑Fri: 12 pm – 5 pm
  • Saturday: 11 am – 3 pm (by appointment)
  • Closed on Sunday & Monday

A Few Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a budding gem‑hunter or just craving a unique Singapore outing, this museum delivers sparkling excitement without the usual tourist lines. Bring a friend, bring a keen eye, and let the stones start the conversation!

National Gallery Singapore

Why the National Gallery Singapore is a Must‑Visit

Picture this: a soaring, sun‑kissed building that feels like a dream come true for art lovers. That’s the National Gallery Singapore. And it’s not just the skyline that will leave you breathless—we’re talking an entire spot of history, creativity, and a splash of humor.

Georgette Chen: At Home in the World

For a taste of local colour, head straight to the current limited‑time exhibition: Georgette Chen: At Home in the World. This piece‑by‑piece tribute celebrates one of Singapore’s pioneering modern painters and will run until September 26, 2021.

• Over five decades of portraits, landscapes and street scenes—almost a lifetime of canvas
• Each painting carries the signature of a woman who fearlessly introduced the world to Singapore’s artistic voice
• Stop by before you exit: a stroll on the rooftop’s garden offers a fresh perspective on the city

Surprise: Antony Gormley’s Horizon Field Singapore

As you wander up the tower, you’ll find Horizon Field Singapore by Antony Gormley. Think of it as the “space body” point of the building—an intricate maze of aluminium ring “tunnels” that you can actually walk through. Walk the rings, feel the surreal vibe—just a little risk… and plenty of wow-factor.

Getting In

Need details? Here’s the quick rundown:

• Flat price: Free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents
• Location: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #01‑01, Singapore 178957
• Phone: +65 6271 7000
• Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm

Sprinkle a bit of the local colour into your day and you’ll leave with a new appreciation of art—and a story to brag about.

Reflections at Bukit Chandu

Reflections at Bukit Chandu: Where Heroes Still Stand

Back in September, after a three‑year makeover, the historic Reflections at Bukit Chandu opened its doors again. It’s not just a museum – it’s a front‑row seat to one of WWII’s most legendary acts of bravery.

What You’ve Got to Know

This place sits in a charming heritage bungalow right near Point 226 – the very spot where the Malay Regiment gave their all against a staggering 13,000‑strong Japanese army.

• Artifacts galore: think polished uniforms, real bullet casings, even wartime film footage that will make you feel like you’re back on the front line.
• Storytelling that hits home: trace the origins of the Malay Regiment all the way to their final, gutsy stand.

Get In – It’s Free for You!

Singaporeans and Permanent Residents can walk in completely free of charge. No need to count your pennies – just let the stories do the talking.

Where & When

Location: 31‑K Pepys Road, Singapore 118458
Phone: +65 6250 6675
Open Tues‑Sun from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

So grab your mates, fuel your curiosity, and step into a chapter of history where courage met the odds. The battle goes on in heartbeat and memory. And remember, the walls have ears—so be sure to bring your best war‑story voice.

The Intan

Discover The Intan – Where Peranakan History Comes to Life

Step inside The Intan at 69 Joo Chiat Terrace and you’ll feel like you’ve walked back in time. This charming terrace house isn’t just a home; it’s a private museum that proudly displays a wild mix of Peranakan treasures, from vintage chairs to dazzling bead‑adorned slippers and pottery that sparkles with stories.

Why It’s More Than a Visit

• The Intan Tea Experience – Sip tea and nibble on kueh while soaking in the rich Peranakan vibe.
• Private Dinner – Let the chefs whip up classic Nyonya dishes. Dig in, and enjoy a culinary adventure upstairs.
• Evening Magic – Witness a cool illusion that adds a touch of wonder after sunset.

So, it’s not just a photo op; it’s an immersive playground of culture, flavor, and intrigue.

Getting There and Prices

Tickets start at $64.20 per person for the full tea package. If you’re an UOB Cardholder using the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers sold through Klook, you get a sweet $10 off when you spend at least $60 more.

Address: 69 Joo Chiat Terrace, Singapore 427231
Phone: +65 6440 1148

Note: Visits are by appointment only – just give them a call or book online.

National Museum of Singapore

Picturing the Pandemic: A Snap‑Shot of Singapore’s Covid Struggle

Singapore’s National Museum is basically a time capsule, and their latest exhibit is all about the Covid-19 saga. “Picturing the Pandemic: A Visual Record of Covid‑19 in Singapore” puts on a show of photos, short films, and odd little artifacts that capture how our tiny red dot fought the global health crisis.

Open till Oct 17, 2021. No ticket fees for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. Grab your phone—or your memory lane boots—and click the following:

• Take a stroll down memory lane with “Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present” – running till Oct 3, 2021.
• Learn how Singapore’s multicultural dream unfolded, from the first HDB apartments to bomb‑sized national ads.

Admission Details:

• Free for Singaporeans & PRs.
• Location: 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897.
• Contact: +65 6332 3659.
• Hours: 10 aa.m. – 7 p.m. daily.

Don’t miss it – your passport to Singapore’s past, present, and a dash of pandemic reality.

Trick Eye Museum Singapore

Step Into the Mind-Bending World of Trick Eye Museum Singapore

Ever wish you could slip into a painting and walk on a cat‑walk made of rainbows? Trick Eye Museum Singapore offers that exactly—only it’s built from mind‑bending optical tricks, 3D art, and a sprinkle of Augmented Reality that makes your photos look like they were shot from a sci‑fi set.

If you’ve ever dreamt of escaping a piranha’s jaws or supporting an entire wooden bridge over a black hole of a chasm (yes, it’s real here), pack your selfie gear and get ready for an absurdly fun adventure that’s part art exhibit and part sci‑fi challenge.

What to Expect Inside

• Paintings That Pull You In – Step right into iconic masterpieces and become part of the scene. Imagine standing beside Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” while the stars look like they’re about to swirl off your shoulder.
• Piranha Escape Virtual Reality – Snap a photo pretending you’re being chased by a giant piranha, only to realize you’re still safe… on the floor.
• Float like a Ghost – Walk on a float‑over‑a‑void path and feel like you’re gliding on clouds.
• Thrilling Tears – Balance on a narrow wooden bridge that seems to hover over a seemingly bottomless chasm.
• Unlimited Photo Ops – Every corner of the museum is a selfie-ready backdrop. Bring your camera, because every “in” moment is a moment worth sharing.

Ticket & Pricing

Standard Admission: RM21.25 (online only).

UOB Cardmembers via Klook (priced from RM25) can use SingapoRediscovers vouchers for a RM10 discount, given a minimum spend of RM60.

Museum Location & Hours

Address: 26 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa #01‑43/44, Singapore 098138
Phone: +65 6795 2370

Open: Thursday to Monday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed: Tuesday & Wednesday

So whether you’re a gregarious selfie‑star or a curious mind‑bender, Trick Eye Museum Singapore is the tell‑tale place to make reality up‑to‑no‑one’s‑expectations and laugh at it all the same!

Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

Get Up Close With the Giants of the Past

Singapore’s Only Dinosaur HQ

The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is the go‑to spot if you want to touch a real dinosaur in the city‑state. It’s tucked inside the campus of the National University of Singapore at 2 Conservatory Dr, 117377.

Why It’s a Must‑See

Quick Facts

Plan Your Visit

Grab a ticket, dust off your explorer hat, and let the dinosaurs show you the big picture of life on Earth – all from the comfort of Singapore!

Changi Chapel and Museum

Changi Chapel Museum: A Glimpse into Singapore’s WWII Legacy

The Changi Chapel Museum has just swung its doors open again after a meticulous three‑year makeover. It stands as one of Singapore’s most striking reminders of the harrowing World War II era, capturing both the brutal ordeals of the thousands of POWs held at Changi Prison and, equally, the indomitable spirit that saw them through.

Artifacts That Speak Volumes

• Diary of an Internee – penned by a prisoner to his beloved wife, a testament to love under siege.
• Hidden Camera – the cunning gear tucked away by Sergeant John Ritchie Johnston, preserving memories that would otherwise vanish.
• Bookshelf of Scripture – wall‑to‑wall Biblical murals that offered a spiritual balm in the darkest moments.

Visitor Info at a Glance

Free entry for Singaporeans and PRs.

About the Source

This piece first appeared on City Nomads and highlights the exhibition as part of Singapore’s museums & galleries scene.