Singapore has no shortage of amazing museums to visit, like the National Gallery Singapore, National Museum of Singapore, and Asian Civilisations Museum. But did you know there are lots of smaller boutique museums scattered across the island too? ? If you're looking for something new to do (while still being able to avoid the crowds), it's time to pay these unique museums a visit! From dinosaur skeletons to local football memorabilia, these are the 7 underrated museums in Singapore you need to visit next!
P.S. If these museums aren't enough to fill your rainy day plans, here are 7 family-friendly trampoline parks you can check out instead. Or 9 indoor activities that are great for small group outings!
1. The Intan
If you're intrigued by the unique Peranakan culture of the neighbourhoods of Joo Chiat or Katong, pop by The Intan to learn more about the rich history of this local ethnic group! Located in a heritage shophouse, this private museum contains 1,500 Peranakan household items and trinkets including beaded slippers and authentic enamel 'tingkat' carriers. It feels like you're stepping back into the past and into a whole new world! Sign up for a family-friendly in-person or virtual tour to learn even more about the heritage and stories behind the collection. ?
P.S. The guided tour options include refreshments or a meal (non-halal) - do contact The Intan directly about alternative arrangements. If you're curious to see a new and adorable side of Katong you can also pay a visit to Cat Socrates - the indie bookstore with a feline shopkeeper! ?
Visits are strictly by appointment. Reserve your slot by calling +65 +65 6440 1148 or emailing [email protected]
Opening hours: By appointment only
Address: 69 Joo Chiat Terrace, Singapore 427231
Contact: +65 +65 64401148 or email [email protected]
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2. Red Dot Design Museum
The next time you're strolling along the Marina Bay boulevard, look out for the tiny Red Dot Design Museum located next to the towering Marina Bay Sands! This boutique museum is dedicated to design, showcasing practical yet stunning artworks from around the world. You don't need to be an art lover to enjoy the museum - the curious, futuristic, and IG-worthy displays are sure to pique your interest! Make sure to pop by the museum shop afterwards to look for cool and unique home decor and souvenirs to bring back home. ?
Get your tickets here! (Eligible for SingapoRediscovers vouchers)
Prices: From $10
Opening hours: Tues-Fri; 12PM-6PM, Sat-Sun; 9AM-6PM (Closed Mon)
Address: 11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018940
Contact: +65 6514 0111
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3. Singapore Sports Museum
Credit: Singapore Sports Hub
With hiking, cycling, and trekking becoming a popular past-time in the last few months, there's no better time to learn more about Singapore's sporting scene than now! ? The Singapore Sports Museum has a variety of galleries dedicated to the stories of national athletes and the history and heritage of sports in Singapore. Walk through the Hall Of Fame honouring over 50 incredible sporting legends, see artefacts from the former National Stadium, and of course see the football memorabilia commemorating SG's favourite sport! ? No matter how old or experienced you are, the exhibits will inspire you to keep going the distance.
P.S. Feeling motivated to head outdoors? Here are 5 hidden hiking trails in SG you might not have visited before!
Prices: Free for local residents
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 10AM-8PM, Sat-Sun, PH Eve, PH; 10AM-9PM
Address: 6 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397698
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4. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
Dinosaur enthusiasts (young and old) have gotten some new attractions to visit in SG this year including the Jurassic Mile at Changi Airport Connector and limited-time Dino Wonderland at Changi Airport Terminal 3. But did you know that there's a place in Singapore where you can see an actual real-life dinosaur skeleton? ? The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is NUS' own museum dedicated to biodiversity and the environment - and their amazing exhibits include not one, but three diplodocid sauropod skeletons! Visitors of all ages will love the fascinating displays which cover everything from dinosaurs to local flora and fauna like tapirs and pangolins.
P.S. Due to safe distancing measures, eateries on the NUS campus are restricted to those with NUS student or staff cards. But don't worry, because here are 11 amazing halal eateries in Clementi and the West Coast to refuel after your museum adventure. ?
Prices: From $16 (Singaporean Adult), $9 (Singaporean Concession)
Opening hours: Wed-Sun; 10AM-6PM (Last entry 4.30PM, closed Mon-Tues)
Address: National University of Singapore, 2 Conservatory Drive (Faculty of Science), Singapore 117377
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5. Singapore Discovery Centre
Credit: Singapore Discovery Centre
Many of us grew up visiting the Singapore Discovery Centre but did you know that it recently reopened on 31 Oct 2020 with brand-new and revamped attractions? ? Now you can look forward to SG's largest escape room, paintball and laser tag arenas, and even pedal-boating while on its campus! Their permanent exhibit is called Through the Lens of Time and is an immersive experience through key points in SG's history. There's something to see and do here for the whole family!
P.S. Having a meal after your visit? Check out these halal eateries in Jurong!
Prices: Free entry for Singaporeans/PR to Permanent Gallery. Do check the individual admission prices for other attractions here.
Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM - 10PM (Individual attractions may have different operating hours)
Address: 510 Upper Jurong Rd, Singapore 638365
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6. Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum
Credit: The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum of Singapore on Facebook
This hidden gem located in Yishun is a great way to get up close with nature in a whole new way! The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum holds a Guinness World Record for the largest collection of turtles and tortoises, both live and artefacts. There are around 700 types of turtles, tortoises and terrapins here! Kids will be fascinated by the large Sulcata Tortoise, and unique animals like the Pancake Tortoise, Soft Shell Turtle, and Golden Terrapin. If you're lucky enough, you might even witness baby tortoises hatching! ?
P.S. Check out these 9 farms where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and see a whole new side of Singapore!
Prices: From $10 (Adult), $6 (Child 3-6 years old, Seniors 62 and older)
Opening hours: Wed-Mon; 10AM-6PM (Last entry 5.40PM, closed Tues except for PH)
Address: 81 Lor Chencharu, ORTO #01-16, Singapore 769198
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7. Memories at Old Ford Factory
If you're a history geek or just looking to learn a slice of Singapore's history, head over to Memories at Old Ford Factory (also known as the Former Ford Factory) at Bukit Timah! This museum was originally the first motorcar assembly plant in Southeast Asia, but is more well-known as the site where the British officially surrendered Singapore to the Japanese in World War II. Today, you'll get to see archives of how Singapore survived the Japanese Occupation, complete with unique experiences and personal stories and items owned by pre-war Singaporeans. ?
Prices: Free for Singaporeans/PR
Opening hours: Tues-Sun; 9AM-5.30PM (Closed Mon, except for PH)
Address: 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192
It's time to see a whole new side of Singapore! ?