Things to do in Singapore, Singapore: The Best Specialty Museums

October 4, 2021 Roger Rusk

The Singapore cityscape looks like it was ripped from the pages of a science fiction comic book. If you’re hungry for a true Singapore experience, sample the myriad street foods or take a cultural cooking class. The Botanic Gardens and the Gardens By the Bay offer a slice of horticultural heaven, and the observation deck of the Sands SkyPark makes you feel like you’re high above the clouds. The banks and walkways along the Singapore River bustle with local activity.
Restaurants in Singapore

1. Tools of Old Singapore

27 Perak Road, Singapore 208144 Singapore +65 6297 1727 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/ToolsMuseumSG
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The tools on display mark Singapore's emergence from a busy but undeveloped regional port city to today's advanced global hub for manufacturing, logistics, travel and financial services. See 20-plus plus traditional occupations, more than 300 of the tools they used, and insights into how these tools extended the user's capability and made their work easier, more productive, and more effective.

2. The Gem Museum

26 Kandahar Street Level 2, Singapore 198888 Singapore +65 6734 3172 [email protected] http://thegemmuseum.gallery
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

The Gem Museum

The Gem Museum is the first and foremost comprehensive gems and minerals museum in Singapore, open to the public. It is founded and set up in 2015 by Ms. Loke Huiying and co-founded by the director of Far East Gems and Jewellery, Mr. Tay Kunming. Ms. Loke is a certified trainer in gemmology and she has been training jewellery professionals and business owners since 2009. While Mr. Tay is a certified gemmologist, diamond trader and gem dealer. A husband and wife team, Kunming and Huiying work closely together to build a dream - a dream to spread their passion and knowledge on gemstones to many through building a company with global standards and creative platforms. The Gem Museum features a wide variety of gemstones and minerals from all corners of the world, educating visitors on the Mine to Market pipeline with regards to Value, Quality and Authenticity. It envisions being the international platform that bridge between the gemstone industry and the rest of the world.

Reviewed By swn1502 - Singapore, Singapore

A place where you can learn all about gemstones from all around the world, meet people with common interests and ultimately gain more knowledge and confidence in your next purchase. Staff and boss are extremely friendly and knowledgeable! If a certain piece chases your eye, you may even be able to buy it from them. Enjoyed my visit to The Gem Museum, hope you will enjoy your own unique experience too ????!

3. The Bubble Tea Factory

2 Orchard Link Scape, Singapore 237978 Singapore [email protected] http://www.thebubbleteafactory.co
Excellent
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

The Bubble Tea Factory

Singapore's first all-things bubble tea immersive experience. Happening from 19 October 2019 to 18 January 2020 at Orchard.

Reviewed By Eliaspeh

First of its kind in Singapore that showcases Bubble tea in its own uniqueness. Great for a family time if you are in town to see why Singaporeans love our bubble tea that it even has its own interactive museum-like concept.It is instagram worthy as well if you want to add some colour to your Social media! Highly recommended for all to visit The Bubble Tea Factory to have a fun time with your family and friends!

4. The Grande Whisky Collection

2 Orchard Turn #05-01 ION Orchard ION Orchard, Singapore 238801 Singapore +65 8809 0038 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/GrandeWhiskyCollection/
Excellent
75%
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25%
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

The Grande Whisky Collection

The Grande Whisky Collection is designed to cater for everyone from those who are new to whisky, to experienced aficionados. The visitors’ experience begins as they enter the Vault where they will gain insights and discover the secrets and history of Scotland’s famous whiskies. Whisky ambassadors will explain the whisky making process and talk them through the distilleries spread across the map of Scotland, before finishing the tour with the whiskies of Japan. Visitors will be given the opportunity to view the finest and rarest blends including those from distilleries that have been long-closed Tours are conducted in small groups of 8 pax to give it a more intimate and personal experience. Tours will take approximately 60mins and is fully guided in English or Mandarin language. Our whisky ambassadors will take you on a journey: Explaining the history and secrets behind the whiskies. Opportunity to taste a variety of whiskies. Gift shop which offers a unique range of merchandise.

Reviewed By chonga400

This is a gem located at ION Orchard. The collection of whisky is made possible by a wealthy hobbyist and his passion for whisky. It must costs him a small fortune to set up and maintain his collection. For sure he is not making money from retailing but possibly through appreciation of his collection. As my wife doesn’t drink much, we opted for the $79 tour for her and the $199 for myself. At the end of the tour we sampled 2sets of 3 whisky. We were guide through the tasting very professionally. It was amazing how a drop of water to the whisky could have a profound change on the palate. Even my wife who is not a drinker found the experience very Worth the money spent. The tour on the collection was conducted very professionally by our guide, Kavila, a Nepalese turned Singaporean. It was truly educational as Kavila is very knowledgeable and articulate.

45 Maxwell Road The Ura Centre The URA Centre, Level 2, Singapore 069118 Singapore +65 6321 8321 [email protected] http://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Singapore-City-Gallery
Excellent
57%
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 513 reviews

Singapore City Gallery

Singapore City Gallery is a great starting point to get to know the city for free. Located beside the Maxwell food centre in the historic district of Chinatown, this 3 storey visitor centre goes beneath the skin of the city to understand how the city came to be, that even though it’s a dense built-up city of tar, glass and concrete, it is still so green, has memorable buildings, historic districts and walkable streets. You can imagine and design your own version of Marina Bay or explore plans long into the future like Greater Southern Waterfront city. The main draw is an enormous model replica of the City Centre with uncannily accurate miniatures of building and streetscapes. Look out for an illustrative map drawn by Lee Xin Li. It will sure to bring back memories of Singapore, past and present. Before you leave, catch the dramatic 3-min Island Wide Model show screened every 20 mins at level 1.

Reviewed By fuzzyfred - Reno, United States

This free place was an education on how the city grew and what good city planning can mean. It has exhibits spread over three floors. Enjoyed the section of what other cities are doing for the future. Wish my home town would have good city planners like this place. It took me around two hours.

6. Chinatown Heritage Centre

48 Pagoda Street, Singapore 059207 Singapore +65 6224 3928 http://www.chinatownheritagecentre.com.sg/
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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4.5 based on 1,098 reviews

Chinatown Heritage Centre

The colourful past of Chinatown comes alive within the walls of these three beautifully-restored shophouses on Pagoda Street, comfortably nestled in the midst of Singapore's bustling Chinatown district. Every nook and cranny in the Chinatown Heritage Centre pulsates with the memories of yesteryear, offering an experience like no other as one is transported to Chinatown in the budding years of Singapore's establishment as a seaport. From the desperate hopefulness of the many "Sinkheh" (new migrants) - risking life and limb to embark on an arduous journey from the various Chinese provinces to the promised land of Singapore - to the raw, seedy and underground practices of gambling dens and secret societies, be prepared to experience a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality as you step into the pages of Chinatown's history. The Chinatown Heritage Centre is the only place in Singapore that has recreated the original interiors of its shophouse tenants in the 1950s, offering visitors an honest, revealing glimpse into the lives of Chinatown's early residents.

Reviewed By WorldTravla7 - Cairns, Australia

This place is wonderful. I bought my ticket thinking I would spend an hour and it wasn’t long enough so I came back later the same day after checking out of my hotel and spend another 1 hour+ (ticket is valid for multiple entries on same day only). The Centre has an amazing 3 floors & 6 galleries that take the visitor though a detailed and immersive history of the Chinese experience in Singapore since the first arrival of the “Sinkheh” new migrants in the late 19th century (they sought to escape famine and flood to forge a better life in Singapore). The Centre itself exists within three restored shophouses. You are given an audio & tablet guide at the beginning at it talks you through each of the exhibits in turn and you can decide whether you want to listen to all or some of the commentary. You will, see, hear and learn about: - The rise of Singapore as a major new seaport; - See the homes and workshops of the early migrants – in particular a tailors workshop, living quarters, and first floor rental accommodation which has been reconstructed from first-hand accounts (it is sobering how small and cramped the cubicles of the Sinkheh were); - The population of Singapore depicted in photographs, video and costume The underbelly of Singapore evidenced by underground gambling & opium dens & secret societies; and more Admission is SGD 18 for an adult and is well worth it for such a rich cultural & historical experience.

7. Peranakan Museum

39 Armenian Street Peranakan Museum, Singapore 179941 Singapore +65 6332 7591 [email protected] http://peranakanmuseum.org.sg/
Excellent
49%
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40%
Satisfactory
10%
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4.5 based on 1,237 reviews

Peranakan Museum

This place is temporarily closed. The Peranakan Museum explores the culture of Peranakan communities in Southeast Asia. Installed in the former Tao Nan Chinese School, built in 1912, this intimate museum possesses one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of Peranakan objects. Galleries on three floors illustrate the cultural traditions and the distinctive visual arts of the Peranakans. The Peranakan Museum provides a stimulating and educational experience for all, while representing the living culture of the Peranakan community in the region. The museum is a component of the Asian Civilisations Museum, operating under the National Heritage Board.

Reviewed By DoricWanderer - Ellon, United Kingdom

This was the best museum we went to. it touched on the people who made this island their home. I was unaware so many cultures arrived, which made the island so multicultural.

8. National Museum of Singapore

93 Stamford Road National Museum of Singapore, Singapore 178897 Singapore +65 6332 4405 [email protected] http://nationalmuseum.sg/
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 2,817 reviews

National Museum of Singapore

With a history dating back to its inception in 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is the nation's oldest museum with a progressive mind. Its galleries adopt cutting-edge and multi-perspective ways of presenting history and culture to redefine conventional museum experience. A cultural and architectural landmark in Singapore, the Museum hosts innovative festivals and events all year round-the dynamic Night Festival, visually arresting art installations, as well as amazing performances and film screenings-in addition to presenting thought-provoking exhibitions involving critically important collections of artefacts. The programming is supported by a wide range of facilities and services including F&B, retail and a Resource Centre. The National Museum of Singapore re-opened in December 2006 after a three-year redevelopment, and celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2012. The Museum refreshed its permanent galleries and re-opened them on 19 September 2015 for Singapore's Golden Jubilee.

Reviewed By NYKGMGTGSG - New York City, United States

The National Museum offered us a great tour of the history of Singapore, its people and the melting pot culture that co-exists. What a delightful surprise you will have, the staid, conservative exterior is an interesting contrast tot he modern tour you take through the Museum. We especially enjoyed the special exhibit, visual extravaganza to delight your senses! I would recommend planning to spend a long afternoon here.

9. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840 Singapore +65 6220 0220 [email protected] http://www.btrts.org.sg/
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 6,424 reviews

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (BTRTM) was founded in 2002 by Venerable Shi Fazhao. It was registered by the Registrar of Societies in 20th February 2003, and as a charity under the Charities Act in 8th January 2004. The Temple is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha, which means 'The Compassionate One', and also called 'The Future Buddha'. (A)WEEKLY FREE GUIDED TOUR: BTRTM is pleased to offer a 1 1/2 - 2 hrs long guided tour of the Temple every Saturdays at 2pm. The tour will be conducted free-of-charge in English by the temple's Volunteers guides. Limited slots are available per weekly session. Confirmed registration is based on first-come-first-serve basis. (B)DISCOVERING BUDDHISM: Shakyanmuni Buddha had gained insight into the truth, perfected the qualities of wisdom and compassion over 2560 years ago. His teachings develops clarity in minds, enables abilities to end suffering and finds lasting happiness. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is carrying on the mission in offering "Discovering Buddhism' programme. 'Discovering Buddhism' is a specially designed programme for participants to gain experiential taste of Chinese Mahayana Buddhist etiquette, Basic Buddhist teachings and Basic Meditation within a day. This English taught programme is suitable for both tourists who wish to learn more about Buddhism and experienced learners who needs a refresher. Participants will benefit from the interactive and engaging teaching led by Venerable Wu Xiang and Venerable Ru Zhi who have more than a decade experience teaching Buddhism and Meditation in different cultural settings! [Chinese Mahayana Buddhist Etiquette] Buddhist etiquette is an important part of every Buddhist life. It expresses religious sentiments to the Buddha, the Teacher (Monk or Nun) and promotes gracefulness in social interactions. This is also a mean of training in mindfulness in every action one is taking. [Basic Buddhist teachings] Buddhism has been transmitted over the past centuries because of its timeless and enduring message to the spiritual needs of man in finding true peace, happiness, and well-being. In this part of the programme, learn about the basic essential knowledge of Buddhism. [Basic Meditation] Buddhist have been practicing meditation in cultivating calm, focused and positive states of mind. Introductory of technique will be taught to enable the participants to learn practical tips on how to achieve a clearer state of mind and focus better. Things to take note : * Avoid wearing hats, shorts or revealing tops * The organizer reserves the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such instances, registrants will be notified via their mobile phones.

Reviewed By cl41r3 - Nottingham, United Kingdom

This temple has so much to view. From the main hall where there were prayers being read, to the walkways around the temple showing the history, artefacts, statues, and smaller prayer/ meditation areas. There are many floors and even a roof garden where you can ring the prayer bell. It is an incredible place. I’d highly recommend a visit if visiting Singapore. There is a dress code but if you are not wearing appropriate clothing there is access to sarongs and scarfs to use during the visit

10. Singapore Musical Box Museum

168 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068619 Singapore +65 6221 0102 http://www.singaporemusicalboxmuseum.org
Excellent
74%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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4.5 based on 39 reviews

Singapore Musical Box Museum

Government Anti- COVID 19 guidelines According to the Singapore Government Anti- COVID 19 guidelines, the limit of the tour schedule as below: 1. Changes on the time for the tour as below: 11:00AM - 11:45AM 2:00PM - 2:45PM 3:00PM - 3:45PM 4:00PM - 4:45PM 2. The number of visitors had limited to 5 persons per tour. 3. Please fill out the registration and health check form at the ticket counter. Best wishes and thank you. Singapore Musical Box Museum

Reviewed By JMLAF1976

The museum is beautiful Telok Ayer, surrounded by beautiful peranakan houses and temples, where you can also enjoy some lunch or tea. It is a private museum (it is a pity they do not receive public funding) with a great exposition of musical boxes, cuckoo watches and other displays. The guided tour (my guide was just amazing, knowledgeable and loves what she does) takes about 35 min and brings you back in history 130 years. You have the unique chance to hear all the musical boxes right in front of. Thank you the museum for your great work!

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