The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in Singapore, located at 93 Stamford Road in the Civic District. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor information.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily: 10:00–19:00 | Quiet Mornings (first Saturday and first & third Thursday): 09:00–19:00 |
| Ticket prices | Singapore citizens & permanent residents: Free | Tourists (all access): S$36 | Tourists (concession): S$28 | Children (6 and under): Free |
| Address | 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897 |
| Nearest transport | Bras Basah MRT (Circle Line) – 4-minute walk | Bus stop SMU (multiple routes) – 2-minute walk |
| Typical visit duration | 2 to 3 hours |
National Museum of Singapore opening hours
The National Museum of Singapore is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00. The museum opens earlier at 09:00 on Quiet Mornings, which take place on the first Saturday and the first and third Thursday of each month. Last ticket sales are at 18:00. Last entry to Singapore Odyssea is at 18:30. Final admission to other galleries is at 18:30.
The museum is currently undergoing restoration and upgrading works. The Singapore History Gallery is closed for revamp and will reopen in October 2026. Reunion Social Space has been temporarily closed since 25 January 2026 due to restoration works.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Five great things to do while you’re in Singapore
- Explore Singapore’s landmarks and back streets on a bike tour.
- See Singapore from above from the Sky Deck at Marina Bay Sands.
- Discover the city at night in a private group adventure – including a river cruise.
- Smell the flowers at the National Orchid Garden.
- Take a highly-rated food and culture tour through Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.
National Museum of Singapore ticket prices
Admission to permanent galleries is free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Visitors must present their pink or blue NRIC for scanning at the visitor services counter. All Access tickets (including permanent galleries and the SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Singapore exhibition) cost S$14 for Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
Tourists and foreign residents pay S$36 for Standard All Access tickets (permanent galleries plus SKULLPANDA exhibition). Concession All Access tickets cost S$28. Concession rates apply to students from private or overseas schools in Singapore, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Children aged 6 and under enter free. One accompanying caregiver for persons with disabilities enters free regardless of nationality.
Students, staff, and teachers from Singapore government schools, government-aided schools, independent local schools, polytechnics, junior colleges, and Singapore universities enter permanent galleries free. Valid identification must be presented at the visitor services counter.
From 26 October 2025 to September 2026, work permit and special pass holders enjoy free admission to permanent galleries on the last Sunday of every month. Work permits must be presented at the visitor services counter.
How to get to the National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is located in the Civic District, next to Fort Canning Park. The museum is accessible via multiple MRT stations. Bras Basah MRT station (Circle Line) is the nearest, requiring a 4-minute walk from Exit C. Bencoolen MRT station (Downtown Line) is a 10-minute walk away. Dhoby Ghaut MRT station (Circle Line, North South Line, North East Line) and City Hall MRT station (East West Line, North South Line) are both within 10 to 15 minutes’ walking distance.
Bus services stop at SMU bus stop (2-minute walk), YMCA bus stop, and Stamford Road bus stop. Routes serving these stops include 7, 14, 14e, 33, 36, 64, 77, 106, 124, 128, 162, 166, 167, 174, 174e, 190, 660, 700, 857, and 972.
Parking at the National Museum of Singapore
Paid car parking is available at Fort Canning Park Car Park A, located adjacent to the museum. Additional parking is available at SMU car parks, YMCA car park, and commercial car parks along Orchard Road (approximately 1 kilometre away). Limited on-street parking is available on surrounding roads, subject to parking restrictions and fees.
How long to spend at the National Museum of Singapore
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours at the National Museum of Singapore. The Singapore Odyssea multimedia experience in the Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda takes 15 to 25 minutes. The Once Upon a Tide exhibition typically requires 1 to 2 hours to view properly, particularly if engaging with interactive elements. Visitors focusing only on highlights can complete their visit in 1.5 hours, whilst those viewing all galleries and exhibitions should allow 3 to 4 hours.
Accessibility at the National Museum of Singapore
All galleries and facilities at the National Museum of Singapore are wheelchair accessible. Lifts provide access to all floors. Accessible toilets are located throughout the museum. Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge from the visitor services counter on a first-come, first-served basis.
The museum offers Quiet Mornings on the first Saturday and the first and third Thursday of each month, opening at 09:00 specifically for visitors who prefer a calmer environment. Sensory maps and aids are available. Reserved parking spaces for persons with disabilities are located in nearby car parks.
Audio guides are available via the museum’s mobile app. Large print materials and visual guides can be requested at the visitor services counter. The museum has hearing loop systems in selected areas.
What to see at the National Museum of Singapore
The Singapore Odyssea multimedia experience is located in the Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda on Level 2. This 15 to 25-minute immersive journey uses LED projections, animated wall displays, and soundscapes to trace 700 years of Singapore’s history. Visitors receive RFID-enabled wristbands to adopt one of nine “magical companions” inspired by Singapore’s native fauna. These companions activate hidden content layers throughout the exhibition. A suspended LED globe maps Singapore’s maritime connections across different historical periods.
The Once Upon a Tide exhibition runs until 9 October 2026 and occupies galleries on multiple levels. The exhibition features over 350 artefacts from Singapore’s National Collection, documenting the transformation from a 14th-century port to a contemporary global city. Five thematic sections explore early settlement, trade and maritime power, colonial development, independence, and modern Singapore. Interactive elements include a sampan challenge where visitors simulate river ferrying, a rowing boat activity, and a digital Singlish language quiz. First-person accounts, photographs, and personal artefacts illustrate everyday life across different historical periods.
The Singapore History Gallery is closed for revamp and will reopen in October 2026. When reopened, this permanent gallery will present Singapore’s history from the 14th century to the present day.
The SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Singapore is a temporary exhibition requiring separate ticketing (included in All Access tickets). This exhibition features contemporary art installations.
The Glass Passage connects the original 1887 building to the modern extension and displays rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and photography.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Timed entry | Singapore Odyssea requires timed entry tickets. Book preferred time slots in advance via the museum website or Klook to avoid disappointment. |
| Quiet Mornings | Visit on the first Saturday or first and third Thursday of each month from 09:00 for a calmer experience with reduced crowds. |
| Photography | Personal photography is permitted in most galleries. Filming and photography may be conducted for museum documentation and marketing purposes. |
| Guided tours | Free guided tours of Once Upon a Tide are available, led by volunteer docents. Sessions are limited to 15 participants, first-come first-served. Check tour schedules at the visitor services counter. |
| Facilities | Museum shop and dining options are available on site. Food and drink are not permitted in galleries. |
Frequently asked questions about the National Museum of Singapore
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the National Museum of Singapore suitable for children? | Yes. Interactive exhibits including the sampan challenge, rowing activities, and Singapore Odyssea companions engage younger visitors. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the National Museum of Singapore? | Singapore citizens and permanent residents do not need advance booking for permanent galleries. Tourists can purchase tickets on arrival, though advance booking is recommended for Singapore Odyssea timed entry. |
| Is the National Museum of Singapore open on Sundays? | Yes. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, including Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed at the National Museum of Singapore? | Yes. Bags are permitted, though large bags may be subject to security checks. |
| Can you take photographs at the National Museum of Singapore? | Yes. Personal photography without flash is permitted in most galleries. Check signage in individual galleries for any restrictions. |
Things to do near the National Museum of Singapore
The Peranakan Museum is located on Armenian Street, approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the National Museum. The museum explores Peranakan culture through galleries displaying traditional costumes, porcelain, furniture, and jewellery. Guided tours led by volunteer docents are available daily. .
Fort Canning Park is located immediately adjacent to the National Museum. The 18-hectare park contains archaeological remains, colonial-era buildings including the Battlebox (a World War II underground command centre), and gardens. Walking trails connect various historical sites. The park is free to enter and open from sunrise to sunset.
The National Gallery Singapore is located at 1 St Andrew’s Road, approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the National Museum. The gallery houses the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian art, displayed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings.
The Asian Civilisations Museum is located at 1 Empress Place along the Singapore River, approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the National Museum. The museum explores pan-Asian heritage through collections covering trade, religion, and decorative arts. The Tang Shipwreck collection features over 60,000 9th-century artefacts.
More Singapore travel
Other Singapore travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The attractions that explore Singapore’s Chinese heritage – including the gory Haw Par Villa.
- Personal recommendations for a short break in Singapore.
- Explore Singapore’s World War II heritage at the Former Ford Factory, the Battlebox, Fort Siloso or the Changi Museum and Chapel.
- What to expect at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore’s Chinatown.
- Guide to tackling the Changi Boardwalk.
