Buildings dating from the Colonial era being progressively converted for use as museums include the magnificent Empress Place Building along the Singapore River and the Singapore Art Museum on Bras Basah Road.
Housed in a historic building, that is over 90 years old the Singapore Philatelic Museum has a fine collection of local and international stamps, first day covers and other interesting exhibits. The Asian Civilisations Museum focuses on the civilisations of the East, Southeast, South and West Asia.
1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555, Tel: +65 6332 7798, email: nhb_acm@nhb.gov.sg, web: http://www.acm.org.sg/
The exhibits in the first wing of the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM I) are housed in a restored neo-classical building dating back to 1910. The focus of the first wing of the museum is on Chinese civilisation and culture.
On display is also the museum's highly acclaimed permanent exhibition, the Peranakan Legacy, which showcases the rich material heritage of the Peranakans from the Straits Settlements and the Indonesian Archipelago. Among the highlights will be a display of the museum's renowned batik, embroidery and beadwork collections and a chance to view exquisite silver and porcelain pieces.
The next wing of the Museum (ACM II), located at the Empress Place Building, has just re-opened in February 2003 after some renovation. Spread over three levels, a series of thematic galleries will give an insight into the cultural heritage of India, China, Southeast Asia and the Islamic World. State-of-the-art display and interactive technologies with educational elements will be carefully integrated into the galleries, along with a centre specially dedicated to younger visitors. A special exhibition gallery will also be provided, to house blockbuster exhibitions. These exhibits will be enhanced by exciting fringe events that will bring ancient traditions, practices and art forms to life.
Getting There: From City Hall MRT Station (NS25/EW13), walk towards Stamford Road and turn into Armenian Street at the MPH bookshop. The museum is diagonally across from MPH.
40 Cable Car Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099700, Tel:.+65 6275 0426, Fax:.+65 6275.0161
Visitors can sample the different facets of Singapore under one roof in this museum. Step back into 14th century Singapore with a little help from the 21st century. Life-sized figures, rare artifacts and state-of-the-art technology give this history lesson extra 'oomph', bringing to life the sights, sounds and smells of bygone Singapore in four distinct sections.
Getting There: Take Sentosa Bus from World Trade Centre or Tiong Bahru MRT station. On Sentosa, take the monorail and alight at Station M4 or by bus on the Blue and Green lines. Alternatively, take the Cable Car from either World Trade Centre or Mount Faber.
71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore.189555,.Tel:.+65 6332.3222, Fax:.+65 6334.7919.
The Singapore Art Museum at Bras Basah Road is housed in a beautifully restored school building (the former St. Joseph's Institution). The museum has 13 galleries and is home to the national art collection of Singapore. Since its opening in 1996 the museum's permanent collection has grown from under 2000 art works to over 4000, making it the largest collection of 20th -century Southeast Asian art in the region.
Open: Mon - Sun: 10am - 7pm
Extended hours on Fri: 7pm - 9pm
Admission free after 7pm
Getting There: Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut (NS24) or City Hall Station (NS25/EW13) and walk towards Bras Basah Road.