National Museum of Singapore: Celebrating 60 Years of Independence Through Immersive Exhibitions

Celebrating Singapore's Journey

The National Museum of Singapore (NMS) is currently marking a significant milestone, the 60th anniversary of Singapore's independence. In honor of this momentous occasion, the museum has unveiled two groundbreaking exhibitions that chronicle the nation’s transformation from a small settlement to a global metropolis.

New Exhibitions Unveiled

The first exhibition, titled "Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time," invites visitors on an immersive, multimedia journey beginning at the Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda, which has reopened as part of the ongoing renovations at the museum. This captivating exhibition aims to introduce attendees to pivotal moments in Singapore's history. Upon entry, guests are greeted by an impressive suspended LED orb that displays a two-minute light show, showcasing the evolution of maritime trade routes that have linked Singapore with the world throughout its history.

As guests progress through the gallery via a spiral ramp, they embark on a "time travel" experience, journeying through key junctures of Singapore's past in reverse chronological order. The dynamic visual projections, coupled with animated scenes and rich sound effects, bring history to life on the gallery walls. The journey concludes at the base of the Glass Rotunda, where a digital waterfall curtain showcases significant historical moments and offers an engaging multimedia presentation on local myths surrounding Singapore's origins.

To dive deeper into Singapore's transformation, visitors can explore the second exhibition, "Once Upon a Tide: Singapore's Journey from Settlement to Global City." This exhibition runs until October 9, 2026, illustrating how the sea and river have played critical roles in Singapore's evolution from a bustling port in the 14th century to its status as a global powerhouse today.

With over 350 artifacts drawn from Singapore's National Collection, the exhibition is divided into five thematic sections, each shedding light on different aspects of Singapore's development through vibrant storytelling. Visitors can uncover the island's rich history and its once-great prominence through various displays, including maps, information on early trade activities along the Singapore River, and a stimulating Sampan Challenge, where attendees can test their skills by transporting passengers across the river.

The final section contains firsthand accounts, photographs, personal artifacts, and even a digital quiz exploring Singlish. Collectively, these elements pay homage to Singaporeans and local organizations that have made a global impact.

In each section, guests are prompted to reflect on Singapore's evolving identity through RFID wristband interactions, which allow them to answer questions and receive one of four avatars symbolizing their values and aspirations. This innovative approach enables visitors to contribute to the collective vision for Singapore's future.

Through these two extraordinary exhibitions, guests embark on an engaging journey to discover, experience, and analyze Singapore's rich history spanning centuries. For more detailed information, visitors are encouraged to visit the National Museum's official website or its social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

This unique celebration at the NMS sets the stage for an enriching exploration of Singapore's past, helping the public reflect on the nation's identity and journey towards its future.