#Singapore #National Museum #60th Anniversary

Singapore National Museum Celebrates 60 Years of Independence

In a grand celebration of Singapore's 60th independence anniversary, the National Museum of Singapore (NMS) introduces two new commemorative experiences that beautifully capture the nation's evolution from a small settlement to a global city, reflecting key milestones from its last 700 years of history.

Unveiling the Exhibits

The journey begins with an immersive exhibition titled "Singapore Odyssey: A Journey Through Time," located in the newly renovated Shaw Foundation glass rotunda. This first permanent gallery reopens as part of the museum's ongoing transformation, offering visitors an engaging multimedia experience that serves as an introduction to Singapore's rich history. With the use of RFID wristbands, guests can adopt one of nine enchanting guides inspired by Singapore’s original wildlife, enabling them to navigate through the exhibit and activate hidden layers of content related to Singapore's captivating past.

As visitors enter, they're greeted by a suspended LED ball, a focal point of a two-minute light show that traces the evolution of maritime routes that have historically connected Singapore to the rest of the world. As they progress through the gallery, descending a spiral ramp, they embark on a chronological journey through pivotal chapters of Singapore's history, enlivened by wall projections, animated scenes, and a rich soundscape.

The immersive experience culminates at the base of the glass rotunda with a digital waterfall curtain, showcasing significant historical events in Singapore's past alongside a captivating multimedia show highlighting various myths surrounding the origins of the nation.

Continuing the Exploration

Visitors can extend their understanding of Singapore's history through the second exhibition, "Once Upon a Tide: Singapore's Journey from Settlement to Global City." Running until October 9, 2026, this exhibit explores how the sea and river have shaped Singapore's development from a bustling 14th-century port to its current status as a worldwide hub. With over 350 artifacts from the National Collection, the exhibit is divided into five themed sections, each highlighting different aspects of Singapore's development through experiential storytelling.

Guests can delve into the island’s deep historical roots and its early significance through maps and exhibits showcasing the nascent trading activities along the Singapore River, which once served as the lifeblood of early settlement. The interactive "Sampan Challenge" allows visitors to experience transportation across the river on a traditional sampan boat.

The concluding segment pays tribute to Singaporeans and local organizations that have left a significant mark on the world, utilizing first-hand narratives, photographs, personal artifacts, and even a digital quiz in Singlish to engage visitors.

In every section of the exhibitions, guests are prompted to reflect on the evolution of Singaporean identity via their RFID wristbands, answering questions that ultimately reveal one of four avatars that mirror their own values and aspirations. This interaction allows them to contribute to a collective vision for Singapore’s future.

Together, these two exhibitions create an engaging narrative journey where visitors can explore, experience, and contemplate Singapore's history across centuries. For more information, visit the National Museum's website, or check them out on Facebook and Instagram.