The Asian Civilisations Museum

How to get there by Singapore MRT. Singapore interactive metro guide.

Visiting the Asian Civilisations Museum is the best way to learn about the rich and multilayered Asian culture and to get an idea about the many traditions of Singapore's multinational community.

The museum archives the unique historical and cultural heritage of Asian peoples and is situated on the bank of the Singapore River in the luxurious colonial Empress Place Building, which was built in 1860 and named after English Queen Victoria. Its large-scale exposition occupies an area of 14 thousand square meters and is divided in five parts: Singapore River, South-East Asia, Western Asia, China, and South Asia. Eleven themed galleries, situated across three tiers, feature around 1300 original artefacts, each of which reflects the Asian nations’ culture and traditions. There are national costumes and household items, musical instruments and jewelry belonging to the different peoples, each of which inhabited Asia at some point.

The Singapore Asian Civilisations Museum is notable not only for its unique and impressively large collection of treasures, but also for the skillful presentation of these items. The museum’s space is planned in a way that allows visitors to pay adequate attention to every single exhibit. The latest demonstrative and interactive technologies allow guests to maximise the intake of information regarding the artefacts that are installed in the museum’s galleries. For instance, it is possible to listen to the indigenous music of the country to which a certain hall is devoted.

In addition to this, the museum has souvenir shop and Asian restaurant, which offers culinary delicacies of the different regional styles.

The Asian Civilisations Museum has an equally interesting subsidiary, the Peranakan Museum, which is located in magnificent building of the former Tao Nan School in Armenian Street. Its exposition is devoted to the rich Peranakan heritage – the descendants of Chinese tradesmen who arrived on the Malay Peninsula during the 15th and 16th centuries. Extensive collections of the applied arts, furniture, as well as fine silver and chinaware are gathered here. The museum’s crowning glory is a monumental altar from the manor of one of the richest Peranakan families in Singapore. The Peranakan Museum’s exposition is also organized in an interactive way.

Average rating
8.3
Ratings: 66
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Reviews
Reviews: 66
J

Beautifully curated and highly informative, the “Faith and Belief” section in particular is eye-opening.

28.01.2024  
0
ꌅꁲꉣꂑꌚꁴꁲ꒒

Nice musiumm

27.04.2022  
0
YI

Small museum and also cheap price. If you interested in the international ocean trade, you could spend one to one and half hour visiting here

29.09.2019  
0
Onur Alp

Few interesting pieces, confusing layout.

25.02.2019  
0
Dorine

This should be on everyone’s must see list. An amazing historic journey through South East Asia.

10.02.2019  
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わに

マーライオン近くにあるアジア文明博物館。仏像、陶磁器などアジア諸国の歴史遺産が数多く展示されています。Museum near Merlion Park. Various Asian Cultural Heritage, such as Buddhist Statue and China and pottery are exhibited.

22.06.2018  
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Lionel

Free entry to the permanent galleries for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. Each non-permanent gallery has their own admission rules. Check with the friendly staff at the counter.

19.07.2017  
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Jess

Asian Civilisation Museum (ACM) will be opened throughout the CNY 2017 festivities and is FREE for all

29.01.2017  
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Ross

The Port Cities and Chinese Scholar exhibitions are fascinating. Highlighting some of the history of Magellan's expedition, the Tang Dynasty & Confucianism in ASEAN. Interesting Xu Beihong portraits

26.12.2016  
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Elena

Nice diverse multicultural exposition. Central location. The connected restaurant is a real gem!

25.09.2016  
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Natalya

Nice museum for any reason. There are a lot of things for look. For example,there are two interesting temporal exibitions 1st about Christianity in Asia, 2d one about porcelain. 1 t. for students -$8

07.08.2016  
0
Karolina

Nothing too exciting, but at least it's cheap. I liked their temporary exhibition more than the main thing.

09.06.2016  
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Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Explore artifacts from all corners of Asia

14.03.2016  
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thpsycho

Nice exhibit but could improve on signage to guide people where to start as layout is very confusing

08.02.2016  
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Steve

If you are planning to go to more than 1 museum, consider getting a 3 day pass for around $20 which will give you access to all 5 city museums.

01.02.2016  
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Steve

Discounted admission after 7 pm on Fridays

01.02.2016  
0
Kars

There are some seriously stunning pieces of Buddhist and Hindu art on display here.

23.01.2016  
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Ted Patrick

Check out their new available exhibits! The main exhibit showcases a good sum of Asian artifacts from sculptures to paintings to textile and jewelry! A must visit if you're in Singapore!

29.12.2015  
0
Jake

Amazing collection of antiquities. Artifacts span Western Asia in Afghanistan all the way to Southeast Asia in Java. Incredible to see the spread of culture and religion thru these pieces.

04.09.2015  
1
Magdalene

Recent visit covering their exhibit - Buddhist treasures from the Oldest Museum in Asia: http://accidentalsingaporetourist.blogspot.sg/2015/08/accidental-tourist-2015-asian.html?m=1

19.08.2015  
0