I’m a Singapore tourist guide and with my background in the arts, I often get asked about which Singapore museums and art galleries to check out. Museums and galleries are great places to learn more about Singapore’s local culture, and while most spots are free for Singaporeans, many charge tourists an admission fee. For the tourist on a shoestring budget or just want a museum to pop into casually with no strings attached, here’s a list of free museums in Singapore to add to your itinerary.
Click each entry to see more detailed reviews of each museum/gallery and decide if you want to add it to your Singapore itinerary. This is a growing and evolving list that I’ll update when I can. If you rather have me do the work in person and show you around, feel free to engage me as a Singapore tourist guide.
Haw Par Villa
Nowhere else in Singapore will half-human half-crab sculptures be a common occurence
Weirdly wonderful park with eclectic sculptures and dioramas showcasing Chinese stories and ethics. Nostalgic for older Singaporeans who remember its heyday, it’s also a great option for someone who wants to see a really offbeat side of Singapore.
Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
Why only certain Chinese customs, phrases and celebrations exist in Singapore
The interactive SINGAPO人 exhibition at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre is a fun way for those curious about how Singapore’s many multicultural influences have made the Singaporean Chinese identity quite unique.
Singapore City Gallery at URA Centre
Probably the most interesting government building to visit in Singapore
Get deeper insight into how Singapore developed and modernised with this visual gallery that details past and future plans for land use in this tiny country.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
See the temple’s treasure: what is apparently the Buddha’s left canine
This modern Buddhist temple is the perfect place to see how local Buddhists worship, and admire the intricate decor and vast collection of Buddhism art and sculptures from all across Asia.
Fort Siloso
Rumour has it that the coastal guns were pointed the wrong way to defend Singapore properly
Singapore’s last remaining British fortress stands in a quiet corner of the resort island Sentosa. This gazetted national monument has dioramas and recreations amidst restored bunkers as a reminder of Singapore’s WWII occupation days.