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Singapore History Gallery Reopens On October 10 With Immersive Experiences For All Ages
Explore History Through Interactive Exhibitions & Workshops
Updated
The National Museum of Singapore reopens its flagship Singapore History Gallery on Saturday, October 10, 2026, where you can discover more than 700 years of Singapore’s history. Enjoy interactive exhibits that take you back in time to explore shipwreck finds, a Mose code station from colonial times, a restored HDB lift and void-deck seating from the 1960s, and more. Watch the kids light up as they dive deep into Singapore’s history in a whole new way.
Learn More About The Singapore History Gallery
Details of the Singapore History Gallery:
- Who: Families with kids of mixed ages; children 6 and under enter free
- What: First full revamp of the flagship gallery, plus Stories of Everyday festivities
- When: Gallery from Saturday, October 10, 2026; celebrations Saturday, October 10–Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Where: National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road
- Hours: 10am-7pm daily; last gallery entry 6:30pm
- Tickets: Free for Singapore Citizens and PRs; free for everyone October 10–12, 2026. From October 13, tourist general admission is SG$18 adult / SG$13 concession (All Access is SG$20 / SG$15 through October 12). Children 6 and under enter for free.
THE SCOOP: What To Expect At The Singapore History Gallery
- One connected journey: Begin at the Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda with Singapore Odyssea, then walk through seven gallery zones covering more than 700 years of history.
- Fluid Beginnings (1300s–1800s): Discover Maritime Singapore, a new jongkong boat model, Malay-world artefacts, 14th-century shipwreck finds, and a digital interactive on the Singapore Stone.
- Colonial City (1800s–1930s): Uncover trading-port growth through maps, photos, and everyday migrant stories, plus a rickshaw you can actually pull.
- Fall of the Fortress (late 1930s–1940s): Re-live the Occupation years via personal objects, letters, a Tan Chong Tee painting interactive, and a Morse code station.
- Towards a New Identity (1950s–1960s): Get inspired by woodblock prints, street politics, Zubir Said’s piano (first time on show), and a recreation of the 1965 separation broadcast.
- Becoming Singapore (1960s–1980s): Step into factory life, a restored HDB lift, bilingual-school years, and a void-deck corner with Arthur Yap’s playground poem.
- Being Singaporean (1980s–1990s): Stroll through an Orchard-style street, try a tap-and-spin Hawker Table, explore film and fashion, plus join the Great Singapore Workout.
- Looking Global (2000s–present): Watch Keith Loutit’s The Lion City 2012–2026 time-lapse, a world-networks mural, and the film Who Are We Today?
- Your voice is part of the ending: Record short answers at stations along the route to build a “future skyline” of Singapore made from visitor contributions.
- Opening-week extras (October 10–18, 2026): Visit on the opening weekend to catch the “Stories of Everyday” festival, snap photos with Stoney the mascot, shop at Living Archive market, visit the National Living Room, and take cute photos on the lawn.
Why Little Steps Loves It:
We love that this revamp treats children as co-authors of the national story and offers interactive ways for kids (and grown-ups) to discover Singapore's rich history.
Who It's Perfect For:
Ideal for primary-age kids who need movement, grandparents who remember kampongs and early HDB lifts, and mixed-nationality families using a free or low-cost indoor stretch on a sticky October weekend.
What Else:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Singapore History Gallery free for kids?
Admission is free for all children aged 6 and below, and free for Singapore Citizens and PRs at any age. Everyone enters free from October 10–12, 2026 for the reopening weekend. From October 13, tourist tickets start at SG$18 for general admission. Bring NRIC or passports for scanning.
What age is the revamped gallery good for?
Interactive stations work well from about age 5, while younger children enjoy lights, sound, Stoney photo stops, and the lawn. War-era rooms need a parent nearby to frame the story. Plan 90 minutes to two hours if you also walk Singapore Odyssea first.
When should we visit to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings after the opening weekend are calmer than Saturday afternoons. Quiet Mornings open at 9am on selected Thursdays and the first Saturday. Last entry is 6:30pm, so late starts feel rushed if you want the closing skyline film.
How do I get tickets for Stories of Everyday?
The 139th anniversary programmes run October 10–18, 2026 with free entry to the celebrations. Check the National Museum site or go.gov.sg/shg2026nms for timed slots on performances and markets. Gallery tickets still follow standard citizen, PR, and tourist rules after October 12.
Where can I park or take the MRT with a stroller?
Bras Basah MRT and Dhoby Ghaut are the closest stations, with lifts to street level. The museum sits at 93 Stamford Road beside Fort Canning. Stroller access is generally good; fold in tighter multimedia rooms. Combine the visit with a shaded park walk if toddlers need a reset.
Where To Find It:
- National Museum of Singapore
- 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897
- https://www.nationalmuseum.nhb.gov.sg/
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