National Museum of Singapore

The oldest museum in Singapore dates back to 1849. Originally a small section of the Singapore Institution and known as ‘the Raffles Library and Museum’, it moved to permanent premises on Stamford Road in 1887. Following its latest restoration, completed in 2006, this grand establishment is now split up into two main galleries: the Singapore History Gallery charts the city-state’s evolution from its 14th-century beginnings as the Malay kingdom of Singapura through to the modern day; the more contemporary Singapore Living Galleries focus on food, fashion, film and photography. Don’t miss Singapore artist Suzann Victor’s installation Wings of a Rich Manoeuvre on permanent display high above the bridge linking the museum’s original 19th-century colonial building with its modern glass wing. Eight kinetic chandeliers made of stainless steel, studded with a sparkling array of precision-cut Swarovski crystals and accentuated by LED light ‘sing’ with movement as they sway in an airborne choreography of light.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
93 Stamford Road
Singapore 178897
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy design
Creativity leaps the screen at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s record-flying roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
The modernist home of musician Imogen Holst gets Grade II listing
The daughter of the composer Gustav Holst lived here from 1964 until her death, during which time the home served a locus for her own composition work, which included assisting Benjamin Britten
By Anna Solomon Published
-
This fun and free-spirited photography exhibition offers a chromatic view on the world
‘Chromotherapia’ at Villa Medici in Rome, explores how we view colour as a way of therapy, and how it has shaped photography over the last century (until 9 June 2025)
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Nathan Yong's stainless steel designs investigate art, industrial design, and social dysfunction
‘A chair becomes inviting and chilling at the same time': Nathan Yong on his stainless steel tubular designs for his showcase at Art Commune Gallery, Singapore
By Daven Wu Published
-
Singapore Design Week 2024: what to see at one of Asia’s premier design festivals
Singapore Design Week 2024 (26 September to 6 October) brings a vibrant roster of artists and galleries ‘who shape our society through design… and enhance how we experience life’
By Daven Wu Published
-
Urban Fabric design exhibition spotlights new designers from Asia
Yoko Choy introduces Urban Fabric, a commissioned series for Dubai’s Gallery Collectional (on view until 31 March 2024), showcasing varying designs of contemporary craftsmanship from artists across China, Japan, Singapore and South Korea
By Jasper Spires Published
-
Singapore Design Week 2023 prioritises sustainability and inclusivity
Singapore Design Week 2023 (until 1 October) explores the theme ‘Better By Design’ with exhibitions at the National Design Center and across the city
By Laura May Todd Published
-
Six Singaporean designers look at the impact of design and new technologies on our lives
Supported by DesignSingapore Council, ‘Future Impact’ at Milan Design Week 2023 presents Singapore as a design-led hub of innovation and creativity
By Cristina Kiran Piotti Published
-
Holistic co-working: WeWork Singapore is attentive to culture and lighting
WeWork Singapore opens – a 21-storey flagship co-working space and the company’s second-largest globally
By Martha Elliott Published
-
Mac Collins honoured with Design Museum’s inaugural emerging designer prize
The Design Museum announces British designer Mac Collins as the recipient of the Ralph Saltzman Prize, a new annual accolade to celebrate and support emerging designers
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated
-
Wallpaper’s Marco Sammicheli appointed Triennale Design Museum Director
The design critic and curator has been at Wallpaper* since 2017, and part of the Triennale team during this time. He will now oversee and grow the Italian institution’s design collections
By Rosa Bertoli Last updated