If you ask someone in Singapore to identify the most popular museums, they’ll most certainly choose the National Museum, National Gallery, and ArtScience Museum. While these museums have undoubtedly earned their notoriety for their outstanding displays and design, there are many more in Singapore that need to be known!
- The Cathay Gallery
This is a must-see for all cinephiles. If you’re at The Cathay Cineplex, the movie doesn’t have to finish when the credits roll. The Cathay Gallery, located on the second floor, has additional cinematic magic. This hidden gem is a cinematic memorabilia time capsule, complete with old theater chairs, cameras, and projectors.
Address: 2 Handy Rd, The Cathay, #02-16 Singapore 229233
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday (2pm–6pm) | Saturday (12pm–6pm)
Entry Fee: Free
Take a peek at the Central Fire Station, which is famous for its red-brick colonial building. Did you know that the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery is also housed here, in addition to being one of Singapore’s coolest buildings? It’s not every day that we get to learn about a career that few of us have ever heard of. Why not go inside and look at the exhibitions of firetrucks, as well as firefighting and rescue equipment?
Address: 62 Hill St, Singapore 179367
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm (Reservation required)
Entry Fee: Free
- MINT – Museum of Toys
This intriguing museum will take you on a nostalgic walk down memory lane. MINT (short for “Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys”) is the world’s first dedicated toy museum. Popeye, Batman, Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse, and Star Wars are among the rare antique items on display, which are worth a total of $5 million! The toys and other items were sourced from more than 40 countries and date from the 1840s to the 1970s.
Address: 26 Seah Street, Singapore 188382
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (9.30am – 6.30pm) | Closed on Monday
Entry Fee: Adult $25 | Child $15
Remember how big film cameras used to be, with everything folded up and balanced on hefty wooden tripods? This museum, on the other hand, does, and it still wants to instill a passion for old-school photography in everyone who enters.
Even the museum’s structure is shaped like a massive camera! Inside, there’s a fascinating display of over 1000 vintage cameras, all from the owners’ own collection. Spy cameras in the style of James Bond, pigeon cameras, box cameras, and even a massive Mammoth camera are all available!
Address: 8C-8D Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199263
Opening Hours: 10.30am to 7.30pm daily
Entry Fee: Adults $20 | Kids & Senior Citizens $15
Is there a museum dedicated entirely to musical boxes? This may appear strange… At least, until you learn that Singapore used to have a particular affinity with these instruments. Here you may discover more about the intriguing history and popularity of musical boxes, as well as how they came to Singapore in the first place.
The musical boxes on show, which originate from the personal collection of the museum’s founder, Mr Naoto Orui, are, of course, the centerpiece. You could even receive a personal tour from Mr. Orui himself, who will tell you about the tales behind each of his timeless sculptures if you’re lucky.
Address: 168 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068619
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am–5pm (Reservation required)
Entry Fee: Adult $12 | Students & Senior Citizens $6
The major guns, including the National Gallery Singapore, ArtScience Museum, and National Museum of Singapore, are fantastic places to start, but if you want a more intimate experience, head to the smaller, lesser-known jewels.
This article was brought to you by Han. I pretend to be broke in order to stay wealthy, yet I’m not wealthy.
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