Asian Civilisation Museum
Overlooking the Singapore River, the Asian Civilisation Museum (ACM) is located at a wonderful place with exhilarating scenery. ACM had been a government office for most of its life. At the beginning of the 20th century, the building was re-named the Empress Place Building in honour of Queen Victoria. People still remember this building for its purpose such as Citizen's Registry, Immigration Department, and Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.The ACM had been an exhibition centre once in the 1990's, where a series of exhibitions from China was held. Since then, the building was converted to make it suitable for use as a museum. Finally, the ACM was opened at the Empress Place Building in 2003.
The ACM is a miniature world of Asian civilisations and has more than 11 galleries for the visitors to view. There are themed galleries integrated with multimedia and interactive components to showcase the story of Asia. Virtual hosts, in-gallery videos and interactive ExplorAsian zones can be found in the galleries. These act as guideposts which help visitors to learn more about the different aspects of Asian cultures. Visitors will find it easier to understand with all these features.
Gallery 1, The Singapore River Gallery, relates many stories about coolies, Chattier, the indigenous Orang Laut and the newly arrived Europeans. A natural embarkation point has been created for a journey into the other galleries. The showcase will swept you further back into the past history and the myriad cultures of Asia.
The Southeast Asia Gallery which comprises of Gallery 3, 4 and 4a covers a long history of over 2500 years and a wide range of cultures like classical Javanese of Indonesia. There is a collection of bronze and ceramic pieces dating back to 600 BC. They are evidences of trade and commerce in early days of Southeast Asia. The Mary and Philbert Chin Gallery (Gallery 4) exhibits the diversity of jewellery and textiles across Southeast Asia. In Gallery 4a, there is a show of Southeast Asian performing arts. A Javanese gamelan orchestra is surrounded by masks and puppets from Cambodia to Indonesia, while the art of performance is brought into the museum by a life-size audiovisual of dancers and musicians.
The West Asia Gallery which is Gallery 5 and 5a focuses on Islam, one of the major religions originated from West Asia. Islam is a monotheistic religion that focuses on the glorification of one god - Allah. Visitors will be able to discover the results of this devotion in Gallery 5. Creative calligraphies displayed in this gallery are remarkable. The art of calligraphy had developed to a certain extent that numerous of complex shapes could be formed from the written Qur’anic verses. Besides calligraphy, abstract art forms had taken place as well. An example will be painted star designs on architectural panels.
Gallery 6- The China Gallery showcases the Chinese culture in China and the costumes of the Emperor in the past. In the Chinese society, teachings are mostly based on the Confucianism. Displayed paintings and calligraphy are the peaceful surface of the high officials and some times, the tragic life of the officials. Chinese ceramics are exhibited. The religion of Buddhism and Taoism are shown through the exhibition of Buddhist stone statues and reliefs. This shows the continuity of religious expression in Chinese society.
Gallery 7 & 8- The South Asia Gallery looks into the rich diversity in the region through themes such as religion, science and performing arts. Collections of coins, jewellery and terracotta figures are showcased. Early scientific achievements by these civilisations are shown on the wall. These galleries mainly consist of religious artefacts since it was the birthplace of two of the world's major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. Different regional styles are covered for the museum’s collection of stone representations of the Hindu gods. Early Buddhist artefacts on displayed include statues and stupa models.
Tourists who are interested in the early civilisations of the different regions, you should quickly make a trip down to the Asian Civilisations Museum. There are a wide range of different collections which will be an eye-opener for you. In addition, there is information on different cultures, religions and races. Hence, if you are a history-lover and is on a trip to Singapore, make your way down to the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Opening hours:
Monday 1pm- 7pm
Tuesday - Sunday 9am-7pm
(to 9pm on Fridays)
Admission charges
Admission charges may vary during special exhibitions
Individual Admission
Adults $8.00
Concession* $4.00
* full-time students and those 60 years and above
Group Admission
(for groups of 20 and above)
Adults $6.00
Concession* $3.00
* full-time students and those 60 years and above
• Free admission to visitors aged 6 and below
• Free admission for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents aged 60 years and above everyday
• 50% discount for foreigners aged 60 and above everyday
• Discounted admission charges on Fridays 7pm - 9pm
Chinatown Heritage Centre
Every level of the Centre allows you to experience the lives of its early occupants. Life was simple with almost everyone living in rented rooms of shophouses. Living conditions were harsh as there were poverty and diseases. This had led to many of its people seeking pleasure in opium smoking, prostitution, gambling and secret societies, also known as the Four Evils. All these stories and collection can be found in the Chinatown Heritage Centre, allowing people to explore the true history of Singapore's forefathers.
These exhibits tells the story about the lives of Chinatown's former residents. Get a chance to learn about how a typical shophouse was like in the past, with each being skillfully re-created based on the recollections of its former residents, through the exhibits.
Guided tours of the Gallery are conducted on the hour. One should also drop by at the Centre's Kopi Tiam (a traditional term for coffeeshop) for an aromatic cup of coffee and local snack. Tourists could also select from a wide range of unique traditional souvenirs like hand-sewn Chinese quilted blankets, traditional miniature sewing machines and clogs at the retail shop.
Open: 10am - 7pm (daily)
Admission: SGD 8 adults, SGD 4.80 children
Approximate Touring Time: 1.5 hours
Location: 48 Pagoda Street Singapore 059207
Tel: (65) 6325 2878
Fax: (65) 6325 2879
E-mail: enquiry@chinatownheritagecentre.com.sg
Getting There: Take the MRT to City Hall Station (EW13/NS25) and take bus service no. 61, 80, 197 from North Bridge Road.
Official Website: http://www.chinatownheritagecentre.sg/
Malay Heritage Centre
With Singapore as an uprising nation with rapid advancements in technology and globalisation, it is a challenge for us to be aware as well as to show appreciation of our own cultural roots and ethnic identities.
Therefore, in order to prevent our sense of belonging as a nation to face the risk of being eroded, the idea of establishing the heritage centres in Singapore in 1999 was proposed. This is an effort to encourage the different communities in Singapore to have the chance to showcase their heritage, culture and history, so as to preserve their own ethnic identities and values which are important for Singapore.
On 28 July 1999, Malay Heritage Foundation (Yayasan Warisan Melayu) was formed to facilitate the development of the Malay Heritage Centre. The ultimate aim of the Malay Heritage Foundation is to create a new heritage venue which Singaporeans can feel proud of.
Basically, there are 9 galleries housed in the museum. The gallery foyer will illustrate the Malays as a maritime society. There will also be an audio-visual presentation and artifacts displayed for the public to feast their eyes on.
· The first gallery will cover the colonial policies of the Johor Riau Lingga Kindom (when Singapore was still a part of the Malay maritime entity) that eventually divided it and depict specifically the fascinating points of the kingdom.
· The second gallery displays a unique 3D model of the Malay settlement in Singapore in 1819. It is able to give tourists a rough overview of the geographical landscape of Kg Gelam in that period. In addition, rare prints from the late 19th to early 20th century will be able to tell a story of the lives of people living in the early days of the Malay settlement.
· In Gallery 3, the displays will illustrate to tourists how Kampong Gelam was the centre of Islamic learning and literacy in the late 19th century
· The fourth gallery holds a painting of a tragic fire that set ablaze Kampong Gelam in the mid 19th Century. It is also devoted to narrating life in Kampong Gelam during days when the royal palace was the focal point of cultural and religious activities.
· The fifth gallery is the story of change where more immigrants came to settle down in Singapore. There was a growing sense of being Singaporean Malays rather than Javanese etc.
· Gallery 6 will be exhibiting the post World War 2 where the high spirits of all the Malays rose and this resulted in an increase of the cultural activities within the Malay community. Tourists who are interested in history or the different cultures may want to visit this heritage centre in Singapore.
· Gallery 7 is about the independence and the road to nationhood of Singapore. It shows the concern of the government in development and nation building. The main development is the areas of housing, education and employment. Tourists are able to view that Singapore had a wonderful history and how this nation had carved out to be what it is today.
· The last gallery will be how the people participate in a new society. It captures the Malays as part of Singapore’s multi-cultural, multi-religious society. Careers, festivals, customs, aspirations are all captured here in the form of multi-media presentations.
Besides the galleries in the museum, there are pottery and batik workshops for the visitors as well. This will be fascinating for art lovers as they are able to learn how to make pottery and painting batiks.
We feel that the Malays Heritage Centre have the ability to provide tourists with a rich history of the Malay settlement in Singapore, specifically tourists that show eager interest in gaining knowledge of the various ethnic groups. The museum will be able to give tourists a vivid and detailed scenario of the past happenings that took place in Kampong Gelam. Tourists that are curious about how Singapore is able to exist as a multi-racial community will thus gain more understanding through this trip. So what are you waiting for? Make your trip down to Kampong Gelam now!
Address:
85, Sultan Gate
Singapore 198501
Republic of Singapore
Main: +65 63910450
Fax : +65 62994316
Opening Hours:
Mondays: 1pm to 6pm
Tuesdays –Sundays : 10am to 6pm
Peranakan Museum
This week we will be introducing the newly-built Peranakan Museum. The Peranakan Museum is a National Heritage Board Museum under the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Centuries ago, many wealth-seekers came to the South East Asian region in search of wealth. Some returned to their homelands, while many remained behind and married local women. The Malay term ‘peranakan’ simply means ‘locally born’ also refers to other communities that developed in the Southeast Asian region like the Chitty Melaka and Jawi Peranakans. During the 14th century, the Peranakan Chinese are descendants of Chinese traders who settled in Malacca and around the coastal areas of Java and Sumatra. In the 19th century, the Peranakan Chinese migrated to the ports of Penang and Singapore in search or further wealth and resources. Today, there is only a small number of Peranakans living in Singapore. The descendants of the Peranakan blood are decreasing in number because the third generation are heavily influenced by the Western culture.
The Peranakan Museum gives the visitors a wonderful experience of the culture of Peranakan communities. The communities are located in the former Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca and Penang and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is a boutique museum filled with delicate and most extensive collection of Peranakan artefacts in the world. Important rituals, practices, the material culture and how the culture is viewed today of tare featured on the three storeys of the museum.
Visitors will enjoy an educational experience, with intricate sculpted artefacts exhibited in ten galleries, children's interactives and special merchandising in two shops. We feel that all of the exhibits are very capable of painting a clear picture to the tourists on the history and culture of the Peranakans. The various exhibits will be able to exude a ‘Peranakan’ atmosphere while the tourists walk through the Museum, making their trip both educational and real at the same time.
Besides the extensive collection the Peranakan Museum holds, there are also frequent exhibitions held in the museum. It showcases the world’s finest Peranakan collection which offers visitors a glimpse of Peranakan life. One upcoming example is the “Baba Bling: The Peranakans and Their Jewellery”. It is an exhibition showcasing eye catching jewellery from Peranakan families and private collectors. Tourists can have the rare chance to experience the Peranakans lifestyle, culture and also what they hold precious. It will give them an insight and also knowledge of the Peranakans. Vistors who are interested in this extensive culture can thus take a trip to this comprehensive group of people. According to our experience, we feel that the Baba Bling exhibits were indeed very astonishing. The designs of the jewellery were intricate and unique. In addition, due to their antiquity and many years of history, they are able to give tourists a “sentimental feel”. We are sure that the jewelleries will serve as an eye opener and enrich their experience in the museum, fulfilling their self-actualization needs.
Opening Hours:
Monday: 1pm to 7pm
Tuesday to Sunday: 9.30am – 7pm (to 9 pm on Fridays)
Admission Charges:
| Adult | Concession# | |
| Individual | $6 | $3 |
| Group of 20 pax and more | $5 | |
| Family* | $20 | |
| Asian Civilisations Museum & Peranakan Museum Joint-ticket** | $11 | $5.50 |
| Friday Night (7pm - 9pm) | $3 | $1.50 |
DISCLAIMER: This blog is for a school project and the information provided is correct at time of blogging.
Singapore Arts Museum
Having come across many international art museums, we feel that the Singapore Arts Museum (SAM) is one that deserves worldwide recognition due to its extensive collection of international art work. It is one of the popular attractions amongst art lovers in the South East Asian region. We feel that the Singapore Art Museum will be the one of the biggest global arts phenomenon in the region. Arts lovers can consider this attraction when deciding places of interest to visit in Singapore.
The Singapore Art Museum was opened in January 1996, to preserve and offer art histories and existing art culture of Singapore and Southeast Asian.
SAM has acquired most of the world's greatest renowned collection of modern and contemporary SEA arts and it's heading the direction of being recognized as one of the international arts scene. The Museum holds a collection of 7000 Singapore and SEA modern arts and over 1000 from Tyler Print Collection, which includes famous names in the 20th century like Frank Stella and Roy Lichtenstein. These collection consist of paintings, sculptures, multimedia installations, drawings, prints and photographs. Tourists will be able to enjoy these valuable collection and also famous foreign artists by just taking a visit to the museum.
SAM also offers international shows such as Leonardo Da Vinci, German Art and modern French art, with collaboration with over 90 museums in France. Rodin: A Magnificent Obsession, Juming, Encounters with Modernism, All the Best - Works from Deutsche Bank Collection and Engraving The World were also once presented in the SAM. With such rare chances passing by at the SAM, tourists visiting will be able to get a glance at these internationally recognized shows and enjoy these art masterpieces.
SAM, being a renowned international museum, has several popular collaborations which include Louvre Museum, Shanghai Art Museum, Seoul National University Museum of Art, Asia Society in New York and many other recognized museums.
Ever since the opening of the Museum, it has been boosting Singapore's cultural environment and it has been doing so with exhilarating shows and programmes.
The location of the SAM:
71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555
Telephone: (65) 6332 3222
Fax: (65) 6336 5361
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday:10am - 7pm
Friday:10am - 9pm
(Free admission on Friday night, 6pm – 9pm)
Official Website: http://www.singart.com/
DISCLAIMER: This blog is for a school project and the information provided is correct at time of blogging
