When was the last time you visited the National Museum of Singapore? Well, here's a good reason to make another trip! After its first full revamp, the museum's flagship Singapore History Gallery is officially reopening on 10 October 2026, just in time for the museum's 139th anniversary celebrations.
And this isn't simply a history lesson filled with old photographs and artefacts. With seven immersive zones, never-before-seen historical treasures and interactive multimedia experiences, the revamped gallery takes us on a journey through more than 700 years of Singapore's history, from our early maritime beginnings to the bustling city we call home today.
From Zubir Said’s piano to the Great Singapore Workout and our favourite nightlife memories, the revamped Singapore History Gallery brings Singapore’s past to life through the stories of the people who shaped our nation, including everyday Singaporeans like you and me! And the best part? We even get to share our own reflections and imagine what Singapore’s future could look like, because our stories are part of its history too!
Seven Zones, 700 Years and Plenty of Stories to Discover
The Singapore History Gallery continues the journey that begins at Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time in the Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda. From there, visitors can explore seven chronological zones, each revealing a different chapter of our nation's story.
Fluid Beginnings (1300s–1800s) takes us back to Singapore's early maritime history, when our island was already connected to a bustling regional trading network. Look out for treasures recovered from a 14th-century shipwreck, a newly commissioned jongkong boat model and, of course, the mysterious Singapore Stone!
Moving into Colonial City (1800s–1930s), discover how Singapore developed into a thriving port city as merchants, migrants and labourers arrived from across Asia. There is even an interactive experience where you can try lifting and pulling a recreated rickshaw. Time to find out just how tough life was for our forefathers!
The mood takes a more sombre turn in Fall of the Fortress (Late 1930s–1940s), which explores the Japanese Occupation and the experiences of those who lived through the war. Through personal belongings, historical photographs and interactive installations, we get a glimpse of the struggles, sacrifices and resilience of that generation.
One artefact I'm particularly excited about is in Towards a New Identity (1950s–1960s). For the first time, visitors can see the actual piano on which Zubir Said composed our national anthem, Majulah Singapura! The gallery also recreates Lee Kuan Yew's televised press conference announcing Singapore's separation from Malaysia, offering an opportunity to reflect on this defining moment in our history.
Next, Becoming Singapore (1960s–1980s) brings us into the era of rapid industrialisation, public housing and changing lifestyles. From factory workers' everyday belongings to a restored HDB lift and a recreated void deck, this section shows how Singaporeans adapted to a rapidly transforming nation.
OMG, Are Our Childhood Memories Museum-Worthy Already?!
Now, this is where things get especially nostalgic!
Being Singaporean (1980s–1990s) celebrates the food, fashion, films, sports and nightlife that shaped our growing national identity. Walk through an Orchard Road-inspired passageway, explore Singapore's hawker culture through an interactive Hawker Table and relive some iconic moments from our younger days.
Remember the Great Singapore Workout? There is even a station featuring archival footage where you can join in!
It's funny how the things we grew up with have now become part of Singapore's history. Suddenly, we're not just visiting a museum. We're seeing bits and pieces of our own lives on display!
Finally, Looking Global (2000s–Present) brings us back to modern Singapore. Catch photographer Keith Loutit's spectacular timelapse, The Lion City 2012–2026, which compresses nearly 15 years of Singapore's transformation into just two and a half minutes.
The gallery also explores Singapore's global connections, technological achievements and the changing meaning of belonging in a city that never stops evolving.
Your Voice Becomes Part of Singapore's Story
One of the most meaningful additions to the revamped gallery is its new voice input stations.
As we travel through the different zones, we're invited to share our thoughts and personal reflections on the stories presented. These contributions come together in a cinematic finale, where visitors' voices help create a collective vision of Singapore's future.
Imagine seeing a skyline of tomorrow shaped by the hopes, beliefs and aspirations of everyday Singaporeans! It's a lovely reminder that history isn't just something we read about. We're all part of Singapore's ongoing story, and the decisions we make today will shape what future generations remember.
Meet Stoney, the National Museum's Adorable New Mascot!
Of course, a major reopening calls for a new friend, and the National Museum has a rather charming one waiting for us!
Meet Stoney, the museum's new mascot inspired by the Singapore Stone.
His story begins when he awakens along the Singapore River without any memory of where he came from. Determined to find his true kin, he sets off on an adventure around modern Singapore before finally finding his way home to the National Museum.
How cute is that?!
During the reopening celebrations, visitors can look forward to meet-and-greets with Stoney and snap photographs with his larger-than-life installation on the museum's lawn. And if you love collecting cute souvenirs, there's even a Stoney keychain plush available at Museum Martket by Abry for $13.90 from 10 October onwards.
Celebrate the Museum's 139th Anniversary with Stories of Everyday
The reopening also kicks off Stories of Everyday, the National Museum's 139th anniversary celebrations, happening from 10 to 18 October 2026.
Beyond exploring the revamped gallery, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities inspired by the everyday experiences of Singaporeans across generations.
Browse ceramics, stationery, accessories and food at The Living Archive: A Living & Design Market by Of Wonder Wander, or step into The National Living Room, an interactive installation featuring nostalgic household objects and personal stories that transform a house into a home.
There will also be performances, heritage talks, roving historical characters and community music jamming, along with contemporary dance performance Searching Blue《寻蓝》 by T.H.E Dance Company.
With so much happening, the anniversary celebrations make a great excuse to plan a museum date or spend a nostalgic afternoon with family and friends.
A New Chapter for the National Museum of Singapore
The Singapore History Gallery's reopening also marks the completion of the National Museum's three-year restoration works. But there's still more to look forward to!
The Level 2 Life in Singapore Galleries are scheduled to reopen in early 2027, in time for the museum's 140th anniversary.
What I love about the revamped Singapore History Gallery is how it reminds us that our nation's identity isn't shaped only by major historical events or famous figures. It's also found in our everyday experiences, the places we grew up in, the food we share and the memories we create together.
As Singapore continues to evolve, so do our stories. Whether you're revisiting familiar childhood memories or discovering something new about our history, there's a little piece of Singapore waiting for everyone here.
So, Huneybees, come take a journey through time, share your reflections and discover how we're all part of Singapore's ever-evolving story. And don't forget to say hi to Stoney!
Singapore History Gallery Reopening
📍 National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
📅 Gallery reopening: 10 October 2026
🎉 Stories of Everyday anniversary celebrations: 10–18 October 2026
🌐 National Museum of Singapore
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