Singapore History Gallery Reopens with Stoney: 700 Years of History, Nostalgia & New Experiences!

Hi Huneybees,

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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A Journey Through Singapore’s Story: Everyday Objects at NHB’s New SG60 Pop-Up Museum

Hi Huneybees,

When you step into the Museum of U & Me, you’re not just entering a pop-up exhibition, you’re stepping into a time machine made of everyday objects, memories, and stories that have quietly shaped Singapore over the past 60 years.

From a humble Setron television made in Singapore in the 1970s, to a plaque given to the very first Singapore Airlines passenger, to the actual measurements of Princess Diana taken by local designer Benny Ong; each artefact whispers of a past moment, an everyday life, or a shared dream that still echoes today.

Running from 9 October to 14 December on the Lawn of the National Museum of Singapore, this SG60 pop-up museum is housed within three industrial containers. But inside? It’s like opening up chapters of Singapore’s story that's curated not only from the National Collection, but also from items loaned and contributed by everyday Singaporeans.

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Walking Through Time: The Five Thematic Journeys

The museum invites us on a journey through five different eras and themes, each one a window into the lives of those who came before us and, in many ways, into our own lives too.

3D-printed replicas of the legendary Singapore Stone

From Shores to Singapore

The journey begins before independence, where stories of arrivals, roots, and resilience come alive. See 3D-printed replicas of the legendary Singapore Stone and a 1919 Centenary medal of Raffles’ landing, like objects that remind us how languages, traditions, and dreams mingled and grew into today’s multicultural Singapore.

Hands That Built a Nation

Here, we step into the world of work and labour that forms the rhythm that powered Singapore’s transformation. From the Fairchild Employee Handbook to Benny Ong’s personal story of measuring Princess Diana, this section honours the hands and hearts that built our nation’s economy.

Kitchen Conversations

Every Singaporean knows the kitchen is where stories simmer. Hawker licences, tiffin carriers, and an old-school tombok (mortar and pestle) tell tales of how food became our identity, our pride, and our way of belonging. Meals weren’t just about eating; they were about family, community, and memory.

Time-off!

Leisure has its own kind of magic. Here you’ll find artifacts like the Atari 2600, Singapore Girl perfume, and toys from our childhood. They remind us of laughter-filled afternoons, new trends, and music that shaped generations with everyday joys that turned into shared cultural memories.

The Shape of Home

The final stop feels like walking into a living room of the past. A Rediffusion radio, a 1970s TV, and an HDB home ownership poster trace how Singaporeans built not just houses, but homes filled with pride and shared aspirations. This is where personal comfort meets national progress - our collective heartbeat.

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More Than Just Artefacts

The Museum of U & Me doesn’t just show you history; it lets you touch, feel, and even play with it. There are interactive digital displays, 3D-printed objects, and even a 1970s TV screening a rare HDB film from 1976.

Gamers and collectors will love the digital challenge tucked into the exhibition, a spot hidden objects game in archival photos to win collectible artifact cards (20 to collect, with five holofoil editions). It’s a cheeky way to make heritage fun and hands-on for all ages.

Sharing session with artifect lenders:
Professor Bernard Tan, owner of Singapore Symphony Orchestra memorabilia
Dr Ong Pang Yeow, owner of 'The first Passenger to Fly Singapore Airlines' plaque
Mr David Chan, owner of racing car’s steering wheel 
Mr C. Kunalan, owner Sportsman of the Year Watch

And if you’ve been following Mediacorp’s On The Red Dot: Museum of U & Me docuseries, this pop-up is where the stories step off the screen. You’ll even see featured artifacts like Mr C. Kunalan’s Sportsman of the Year watch in real life.

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According to NHB, while 88% of Singaporeans believe it’s important to build a National Collection, only half know we actually have one. That’s what makes this pop-up so powerful! It’s not just about rare objects or famous milestones, but about rediscovering that our everyday lives are history in the making.

“Our history and heritage are all around us—in the food we share, the music we love, and the memories we keep. The story of Singapore is not written by colossal monuments alone, but by the everyday things we hold, make, collect, and treasure.” --- John Tung, Curator

✨ If you’ve ever wanted to walk through Singapore’s story in the most personal, human way, this is your chance. Step inside, and who knows, you might just see your own family’s history reflected back at you.

Museum of U & Me
📅 9 October – 14 December 2025
🕙 10am – 7pm daily
📍 National Museum of Singapore Lawn
💵 Admission: Free
For more info: go.gov.sg/museumofuandme

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Sailing Through Time Through Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time at the National Museum of Singapore

Hi Huneybees,

I’ve always loved how museums have this quiet way of transporting us to different worlds. But this time, the National Museum of Singapore is literally inviting us to time-travel (through 700 years of our nation’s history) with its newly revamped Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda and the all-new Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time installation.

I was lucky to get a sneak peek before it opens to the public on 8 August 2025, and I’m still reeling from the experience. Storytelling magic, immersive lights and sounds, and even a little digital creature companion joined me on the journey. It’s whimsical, emotional, educational and just so beautifully done.

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From Forest to Sea: A Whole New Chapter

Once home to the dreamy Story of the Forest (that magical stroll through digital wildlife from the Farquhar Collection), the Glass Rotunda now opens a brand new chapter. Say hello to Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time, which is a stunning multi-sensory installation that invites you to set sail through time, with the sea as your eternal guide. Immersive, interactive, and deeply emotional, this revamped experience is the National Museum’s SG60 gift to all of us, and it’s truly something special to witness.

And what a gift it is. As I stepped into the gallery, I was greeted by a floating LED globe, glowing ocean-blue, surrounded by a 360° light-and-sound show that maps centuries of maritime routes. From there, I walked down the familiar, yet brand-new spiral ramp through four immersive chapters of Singapore’s story - starting from a future vision of our green city, back through independence, wartime struggles, colonial encounters, and all the way to pre-colonial shores.

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History That Speaks, Glows, and Moves With You

Each step through the Odyssea felt like flipping through the pages of a living storybook, except this one completely surrounded me in light, sound, and soul-stirring history. Towering wall projections burst into life with breathtaking animation and immersive soundscapes, sweeping me through some of Singapore’s most iconic moments.

I found myself standing amidst the first National Day Parade, feeling the urgency of wartime evacuations, and wandering the bustling coastal kampungs of early Singapore. There were powerful glimpses of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, echoing speeches that once stirred a nation, and beautifully crafted vignettes of early immigrants building a life along the Singapore River with bumboats, trade, dreams, and all.

And then came a moment of mythical magic: Sang Nila Utama setting foot on Temasek, reimagined with cinematic splendour. It added a touch of legend to an already emotional journey and reminded me how fact and folklore are beautifully intertwined in Singapore’s story.

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Journeying With a Magical Companion

But what truly made the experience feel personal was the interactive companion element. Right at the start, I picked up an RFID wristband - a fun little detail that instantly made me feel like part of the voyage. There are three colours to choose from:
💙 Blue for Sea
💚 Green for Land
🧡 Orange for Sky

Each colour randomly unlocks one of nine creature companions, all inspired by Singapore’s native fauna:

• Green: Pangolin, Banded Langur, Otter

• Blue: Hawksbill Turtle, Coastal Crab, Swordfish

• Orange: Common Rose Butterfly, Hornbill, Straw-headed Bulbul

I went with orange (I wanted to soar through the experience!) and was paired with a charming Straw-headed Bulbul. Throughout the journey, my little digital friend fluttered along beside me, lighting up paths, revealing hidden animations, and adding a playful, personal layer to the storytelling. It was such a lovely way to connect emotionally with the exhibition; it felt like history wasn’t just happening around me, but with me.

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My Favourite Moment: A Dreamlike Journey’s End

My favourite moment? Pure, goosebump-inducing magic. As I reached the end of the ramp, I stepped into what can only be described as a living dreamscape. The floor beneath me rippled with every step, like walking on water, and the digital waterfall curtain surrounding the space began to part, revealing stunning animated scenes from Singapore’s rich past.

I watched in awe as junk ships sailed into the mouth of Keppel Harbour, Boat Quay buzzed with life, and echoes of wartime Singapore played out in powerful detail. Even the intertidal zone of Changi Beach came alive with gentle waves and nature’s rhythm. It was all so beautifully done, and so deeply moving. This final scene doesn’t just conclude the journey; it wraps you in a warm embrace of pride, history, and wonder for how far Singapore has come.

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It’s Also a Quiet Call to Care

What really touched me beyond the stunning visuals and interactive magic was how Singapore Odyssea quietly weaves in an underlying theme of sustainability. From stories of our coastal past to future climate resilience, it gently nudges us to think about how we care for our natural world. And in a poetic gesture, we are asked to return our digital companion to a glowing “well” before exiting, which is a symbolic reminder to give back to nature what we’ve borrowed.

I also loved how they integrated local myths like the giant tide-moving crab and the legendary tree Pauh Janggi, reimagined with dreamy, immersive media. It ties past folklore to present-day environmental challenges in such a thoughtful way. 

Here’s a little challenge for you: as you explore, see how many of these fascinating stories and myths you can spot. I promise it’s like uncovering hidden treasures in Singapore’s rich tapestry of history and nature!

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The Perfect SG60 Outing

The Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time opens just in time for National Day, and it’s completely free for Singaporeans and PRs. If you’re looking for something meaningful (and air-conditioned) to do with the family, your partner, or even solo, this is a journey well worth taking.

And if you’re planning to go on 9 August, don’t miss the other SG60 happenings at the National Museum. They’ve got everything from LEGO art installations and hands-on craft sessions to a stunning Canvas of Light projection show that’ll light up the museum’s façade in the evening.

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I left the museum feeling more connected to our little red dot, not just through the facts of our history, but through the emotions, myths, and dreams that built us. Whether you're 8 or 80, I think you'll walk away feeling a little more inspired, a little more curious, and a lot more proud to call Singapore home. Visit go.gov.sg/singapore-odyssea or the National Museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more info and opening hours.

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Remembering Singapore’s Wartime Past: Battle for Singapore 2025 Programmes

Hi Huneybees,

To commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Fall of Singapore, the annual Battle for Singapore invites participants to explore the nation’s wartime history through pivotal moments and personal experiences that shaped its darkest days. This immersive journey offers a deeper understanding of Singapore’s resilience, featuring firsthand testimonies from veterans and thought-provoking discussions on survival and perseverance.

This year’s edition includes a signature programme with visits to multiple historical sites. Here are two special programmes presented by the National Museum of Singapore (NMS):

Reflections at Bukit Chandu

A Soldier’s Kit – Field Rations during World War Two
15 Feb (Sat) | 11.30am – 12.30pm (for participants aged 16 and above) 
Multi-Purpose Room, Level 2 | $10.90 per pax (incl. GST)

Ever wondered what a British soldier would have carried in his ration and hygiene kit during World War Two? Did you know that Horlicks tablets and Cadbury chocolate were standard items in these kits?

Explore a soldier’s kit featuring actual items from World War Two as well as replicas from the collection of Alvin’s Bunker. Learn more about what soldiers in the 1940s ate and how they groomed themselves, as well as the design and evolution of ration and hygiene kits from past to present, with examples from the armed forces of different countries.

Each participant will also receive their own mini World War Two ration pack.
Register at RBC-soldierskit.peatix.com.

About the Speaker
Alvin Lee of Alvin’s Bunker has been a long-time collector of militaria from World War One, World War Two and the early years of the Singapore Armed Forces.

Changi Chapel and Museum

Resilience in Adversity – A Docent-Guided Tour and Hand-bound Notebook Workshop

23 Feb (Sun) | 10am – 11.30am or 11am – 12.30pm 

Changi Chapel and Museum | $15 per pax (incl. GST)

Amid hardship and deprivation, the internees of Changi Prison during World War Two found inventive ways to improve their lot. Faced with a major shortage of shelter, food and daily products, they worked together to scavenge materials and produce a wide variety of items, from soap and vitamin supplements to prosthetics and toothbrushes.

Find out more about their extraordinary creativity and resilience through a docent-guided tour where actual items belonging to former internees will be displayed, including a hand-stitched notepad made by Sergeant John Ritchie Johnston out of old prison records. Be inspired by their ingenuity and create your own hand-bound notebook using upcycled materials in a guided craft session after the tour. 

Suitable for ages 10 and above. 

Price includes admission into CCM and materials for the craft session. 

Register at CCM-notebook.peatix.com.

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Join the Farewell Celebrations for 'Story of the Forest' at the National Museum of Singapore's 137th Anniversary

Hi Huneybees,

Photo Credits: National Museum of Singapore

Join in as we bid farewell to the National Museum of Singapore’s beloved Story of the Forest installation, inspired by William Farquhar's treasured natural history drawings. After eight remarkable years, the installation will close on 13 October 2024. As part of the museum’s 137th anniversary celebrations, there will be a series of special farewell activities.

Choose to relax in the aromatic, nature-inspired lounge with soothing sound baths against lush green landscapes, or get creative by customizing postcards or crafting your own animal-themed bag charm. There’s something for nature lovers of all ages to enjoy!

Installations & Activities

Personalised William Farquhar Collection Postcard, Forest Lounge and Bridge

📆 Saturday, 21 Sep to Sunday, 13 Oct

⏰ 10am to 7pm

📍 Outside Glass Rotunda, Level 2

Inspired by the Natural History Drawings from the William Farquhar Collection found in Story of the Forest, get ready for a multisensory experience that extends beyond the Story of the Forest exhibition. For instance, at the Personalised William Farquhar Collection Postcard drop-in activity, you can choose from 30 unique designs of fauna and flora, including the Spanish jasmine, smooth otter and Malayan tapir that can be spotted in Story of The Forest. 

Level up your designs and create a one-of-a-kind collection that reflects your style by colouring them in and adding on your own embellishments too! What’s more, you can learn more about each featured species through the informative captions on the back of each card.

You can also take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life at the Forest Lounge and Bridge, which are nature-inspired spaces where one can encounter life-sized animal cutouts amid the soothing sounds of nature. While relaxing in comfortable hammocks, put your wits to the test with tangram puzzles and complete them to win a limited-edition tea strainer. 

You can further immerse yourself in the Forest Lounge and enjoy calming scents from our Givaudan-sponsored fragrances inspired by Story of the Forest. Special edition candles, featuring these scents, will be available for purchase at the MUSEUM MARTKET from early October 2024.

*Visitors can customize up to 3 postcards for the Personalised William Farquhar Collection postcard series. Decorating and colouring tools will be provided. The tea strainer gift is redeemed on a first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last.

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Final Curtain: Story of the Forest

📆 Saturday, 5 Oct

⏰ 9am – 12pm

$40/pax or $75/pair  

https://farewellsotf.peatix.com

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Story of the Forest one final time with their popular sound bath programme, followed by an aromatic journey curated by Givaudan. As part of the “Pathway to Peace” experience, embark on a mindful exploration of inner peace through guided meditation and sound healing. Led by Nicole Phoon and Mary Ho from Om Zone, you'll be encouraged to prioritize your physical and mental well-being, gaining valuable tools to incorporate meditation into your daily life.

To round off the experience, Givaudan will introduce the inspiration behind the captivating scents designed to complement the exhibition, and you’ll even get to take home your own Story of the Forest fragrance as a keepsake.

*This programme is supported by Givaudan and recommended for participants ages 13 and above. Limited spaces available. No walk-ins allowed on day of the programme. Please note that photos and videos taken during the programme may be used for future publicity.

Notes: Participants are required to sit on the floor, so it is recommended to bring your own mats. As the digital experience space in the Glass Rotunda is slightly dark, please adhere to the facilitator’s directions as you enter the space. The facilitator will be guiding via an audio app so please ensure that you have your mobile phone and earpiece for the programme. The price includes the sound bath segment, sharing session by Givaudan and a bottle of reed diffuser. Tickets can be purchased via https://farewellsotf.peatix.com. Registration will commence at 8.45am on event day.

Maximum ticket purchases: To allow more participants to enjoy the programme, each person is allowed to purchase up to 4 tickets. We reserve the right to cancel additional tickets purchased, and refunds will be arranged. 

Cancellations/refunds: All tickets sold are non-refundable. Special exceptions may be made with valid documentation (e.g. medical certificate) provided, at the sole discretion of the museum. Otherwise, if you are unable to make it for the programme for any reason, you may arrange for another person to take your place. Please write to us via Peatix messages or email us at nhb_nm_programmes@nhb.gov.sg if you have any queries.

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Anniversary Weekend Special 

📆 Saturday, 12 Oct to Sunday, 13 Oct

⏰ 11 am to 2 pm, 3.30pm to 5.30pm

📍 Outside Glass Rotunda, Level 2

Grab a pair of the provided special-coloured filters and uncover a hidden message outside of the Glass Rotunda during the Museum’s anniversary weekend from 12-13 October. Once you’ve decoded the message, you can participate in an animal-themed bag charm making workshop guided by the expert craftspeople. Create a unique and adorable keepsake that adds a touch of wildlife to your accessories. 

*Workshops will be conducted in intervals of 30 minutes, with up to 20 participants per session. Limited sets available, while stocks last. 

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For more information on the event, please visit: https://go.gov.sg/nms-anniversary 

Website: nationalmuseum.sg 

FB: national.museum.of.sg 

IG: natmuseum_sg

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