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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Discover the Artistic Evolution of Singapore’s Oldest Living & Active Artist - 103 Year-Old Lim Tze Peng, at National Gallery Singapore

Hi Huneybees,

Artist Lim Tze Peng pictured at Becoming Lim Tze Peng. National Gallery Singapore, 2024.

Discover the artistic journey of 103-year-old Lim Tze Peng, Singapore’s oldest living artist, in Becoming Lim Tze Peng, National Gallery Singapore's first solo exhibition dedicated to this national icon. Open from 25 October 2024 to 23 March 2025, the exhibition offers over 50 works showcasing Lim's nostalgic scenes of everyday Singapore and grand landscapes from around the globe.

This bilingual exhibit includes selected pieces from Singapore’s public art collection, such as a Singapore River piece from The Istana, along with rare archival materials and two previously unseen videos of Lim in his studio. From his early works in 1946 to his most recent piece in 2023, the collection includes sketches, ink paintings, and calligraphy that illustrate Lim’s dedication to his craft and evolving artistic vision.

Still from video documentation of Lim Tze Peng at work, 2013. Commissioned by National Gallery Singapore.

Renowned for his innovative approach to ink painting and calligraphy, Lim has created his own distinctive style, hu tu zi (糊涂字), or “muddled calligraphy.” His work blends ancient practices with a contemporary edge, making him a vital figure in Singapore’s art history. As the fourth installment of the SG Artist series, Becoming Lim Tze Peng shines a light on a visionary artist whose creativity embodies Singapore’s post-independence spirit and modern innovation.

Highlighting the non-linear nature of Lim’s artistic evolution, the exhibition presents the

development of his practice through three thematic sections: From Dàpō to Xiǎopō, The World

Outside, and On My Own Grounds.

Installation view of “From Dàpō to Xiǎopō” section, Becoming Lim Tze Peng. National Gallery Singapore, 2024.

From Dàpō to Xiǎopō: Immerse in nostalgic scenes of heritage Singapore through the

eyes of Lim Tze Peng and learn of his local impact

Lim Tze Peng’s vibrant portrayals of everyday Singapore scenes are a central highlight of Becoming Lim Tze Peng. His favorite subjects — local landmarks like the Singapore River, Sultan Mosque, bustling coffee shops, and wet markets — evoke Singapore’s cultural heritage. In one section, you can explore the unique landscapes of heritage Singapore, referred to by older Chinese-speaking communities as Dàpō to Xiǎopō, stretching from Outram Park to Kampong Glam.

Lim Tze Peng. Singapore River II. c. 1976. Oil on canvas. 76.5 × 203 cm. Gift of the artist. Collection of National Gallery Singapore.

Lim Tze Peng. Singapore River (Coleman Bridge). 1979. Ink and colour on paper, 68 × 139 cm. Istana Art Collection.

Among the highlights are two iconic Singapore River paintings displayed side by side: Singapore River II (1976), an oil painting and the first of Lim’s donations to Singapore’s National Collection, and Singapore River (Coleman Bridge) (1979), an ink piece from the Istana Art Collection. These artworks, created three years apart, showcase Lim’s shift from oil to ink and invite viewers to compare his interpretations of the river in different mediums.

Lim Tze Peng. Hawker. c. 2013–2014. Ink and colour on paper. 96.5 × 96.5 cm.
Gift of the artist. Collection of Chung Cheng High School (Main).

Lim’s Hawker (2013-2014) offers a lively ink-and-color scene of a Singaporean market, fusing epigraphy, calligraphy, and painting. This recent work exemplifies his innovative blend of textured ink washes and broken brushstrokes, crafting a dynamic, harmonious portrayal of local life. Untitled (Blue Mosque) (c. Late 1970s) captures Sultan Mosque and its surroundings as Lim remembers them from the 1950s-60s, when he frequently sketched outdoors in Kampong Glam with peers, co-organizing some of the earliest public exhibitions of these neighborhoods.

Lim Tze Peng. Untitled (Blue Mosque). c. Late 1970. Ink and colour on paper, 68 × 68 cm.
Gift of Mr & Mrs Koh Seow Chuan. Collection of National Gallery Singapore.

Complementing the artwork are news clippings and rare photographs from the 1970s-1980s, some from Lim’s own archives, that mirror the perspectives of his paintings and capture key moments in his career. These archival materials provide a deeper look at Lim's connections to Singapore’s past.

Installation view of “The World Outside” section, Becoming Lim Tze Peng. National Gallery Singapore, 2024.

The World Outside: Lim Tze Peng’s creative drive and inspiration from his artistic

pursuits abroad

Beyond scenes of everyday Singapore, Lim Tze Peng found inspiration during artistic expeditions with fellow artists, extending his creative exploration into Southeast Asia and Europe. This section of Becoming Lim Tze Peng showcases works that capture these experiences and reveal his stylistic evolution.

Lim Tze Peng. Ponte Vecchio, Florence. 1996. Oil on canvas. 65 x 80cm.
Gift of the artist and family. Collection of Singapore Art Museum

Lim Tze Peng. Venice. 1996. Oil on canvas. 65 × 80cm.
Gift of the artist and family. Collection of Singapore Art Museum.

Two pieces from a 1996 European tour, Venice and Ponte Vecchio, Florence, mark Lim’s first encounters with Europe’s architectural and artistic heritage. Organized by the Society of Chinese Artists, this twenty-day tour exposed Lim to European art traditions. Venice captures the city’s vibrancy with loose, jagged brushwork that conveys movement, while Ponte Vecchio, Florence uses bold lines to contour the iconic bridge’s architecture, gradually fading to suggest depth — a technique rooted in Tang dynasty ink painting.

View of the Hills. 2000. Ink and colour on paper. 66.5 × 136 cm.
Gift of the artist. Collection of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

View of the Hills (2000) offers a glimpse of Saorge in Southern France, painted during Lim’s Paris residency with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Rather than focusing on architecture, this work spotlights natural landscapes, with undulating brushstrokes reminiscent of mountain scenes in Song dynasty ink paintings.

Lim Tze Peng. Sumatra. 1970. Oil on canvas, 76 × 101.8 cm.
Gift of Mandarin Art Galleries Pte Ltd. Collection of National Gallery Singapore.

Lim Tze Peng. Lake Toba. 1970. Oil on canvas, 60 × 75 cm.
Gift of the artist and family. Collection of National Gallery Singapore.

Closer to home, two 1970 oil paintings, Sumatra and Lake Toba, highlight Indonesian scenery from Lim’s travels with the Ten Men Group. During these expeditions, Lim and fellow artists immersed themselves in local cultures, interacting with villagers and exchanging ideas with local artists. Notably, the Indonesia trip in 1970 inspired Lim’s early exploration of Chinese ink painting, as shown in rare photographs capturing Lim painting with an ink brush by Lake Toba.

Through these artworks and archival materials, visitors can journey alongside Lim as he documented landscapes and cultures across Southeast Asia and Europe from the 1960s through the 2000s.

Installation view of “On My Own Grounds” section, Becoming Lim Tze Peng. National Gallery Singapore, 2024.

On My Own Grounds: Lim Tze Peng’s own rules and distinctive artistic style

The third theme of Becoming Lim Tze Peng explores Lim’s journey toward artistic freedom and his creation of a unique style rooted in his personal aesthetic and creative principles. Over his prolific career, Lim’s style evolved from realistic portrayals to expressive forms that blend various art mediums. This freedom led him to invent “hu tu zi” (糊涂字), or ‘muddled calligraphy,’ an innovative approach merging traditional calligraphy with abstract art.

Lim Tze Peng. [Not Titled] (Forest Path). 1985. Ink on paper. 52 × 80 cm.
Gift of Mr & Mrs Koh Seow Chuan. Collection of National Gallery Singapore.

One technique Lim developed was his use of negative space. In [Not Titled] (Forest Path) (1985), a horizontal composition with smooth and broken brush strokes, Lim captures a sense of distance and rhythm using only space, texture, and form inspired by banyan trees. Without any distinct form or color, the voids between branches and roots create visual tension, adding depth and guiding the viewer's eye.

Lim Tze Peng. Untitled (Calligraphy No. 7). 2008. Ink on paper. 151.4 × 85.7 cm.
Collection of Singapore Art Museum.

In Untitled (Calligraphy No. 7) (2008), Lim interprets a Tang dynasty poem by Meng Haoran with a blend of traditional Chinese cursive script and a contemporary aesthetic. This piece, composed of fluid and angular lines made with wet and dry brushwork, uses darker tones to convey weight and proximity, while lighter tones suggest distance. The empty spaces rhythmically balance the inked lines, creating visual dynamics similar to musical composition.

Lim’s personal doctrine on “A Good Painting,” recorded in one of his sketchbooks, highlights six guiding principles: aesthetics, locality, rhythm, and perception. Visitors can learn about these principles in the exhibition, gaining insight into Lim’s approach to recurring motifs.

Lim Tze Peng. Inroads No.1. 2006. Ink and colour on paper. 263 × 485.5 cm.
Collection of Singapore Art Museum.

One of the most notable works in the exhibit, Inroads No. 1 (2006), spans nearly five meters and showcases Lim’s mastery of ink and color. This monumental piece combines angular and curved lines with rhythmic transitions and dynamic movement. Last shown in Singapore in 2009, it later traveled to the National Art Museum of China and the Liu Haisu Art Museum, exemplifying Lim’s commitment to expanding the boundaries of traditional Chinese ink painting.

So, add this new exhibition to your calendar and take a nostalgic walk into Singapore's past.

Becoming Lim Tze Peng

Location: Level 4 Gallery, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore 

Date: 25 October 2024 - 23 March 2025

Pricing: General Admission (Free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents)

For more information on the exhibition, please visit: www.nationalgallery.sg/BecomingLimTzePeng.

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Spend your National Day at the National Museum of Singapore to “Lepak" (hang out) and Play

Hi Huneybees,

Celebrate Singapore's birthday at the National Museum of Singapore with a variety of fun-filled activities! Enjoy outdoor and inflatable playgrounds inspired by iconic local HDB designs, drop-in craft sessions, intergenerational programs, light-up installations, and a popular scavenger hunt.

In the days leading up to National Day, discover nostalgic light-up installations on the lawn that will take you back to your childhood. Explore the museum’s latest toy-themed showcase, Play:Date, and relive the joy of childhood play. Also, don't miss the Story of the Forest exhibition, set to close on 13 October.

On National Day, bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a "picnic under the stars" as you watch the live outdoor screening of the National Day Parade on the museum’s front lawn.

National Day Celebrations at the National Museum
Friday, 9 August 2024
9.30am – 12am
Free admission to galleries

The Good Old Games; A Light-Up Installation

1 – 9 August

7.30pm – 12am daily

Outside the Museum

Do you remember the fun days of yesteryear spent playing outdoors and games with friends? For this year’s light-up installation, think back on simpler times and pose with some life-sized old-school games that we played when we were young(er). Invite your friends and family and reminisce about the joy of playing with chapteh, five stones, gasing (spinning tops) and country flag erasers! #NationalDayatNMS

*This installation will feature lights and some illumination, and visitors are encouraged to be careful at all times. For your safety, please do not remove or cross any barriers and heed all warning signs onsite. The museum will not be liable for any incidents that take place due to non-compliance to onsite safety measures. Please note that lights for the installation will not be turned on in the event of inclement weather.

National Day Scavenger Hunt

10am – 5.30pm (closed from 12pm – 1pm, final registration by 5pm)

Registration/Redemption at Glass Atrium, Level 2

Free, pre-registration recommended

Discover more about Singapore by taking part in this fun activity as you search for answers around the museum. Complete the hunt with all correct answers and stand a chance to redeem a token from the museum, while stocks last. This activity is suitable for all – family and friends or individuals!

*Registration and redemption stations will be closed for lunch from 12pm – 1pm. This programme is supported by Khong Guan Biscuits and is suitable for participants aged 13 and above. Children aged 12 and below are welcome and must be accompanied by parents. Pre-registration is encouraged via https://ndoh24hunt.peatix.com. Walk-in participation is subject to availability.

The Singapura Life by Sengkang Green Primary School

9.30am – 10.30am (priority slot for persons with disabilities)

10.30am – 4pm (for public)

Glass Atrium, Level 2

Free

Guided by friendly students from Sengkang Green Primary School, showcase your personality with activities about life in Singapore:

My Ethnic Costume

Our multiracial identity allows us to appreciate and celebrate different ethnicities. Dress your paper doll with a choice of costumes that represent Singapore’s major ethnicities. Assemble the doll and take it home to add personal touches to make your doll unique!

*While stocks last. Each child is allowed ONE My Ethnic Costume template and ONE postcard to allow more children to participate in this activity. 

Postcard Giveaway

Food and play are shared Singaporean experiences regardless of one’s race or religion. Choose from 4 different postcard designs featuring our hawker food and games that we played with while growing up, and share your experiences with friendly students from Sengkang Green Primary School! 

*While stocks last. This programme is supported by Sengkang Green Primary School and recommended for children aged 5 and above. The station will be closed for lunch from 12.30 – 1.30pm.

Design A Keychain

10am – 5.30pm (final entry by 4.45pm)

Outside Explore Room, Level 3

Use the unique technique of pouring paint to create your very own keychain! 

*While stocks last. This craft activity is suitable for participants aged 12 and above. Please note that this activity involves acrylic paint so please adhere to the facilitator’s instructions. Only ONE keychain is allowed per visitor to allow more participants for the activity.

My Dearest Friend; A Letter-Writing Activity

10am – 5.30pm

Get Curious Studio, Level 3

Get ready to unleash your creativity and reconnect through the art of letter writing at our upcoming drop-in activity! Join us for a casual and enjoyable session where you can craft heartfelt letters and messages to a loved one, friend or even to yourself, or simply enjoy the therapeutic act of putting pen to paper. Seal your letters with wax seals and look forward to them being received approximately 6 months later!

*While stocks last. Local postage only. This activity is suitable for participants aged 12 and above. There will be use of hot wax so please follow instructions onsite.

Craft Activity by STAEDTLER 9.30am – 10.30am (priority slot for persons with disabilities) 10.30am – 5.30pm (for public) Various locations Free

In this craft activity, pen messages and personalise designs inspired by the nation’s birthday before folding your creation into a unique fan inspired by traditional round fans of the past. *While stocks last. This programme is supported by STAEDTLER and recommended for children aged 5 and above. Each child is allowed only ONE set of craft materials to allow more children to participate in the activity. The station will be closed for lunch from 12.30 – 1.30pm.

National Day Colouring Competition

10am – 1pm (Registration at 9.30am)

Gallery Theatre, Basement Level

Free with refundable deposit of $10 per participating child

 

Unleash your creativity in this colouring competition featuring our local icons!  

*This competition is open to 50 children, aged 6 to 13 years. Participants are encouraged to bring your own colouring materials (dry materials only, no paint allowed) or purchase a colouring pack at $5, while stocks last.

**The programme and prizes are supported by STAEDTLER. Walk-ins allowed if spaces are available, however pre-event registration via https://nms-ndoh-colouring-competition.peatix.com is highly encouraged to secure your spot due to the limited slots.

Outdoor Sustainable Play

9.30am – 11.30am

Front Lawn, Level 1

Do you recall using everyday items found at home or at the void deck to play with friends and family? Together with Chapter Zero, we are bringing back this popular programme to encourage imaginative play and sensory experience for the young ones.

*Suitable for children ages 4 & up. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times and are encouraged to dress comfortably for outdoor playing. Programme will involve playing with water and grass. Please adhere to the instructions and directions of the facilitators onsite.

Inflatable Playgrounds

10am – 5pm

Bus Bay, Level 2

Bounce away on inflatable playgrounds featuring colourful and bright castles.

*Suitable for children ages 6 & up. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. In the event of overwhelming response, playtime limits may be imposed to manage the crowd. Please adhere to instructions by the crew onsite. This programme is supported by Families For Life.

National Day Special: Experience Reunion Intergenerational Tour

9.30am – 11am

Reunion, Level 1

Tickets

Grandparent-grandchild pair ticket $25.60 (incl. GST)

Individual grandchild ticket $12.80 (individual grandchild ticket has to be purchased with 1 initial grandparent-grandchild pair ticket)

Calling all grandparents and grandchildren! Join our Care Facilitator volunteers on an inter-generational conversational tour of our galleries and discover Reunion, the museum’s social space for seniors. Engage with the museum’s handling objects in the activity area and look forward to creating your own digital exhibition at our Memory Lane immersive interactive experience. Light refreshments will be provided.

*The tour is conversational in nature and allows participants to share their experiences and stories while exploring familiar items from the museum’s collection. The conversational tour is led by our museum’s Care Facilitator volunteers. Purchase your ticket via Peatix at https://nmsnatday-igtour.peatix.com.

Community Art Mural Photo Booth

10am – 5.30pm

Gallery Theatre Foyer, Basement Level

Pose and snap a photo with the unique art mural at our outdoor staircase, painted by museum visitors as part of NMS’s Singapore HeritageFest 2024! Commemorate your visit to the museum this National Day, and don’t forget to share your digital photograph with us on social media with the hashtag #NationalDayatNMS.

*Please expect longer waiting times during the peak periods from 11am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. Each person is allowed 1 printed photo. If you have a large group, you may be asked to return later to collect the prints.

A Lighter Side of History: Signed, Sealed, Delivered

2.30 – 4.30pm 

Gallery Theatre, Basement Level

$65 per ticket

Dear Knowledge Seekers, 

It is with great pleasure that we extend an invitation for you to join us on a journey to delve into the history of letter writing, tracing its evolution through time and the fascinating history of wax sealing, including its origins and significance through the ages.

During the programme, we will immerse ourselves in the art of crafting meaningful messages, allowing us to slow down and enjoy some self-care in the process, followed by decorating our beautiful messages with wax seal embellishments.

We eagerly anticipate the pleasure of your company as we embark on this journey together.

Warm regards

The National Museum of Singapore

 

*This programme is recommended for participants aged 13 and above. Limited spaces available. Purchase your tickets via Peatix at https://lsoh-wax-seals.peatix.com . There will be use of hot wax during the programme so please follow instructions onsite. Please note that photos and videos will be taken and may be used for future publicity.

Intergenerational Special: Wear (We’re) As One 

2.30pm – 3.30pm, 4pm – 5pm (1 hr per session)

Reunion, Level 1

$15 per family ticket

Join us for a multi-generational programme (an adaptation of Nat’s National Day Wish, presented in 2020) with fun and interactive activities for the young and young-at-heart to dress up together. The programme begins with a short video featuring a young boy, Nat, as he lives out his National Day wish of marching as a soldier with Papa and Yeye through our Singapore History Gallery, and learn about the history of National Service in Singapore. Be inspired and get creative in your multi-generational triad to dress up as ONE! 

*This programme is recommended for children aged 5 and above and invites active audience participation. Purchase your ticket via Peatix at https://nms-ndoh-wear-as-one.peatix.com. Participants will get to take home a multi-generational family bonding tool kit.  

**Each family ticket allows up to 5 persons, and must comprise at least 1 grandparent, 1 parent and 1 child. Tickets will be cancelled if ticket holders turn up without 1 grandparent, 1 parent and 1 child, and/or exceed the maximum capacity of 5 pax per ticket. 

Drum Performance

5pm – 5.20pm

Front Lawn, Level 1

Be sure to catch this heart-thumping performance just before the live telecast of the National Day Parade on our front lawn.

Writings on the Wall

10am – 7pm

Glass Atrium, Level 2

Share with us your thoughts on what is unique about Singapore and what the Singapore spirit means to you, and you might see your responses projected on the museum’s LED wall! 

Live Telecast of National Day Parade

5.30pm – 8pm (seated by 5.15pm)

Front Lawn, Level 1

Free

Have a picnic under the stars and enjoy a live telecast of the National Day Parade under the museum’s iconic Banyan tree with your family and friends.

*Visitors are encouraged to bring along your own mats, light bites and snacks to watch the live telecast but please ensure not to leave anything behind and to dispose of all food items and/or waste in the nearest bin.

Special offer by Cafe Brera

Enjoy a special offer presented by Café Brera to celebrate Singapore’s birthday!  Red Velvet Cream Cheese Muffin with black coffee / white coffee / tea, $9 only (excl GST). While stocks last.

Story of the Forest

10 Dec 2016 - 13 Oct 2024

Daily from 10am to 7pm | Last admission at 6.15pm

Glass Rotunda, Level 2

Free admission for Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and visitors aged 6 and below.

Step into our Glass Rotunda and lose yourself in the enchanted nightscapes of Story of the Forest. Inspired by the museum's treasured William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, the installation transforms 69 drawings from the collection into three-dimensional animations that invite you to interact up close with the wildlife and landscapes of 19th century Malaya.

Framed by the natural foliage of Fort Canning, our Glass Rotunda is a modern architectural response to our 19th century Neo-Palladian Rotunda that has existed since the museum’s opening in 1887. The second level of the original Rotunda is home to the Goh Seng Choo Gallery, dedicated to hosting the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings – our museum's most prized collection. Story of the Forest imbues it with new life, infusing Singapore's colonial past with present-day modernity.

Phew. That's a load of activities on National Day, better plan to arrive early if you intend to catch them all~~~ Don’t forget to tag the National Museum on social media with #NationalDayatNMS, with your lovely photo moments! Here's wishing all fellow Singaporeans, a Happy National Day!~!~~

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