When thinking of museums in Singapore, one’s thoughts often go straight to Singapore’s National Museum. Well, Singapore actually holds way more precious knowledge, history and culture beyond just that found in the National Museum of Singapore. Throughout Singapore are scattered various museums that house artefacts, knowledge and fascinating material to study. In this article there are five examples of such precious and interesting museums in Singapore for you to venture out to and explore!
Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
The NUS Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is the one paid museum on our list. At an affordable price of $10 (booking fee inclusive) per ticket with a student pass, we found it worth the cost. Located in NUS and easily accessible by Bus 151, the museum is home to a comprehensive display of specimens.
Lining almost every wall on level one, the specimens are organised in zones dedicated to different parts of the Tree of Life. Meanwhile, the second floor is dedicated to the collections of English travellers that have journeyed through South-East Asia. With the help of audiovisual aids and interactive elements, one can get an enriching experience learning about the field of scientific research (and reminisce about the easier times of learning primary school science… ). It was so surreal feeling the rough texture of an elephant skull, and standing under the three iconic dinosaur skeletons located at the heart of the museum. With little crowds and ample space, the tranquil atmosphere was also a definite plus as we took our time to admire the specimens.
Fuk Tak Chi Museum
Located just a 2-minute walk from the Telok Ayer MRT Station, the Fuk Tak Chi Museum offers a unique museum-going experience.
Diving into the history of the Fuk Tak Chi Museum, we were surprised to find out that Fuk Tak Chi was initially a temple when it was built in the 1820s. Fuk Tak Chi was a temple devoted to the deity Tua Pek Kong and Chinese immigrants would come to Fuk Tak Chi to pray for a safe journey ahead. However, as the infrastructure worsened, Fuk Tak Chi had to close down in 1994. In 1998, it was redeveloped and reopened to the public as a museum, then redeveloped once more in 2015, to install new waterproofing technologies and restore the decorative features of the museum. It is now known as the Fuk Tak Chi Museum, becoming Singapore’s first street museum.
At first glance, the exterior of the Fuk Tak Chi Museum looks just like any other temple. Parts of the temple were preserved, such as the intricate designs of the temple’s walls and roofs. On the doors, there are images of the door god （门神）, which protect the temple from evil. A statue of a coolie carrying goods can be seen standing under the patio（天井) from the entrance. Traditionally, besides the aesthetics of the patio, the patio also has other uses like allowing for natural sunlight to enter, providing ventilation, and also serves as a way to collect rainwater for residents to use.
Behind the structure of a statue, a diorama of the old Telok Ayer Street can be seen. The miniatures were well-crafted and very detailed. For example, in the miniature Fuk Tak Chi Temple, lights are seen flickering. Miniatures can be seen busy working or carrying out their day-to-day activities, and details such as the vandalism on the walls of buildings were meticulously depicted as well. Since this was a miniature of Telok Ayer Street in Singapore’s early days, the miniature Fuk Tak Chi Temple faces the sea, which would later be reclaimed and transformed into the Telok Ayer we know today.
Against the wall furthest from the entrance, a display of a ship model can be seen, with the words “一帆风顺” seen on the ship’s mast, a Chinese phrase typically used to wish one a smooth sailing journey.
Next to the model is a door leading to the Amoy Hotel, a hotel inspired by the Zhangzhou settlers in Singapore. Furthermore, behind the Amoy Hotel is the Far East Square, which offers a variety of cuisines. Due to the location of the Fuk Tak Chi Museum, many office workers would cut through the museum to get to their destination.
Overall, since the Fuk Tak Chi is a small street museum of approximately 155 sqm, it would be a good visit if you happen to be in the area and are interested in street museums, as it does not take too long to explore the whole museum and also offers a change in scenery due to its unique infrastructure.
Peranakan Museum
The Peranakan Museum is located on Armenian Street. It was formerly the Tao Nan School built in 1912, before being developed into the Asian Civilisation Museum (the old ACM) in 1994. In 2008, the overwhelming popularity of the Peranakan display in the old ACM led to its redevelopment into the Peranakan Museum today.
The Peranakan Museum is undoubtedly the best location to head to for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of the Peranakan heritage and culture. It is home to the world’s finest collection of Peranakan artefacts. As one walks through ten storeys of the building, one can take closer looks at artefacts such as cultural jewellery, stylish furniture and unique textiles.
Gallery 1 is titled Origins, and provides an introduction to Peranakan culture and to various Peranakan communities in Singapore, Malacca, Penang and Southeast Asia. Visitors to the subsequent rooms will learn about the story of the traditional 12-day Peranakan wedding, where significant ceremonies like the lap chai (exchange of gifts) and chiu thau (coming of age) are presented. Visitors can also see the elaborate wedding chamber and a wedding procession taking place indoors on Level 2.
Hearing the word “Peranakan”, many would first think of the delectable Peranakan dishes. In the gallery of Ceramics and Food Culture, visitors can learn more about the background of Peranakan dishes popular among many Singaporeans, as well as other culturally significant dishes. There is also a floor-to-ceiling display of Peranakan nyonya ware that features traditional designs of bowls and plates used by the Peranakan community.
Another prominent exhibition amidst the array of showcases in the museum is Gallery 8. Titled ‘Public Life’, it details the commerce, politics and social affairs of Peranakans in Singapore's history, allowing visitors to gain a better understanding of their culture and way of life.
All in all, the Peranakan Museum is definitely worth a visit for anyone who is keen on learning more about the Peranakan Heritage. Being a significant part of the Singaporean community, gaining insights on the Peranakan culture also provides us with a deeper understanding on our society’s history and culture.
Indian Heritage Centre
Nestled in the heart of Little India, the Indian Heritage Centre has opened its doors to visitors since May 2015. The four storey building stands proud whilst echoing the stories of history as it illuminates Campbell Lane. The centre aims to capture the stories of pioneering Indians and their contributions to our vibrant country of Singapore.
The exhibitions are spread over two storeys, with five permanent galleries which are sure to captivate visitors. Starting in the 1st century the museum brings you on a historical journey from South Asia to Southeast Asia. The five permanent exhibits are displayed and open for viewing all year round. Moreover, the Centre also hosts seasonal exhibitions such as the recent Deepavali exhibits and open house, in addition to special exhibitions that showcase more unique stories and groups of people such as the Chitti Indians.
However, the 5 permanent exhibits hold the heart and soul of the Indian Heritage Centre, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of the Indian community in singapore.
Early contact: Interactions between South Asia and Southeast Asia
This exhibit spans over 18 centuries to tell the story of early Indians. It mainly examines trade between the Indian subcontinent and the extensive Malay archipelago. Furthermore it also uncovers the various religious connections and relationships in the growingly diverse and rich landscape.
Hindu Statues
Roots and Routes: Origins and Migration
The second part of the exhibit explores the lives and stories of Indian immigrants from the 19th to 21th century. It features deep,personal stories of culture, religion and immigration to a new land. As you are welcomed into the exhibit with a magnificent and glorious ‘chettinad’ style wooden door and archway, be prepared to meet the early Indians of Singapore.
Pioneers: Early indians in Singapore and Malaya
This next portion highlights the lives and contributions of the Indian communities through the establishment of institutions, religious monuments and organisations in the early years of the Straits Settlements.
Social and Political awakenings of Indians in Singapore and Malaya
This section of the exhibition is dedicated to the Indians of the political landscape. On the brink of independence and the devastating impacts of World War 2, take a walk through the stories of politics in a volatile environment. Learn how the Indian independence movement and anti-colonial sentiments around the world impacted Singapore in the mid-20th century.
Key Indian political figures Nehru and Ghandi
Making of the nation: Contributions of Indians in Singapore
The final part of the exhibits concludes by exploring the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora in Singapore. Learn about impactful leaders such as S R Nathan and Devan Nair; and how a new Singaporean identity was formed within the community.
The Indian Heritage centre is an amazing place to learn and spend the day with your family with free admissions and activity. There is something for everyone! The centre preserves the important and vibrant history of Singaporean Indians and their continued contributions to nation building. This is a must visit for all!
Conclusion
We have explored four of Singapore’s 50 museums, and as much as we’d love to rave on and on about the others, we shall leave them to you to explore and draw your own conclusions on them. Hopefully this article has been insightful to you and opened your eyes to all the knowledge and history that Singapore has to offer behind the doors of its plethora of museums!
Written by: Koh Yu-Fei (HCI 23A12), Tan Yie Jun (HCI 23S63), Bernita Rayen (EJC 23-I1)
Comments