Most foreigners and tourists only know Singapore as “garden city”, “lion city” or “food haven”. Many people only know about Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa and Orchard Road, but Singapore has much more to offer than just sightseeing.
Singapore is one of the few countries in the world that is truly multi-cultural. Singapore is mainly made up of four races – Chinese, Indians, Malays and Eurasians.
In this and subsequent posts, let me show you places where you can learn more about the colorful multi-racial culture of Singapore.
We have already learnt about Singapore’s history at National Museum of Singapore. We have also taken a closer look at how early Chinese, Indians and Malay immigrants arrived and survived in Singapore at Chinatown Heritage Centre, Indian Heritage Centre and Malay Heritage Centre respectively. Our last stop is Asian Civilisations Museum, to explore the rich artistic heritage of Asia.
Located next to Parliament House, Asian Civilizations Museum stands proudly on the bank of Singapore River.
Asian Civilizations Museum is free for Singapore citizens, permanent residents, Singapore citizens and permanent residents with disability and first caregiver and children 6 years old and below.
Foreign residents and tourists pay S$8, foreign students and seniors pay S$4, foreign tourist with disability and first caregiver pay S$4.
There are altogether 3 stories, but the third floor is currently undergoing renovation. The exhibits are organized by themes, each floor explores a different theme.
The 1st floor explores trade in Asia. The Tang Shipwreck was discovered in 1998 near Belitung Island. It contained more than 60000 Tang Dynasty ceramics, gold and silver bound for Iran and Iraq. This provides proof that there was strong commercial links between China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The six galleries on level 2 shows how systems of faith and belief spread across Asia. The Ancient Religions Galleries feature the major religions of India – Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The Scholarly Gallery explores Chinese systems of belief and philosophy – Confucianism and Daoism. The Christian Art Gallery explores Asian Christian art. The Islamic Art Gallery presents an overview of Islamic concepts and applications of art. The Ancestors and Rituals presents the cultures and traditions of both mainland and island Southeast Asia. The Special Exhibitions Gallery hosts ACM’s collaboration with international partners.
Asian Civilizations Museum
Address: 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Telephone: 63327798
Opening Hours: Saturday – Thursday 10am – 7pm, Friday 10am – 9pm
Website: https://www.acm.org.sg”