How to delve into Singapore's abundant cultural legacy

Singaporean culture is a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences, reflecting its rich history as a key trading port. The city-state values multiculturalism, as seen in its festivals, cuisine, and languages. Independence in 1965 spurred rapid economic growth.

National Museum of Singapore

After settling into your choice of coliving Singapore accommodation, such as the lyf Funan Singapore, it's time to head out for an adventure! The National Museum of Singapore is the country's oldest museum, dating back to 1887. It’s housed in a grand colonial building with a modern glass extension, symbolising Singapore’s blend of old and new. The museum’s Singapore History Gallery is a must-see, providing a comprehensive overview of the nation’s history from the 14th century to the present day. Interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and historical artefacts bring Singapore’s past to life. Highlights include the Story of the Forest, a stunning immersive installation, and the Life in Singapore galleries, which explore everyday life in different eras. The museum also hosts various temporary exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, making each visit unique.

Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park is a historic hilltop park that has seen many of Singapore's most significant historical events. The park, which was once the location of a 14th-century Malay kingdom and then a British military installation, is today a popular recreational space with a rich history. The park contains various historical structures, including the Fort Gate, which is the relic of a 19th-century fort, and the Battlebox, which is a former WWII subterranean command centre that has been converted into a museum. The park also includes the ASEAN Sculpture Garden, which showcases works by Southeast Asian artists, and the Spice Garden, which was inspired by Singapore's colonial-era spice farms.

Chinatown Heritage Centre

The Chinatown Heritage Centre, located in the heart of Chinatown, offers a glimpse into the lives of early Chinese immigrants in Singapore. The museum is set within three restored shophouses, with exhibits spread across three floors, recreating the living conditions and daily routines of Chinatown’s past residents. Visitors can explore authentic recreations of shophouse interiors, from cramped living quarters to bustling kitchens and shops. The museum’s exhibits also cover the various trades and industries that thrived in Chinatown, as well as personal stories of hardship and resilience. It’s a poignant reminder of the immigrant spirit that helped shape modern Singapore.

Malay Heritage Centre

The Malay Heritage Centre, located in Kampong Glam and situated in a former royal palace, provides information about Singapore's Malay community's history and culture. The centre's exhibitions span a wide range of topics, from traditional arts and crafts to Kampong Glam's history and relevance as a Malay-Muslim community. Highlights include artefact-rich galleries, interactive displays, and a replica of a traditional Malay dwelling. The Center also conducts cultural events, workshops, and festivals, making it a thriving centre for Malay heritage and culture.

The Battlebox

Located within Fort Canning Park, the Battlebox is an underground bunker that served as the British command centre during the Battle of Singapore in World War II. The fall of Singapore to the Japanese in 1942 is considered one of Britain’s greatest military defeats. The Battlebox has been meticulously restored and transformed into a museum, offering guided tours that provide an in-depth look at the events leading up to Singapore’s surrender. Visitors can explore the labyrinth of rooms, including the operations room and the room where the decision to surrender was made. The exhibits include wartime artefacts, photographs, and multimedia displays that bring the dramatic history to life.

Peranakan Museum

The Peranakan Museum celebrates the culture of the Peranakan people, ancestors of Chinese immigrants who settled in the Malay Archipelago, including Singapore, and intermarried with indigenous Malays. Housed in a magnificently restored 1912 building, the museum provides an intimate glimpse into Peranakan culture, art, and lifestyle.