Asian Civilisations Museum

Asian Civilisations Museum

Asian Civilisations Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The Asian Civilisations Museum is devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. Founded in 1993 and in its present building by the Singapore River since 2003, the museum traces its roots to the Raffles Museum, founded in the middle of the 19th century. ACM focuses on the many historical connections between the cultures of Asia, and between Asia and the world. Singapore’s history as a port city that brought people together from all over the world is used as a means of examining the history of Asia. Special exhibitions bring magnificent objects from around the world to our Singapore audience. Programmes like the annual River Nights encourage visitors to connect more closely with culture and the arts.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Admission tickets
from
$12.04
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The area

Address
Neighborhood: City Hall
How to get there
  • Raffles Place • 5 min walk
  • Telok Ayer • 9 min walk
Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • Jeff K
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania2,476 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good not Great
    I liked this museum but didn’t love it. The main areas of emphasis when we visited were the Southeast Asian trade routes and the development of different religions in the region. They have an impressive collection of artifacts, most of which are in great condition. I found it difficult, however, to completely follow the history of trade and religion. It seemed disjointed to me and would benefit from more informative signage. It was also a little confusing as to which order you should see the different rooms. I’m sure some people will love the place but I preferred the Singapore National History Museum and the National Gallery Singapore.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 11, 2024
  • Elwell Family
    Colchester, United Kingdom12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent Museum, Almost Too Much to See
    We spent around thre hours in this museum, and it wasn't enough time. You could easily spend twice that in there. There are so many exhibits, in the various different rooms. We didn't even see all the rooms, there was so much to see. It's all well laid out, with lots of good explanatory notes. Of special interest for us was the displays showing the old trade routes and the religious history, but really there is so much for everyone. We would definitely go back in the future.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 12, 2024
  • Travellingdoc
    London, United Kingdom13,460 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good museum
    Ticketing was rather poor. There was issue with paying with the credit card and we were there for ages whilst they fuffed about trying to solve the issue Rather interesting exhibition on the antiquity findings of a sunken Tang Ship. The other floors of textile and jewellery , religious artifacts was also very good. The interactive station was excellent and could with more of that.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 29, 2024
  • Daniela B
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    To visit if you have time
    It is an interesting visit in which you learn a lot. It's not one of the best museums I've visited (I personally think it's a bit poor), but it offers an insight into Asian culture and religions that I've enjoyed. It wouldn't be one of the "top" activities that I would visit on a short stay, but it is worth it if you have time or if you need a break from the heat and spend some time in an air-conditioned area.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 14, 2024
  • Kris T
    143 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well curated, worth a visit
    The museum is definitely worth a visit. There is a lot of well curated history of Singapore displayed. The ship wreck part was surely the highlight, I did enjoy the religion display as well. The inconvenience was that there were school children visiting and having a class there. Whilst I appreciate that they benefit from this kind of activity, they were terribly noisy and it did affect the experience.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 14, 2024
  • Wikumj
    Redhill, United Kingdom432 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not a must see but one of the few good museums in Singapore
    One of the better museums in Singapore with historical and religious artefacts. The bottom floor is centred on artefacts recovered from shipwrecks in the area highlighting Singapore's role in maritime trade. The second floor is the highlight as it features religious artefacts from different religions in the areas, which was interesting to learn about as that part of the work is such a melting pot of different religions.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 2, 2024
  • spedubec
    Bologna, Italy5,804 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exhibition of pagoda models.
    This afternoon we visited this splendid and very rich museum in Singapore which retraces the fundamental stages of Asian civilisation, with particular reference to the Far Eastern one. I found the Christian art sector in Asia exciting. The display of the pagoda models that were brought to the San Francisco Expo in 1915 in the Chinese pavilion is very interesting; these models ended up in a warehouse and after more than a century they have now been redisplayed for the first time in this museum. Unmissable.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 5, 2024
  • Jierre
    London, United Kingdom696 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great museum for kids and adults alike
    The museum feels much bigger than it looks from the outside. It offers great exhibitions on different religions, maritime, pottery, jewellery etc. The special pagoda Odyssey exhibition on 31 May and 1 June 2024 was very well organised too. There was also VR experience of visitor going into a pagoda and riding a dragon. Loved it.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 6, 2024
  • PL28401
    116 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great museum exploring cultural connections
    This museum is gem hidden in plain sight! As the website states, the museum "focuses on the many historical connections between cultures and civilisations in Asia, and between Asia and the world." We were able to participate in one of the free tours, and our guide gave us an excellent introduction to the museum and its collections. The ticket gives you access all day, so I went back later that afternoon to spend more time looking at the collections. Definitely take the tour if you visit.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 6, 2024
  • Lee
    Singapore, Singapore114 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pagoda odyssey exhibition
    I attended a recent exhibition that I went at Asian Civilisation Museum called Pagoda Odyssey. It is a collective of pagodas made from photo references from all over China and other countries for San Francisco Expo in 1915. The craftsmen are male orphans who were abandoned by their parents and were taken to Tushanwan orphanage and workshop in Shanghai to learn a craft skill. It’s really rare moment to view these beautiful pieces again upfront and close curated from various museums and private collectors. There are also other permanent galleries such as Maritime Trade which I highly recommend to visit. It showcases a collection of ceramics and coins savaged from the Tang Shipwreck dating back to 9th century. It also tells us about the Trade and Maritime silk routes which very informative and well curated through displays of artwork and artefacts.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written July 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,253 reviews
Excellent
1,228
Very good
773
Average
215
Poor
30
Terrible
7

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Princes of travel
Paris, France7,563 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
The museum is located in the heart of Singapore, not far from the marina. Entrance costs $25 (around €18) per person. Open daily, closes later on Friday.

Broken down into several thematic areas, we start with the archaeological part concerning the wreck found near Singapore, the history of the city with all the discoveries of Singapore. Upstairs, religions and cults, pottery, earthenware, objects of daily life, statues, etc.
A part is also dedicated to Christian art, an area exhibits haute couture clothing in a temporary exhibition.

The museum is very well done and friendly. The objects are well highlighted. There are good English explanations in all exhibition areas. The staff is friendly, welcoming, there is a cloakroom where you can put your things. Allow a good 2 hours.
Google
Written October 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Silvia Zuegg
Italy690 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
We visited this museum on the first day of our stay in Singapore. The cost per person is 25 Singapore dollars for an adult ticket (in case you want to have something at the bar the ticket gives a discount). If you don't want to do the sightseeing yourself there are volunteers who give guided tours, we took advantage of this option and it seemed very valid as there are no explanations of all the objects. The guided tour lasts about an hour and various objects are on display including the finds of a shipwreck and various statues of sacred art from the various religions of this area of Asia. Worth a visit.
Google
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD11,056 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
This 2006 museum has expanded the 1865 Empress Palace Building.
After paying US$15 for 2 seniors, we were presented with a guide and took the elevator to Level #2. Its 5 rooms focused on Ancient Religions; outstanding exhibits included a 4th C Taxilla Buddah, 5th C 5-faced Indian Linga, 6th C Chinese stele & a 9th C gold/silver Lord from Champa.
Walking up to Level #3, a jewelry foom featured a fascinating collection of gold bridal wear, a Textile room showed a perfect Indian 16th C “Dancing Woman” cotton ceremonial cloth & the Ceramic room had an earthenware Chinese Tower from 225.
The entry Level #1 displayed numerous exquisite 17th C cabinets/bureaus/boxes although its primary focus was the ceramic artifacts from the 9th C 59’ Tang shipwreck discovered 360 miles south of Singapore in 1998.
Nice cafe in this very good museum.
Written November 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Heath
Singapore, Singapore566 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 • Solo
After all, since the National Museum of Singapore is in that state (there is nothing to see), I would recommend this one in the sense that you can see all the precious artifacts of Asian countries together. However, it is not so much as a trip to Singapore to visit. At the end of the day, I was like, "This!" It is tough not to have such a centerpiece display. The building is a beautiful, historic colonial-style western-style building, so is this the best thing to see? It was interesting to see the exhibition of "treading pictures" that tell the history of Christianity prohibition in Japan.
Automatically translated
Written January 18, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Derrick Aw
Singapore, Singapore1,291 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
The best part of this museum was the tang shipwreck section - items especially the bowls were artistically displayed.

The little bit of interaction was the DIY design, but that’s available only because of Andrew Gn exhibition. By the way, I felt his exhibition was probably more appropriate for national gallery.

Overall the info presented with just right. Lots of people around for you to ask questions or seek directions.

Nice to spend two to three hours here. Can come after eating at Prive restaurant as it gives you an entrance fee discount (locals get free entrance).
Written July 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mjail5
Perth, Australia1,399 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
We spent 5 hours in the Museum and this was still not enough. I particularly enjoyed the Shipwreck section on the Ground Floor. We also went on both the Batik Kita Tour (which is the current Special Exhibition) and the General Tour which was back to back. The Batik Kita tour took about 50mins that I did not have much time to casually go through the exhibition before having to join the General Tour.

We did find the SGD 25 on the high side as quite often Museums are free to visit worldwide.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jeky
42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Couples
When I paid the entrance fee, they offered me a Japanese Guided tour, so I joined. I think you need a lot of prior knowledge to understand this museum exhibition, but I was much better with the knowledgeable Guide! Thanks to you, I understand very well the currents and characteristics of East and West culture. There are many exhibits from countries other than Singapore, but I enjoyed them with great interest.
Automatically translated
Written September 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WatchingTVintheHotel
Singapore13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Went with 2x under 12yo kids. Wasn't expecting much but our trio left impressed.

The collection was vast and varied and well announced. There was a fair mix that wasn't overwhelming or overindulging. It's not a full day activity for casual visitors. We left after 90min as the kids didn't like the darker lit galleries but they too were enthralled by many of the displays and reading the write ups. If I went with just adults, this could occupy a good 3hours enough - a decent reprieve from Singapore afternoon sun.

We enjoyed the white ceramics room at L3 the most as the collection from the donor family was rather unique.

The main exhibit of the Tang shipwreck is well written up for casual visitors. There was a more indepth book on the wreckage at the gallery for reading up for those more interested.

There is a lovely cafe within the building, and chilled water coolers at the basements to refill before heading off to the next venue. For gallery lovers, it's a 5min walk to/from the National Gallery.

Easily accessible by train or MRT. Better than some of the other museums in Singapore. Recommend it for anyone with some interest in Asian past.

We give it a thumbs up. Additional thumbs up for the fact the wafer ice cream vendor usually parks himself right at the entrance.
Written December 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dew D
Bangkok, Thailand282 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Solo
A great museum for those interested in history, though entrance fer for foreigners is a bit pricey, $25 . A nice way to.spend time indoors especially on a rainy day. Recommended scenic walk along Clark Quay afterwards.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

matthow
Newport, UK443 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 • Solo
Some world class exhibitions here. Good displays and very clear explanations with a good flow through the museum's spaces. The exhibition of local tribal cultures to the singapore/ malay/ indonesian area was especially fascinating as these are cultures i knew nothing about and the exhibits were very interesting. The shipwreck ceramics also were incredible, especially considering the age of the shipwreck and how fresh they still looked.
Written January 9, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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