20 ways to get cultured in Singapore

What is it? New World's End is OH! Open's permanent immersive art experience. 

Why go? It's a novel way to explore Singapore, particularly the rich history and heritage of Jalan Besar. This audio-guided walk combines fiction and history to reveal the stories of the neighbourhood, including that of a former attraction, New World Amusement Park. 

Don't miss The whole experience! Set against the backdrop of the now-defunct landmark in the 1960s, it starts at OH! Open House's home at 85 Desker Road before taking you down back alleys, hidden rooms and fantasy spaces where you'll uncover the secrets and romance of a pair of young lovers: cinema projectionist Kiran (voiced by Salif Hardie) and New World Cabaret dance hostess Rosa (voiced by Moira Loh). Lavish sets, an evocative soundtrack and captivating films really bring this experience to life. 

What is it? Originally built in 1936 as a military encampment for the British Army, this art cluster is a result of a $10-million renovation and the country's aggressive plans to become a global arts destination.

Why go? There are over ten galleries filled with cutting-edge art spread out across five buildings. Not to mention some chilled-out dining options, including Naked Finn, Handlebar, and Creamier. 

Don't miss There are plenty of galleries to explore, but some favourites include FOST Gallery, Sundaram Tagore Gallery and Ota Fine Arts. 

What is it? It's Southeast Asia's first Hall of Fame, that's what. Spread across Bali Lane and Ophir Road, the project was inspired by the precinct's iconic role in nurturing the local street art scene.

Why go? The Hall of Fame is splashed with the works of 17 Singapore-based artists, including Didier Jaba Mathieu, Slacsatu, ZERO and ANTZ alongside up-and-coming names like Jojie Atomick and Studio Moonchild. 

Don't miss After admiring the Hall of Fame, explore the rest of Kampong Gelam – the district is positively brimming with colourful murals, many by the Hall of Fame featured artists. 

What is it? The imposing building at 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace used to be the upper barracks of a police station. What was once the centre of surveillance and control (over the crime-ridden alleys of Chinatown), is now a hub of freedom and creativity. There's something poetic about that.

Why go? In sanitised and 'straight' Singapore, places like 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace are true gems, and one can easily spend a whole day there exploring the many unique creative workshops and studios, or even the occasional fair. 

Don't miss: Trying your hand at one of their many workshops, whether a taxidermy session or a pottery-on-the-wheel experience.

What is it? Embrace the rich heritage of the Peranakans – descendants of Chinese immigrants who married local Malay women from the Straits Settlements – with a tour of this shophouse residence of collector Alvin Yapp, 40, located along Joo Chiat Terrace.

Why go? The Intan tour lasts 90 minutes for tea or three hours for dinner, and Alvin’s mother prepares the authentic Nonya dishes. "The worst thing to ask a Peranakan boy is to recommend a Peranakan restaurant, because mother’s cooking is always the best. And also because we don’t eat Peranakan food outside," he says.

Don't miss: Besides a stunning collection of Peranakn furniture, costumes, and trinkets, the Intan also occasionally holds private parties, book launches and small concerts.

What is it? An art museum in the heart of Singapore that holds an extensive collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art.

Why go? Home to the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, the National Gallery Singapore is a result of combining the two structures. This beautifully restored space is now a whole new monument with over 8,000 works of art reflecting the heritage and art history of Singapore and surrounding regions lining its walls. There are various exhibitions taking place on a rotational basis to keep the visuals fresh.

Don’t miss: Download the Gallery Explorer Map, which doubles as your own personal digital tour guide around the art wonderland. 

What is it? A lotus-shaped museum located within the Marina Bay Sands showcasing high-tech artworks that seamlessly weaves art, science, design, architecture and technology.

Why go? Observe how the two seemingly contrasting entities – art and science – come together in the world’s first ArtScience Museum. Open your mind to the futuristic sphere of cutting-edge interactive installations and explore how art and science shape the world that we live in.

Don’t miss: Its permanent exhibition Future World is a mind-bender – it takes visitors on an interactive journey of lights, digital art, and magic. Together with digital art installations by teamLab, it features over 170,000 LED lights that change colours, as well as an 8-metre-tall digital waterfall where water particles tumble down logs in accordance with the laws of physics.

What is it? The largest museum in the city, it comprises two main galleries – the National Museum of Singapore History Gallery and Modern Colony Gallery – that takes you back to Singapore's past.

Why go? The Singapore History Gallery, which traces the history of Singapore from its beginnings in the 14th century to the present day, and the Singapore Living Galleries, which focus on four lifestyle themes – food, fashion, film and photography. It’s also worth a visit just for the building, an imposing neoclassical structure, complemented by modern glass additions.

Don’t miss: Look out for film screenings, massive art installations and more at its lush outdoors.

What is it? One of Singapore's largest and most impressive museums with seven galleries showcasing more than 2,000 artefacts from the civilisations of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia.

Why go? The first floor of galleries charts the story of trade across the region, while the second floor presents systems of faith and belief, and the third features materials and design used in Chinese ceramics from the Han to the Qing dynasty.

Don’t miss: Grab a colourful activity booklet at the museum which comes complete with stickers and postcards, and follow the trails to discover how the different faiths and beliefs were spread across Asia through religious art.

What is it? The museum houses a collection of rare sauropod dinosaur fossils and a million zoological specimens belonging to at least 10,000 species. 

Why go? A dinosaur fossil, a sperm whale skeleton, the only specimen of the largest species of turtle ever recorded, and an Asian Brown Flycatcher specimen collected by the famed British naturalist Alfred Wallace himself – these are just some of the highlights you’ll see here.

Don’t miss: Surrounding the museum are four gardens such as the Phylogenetic garden, which charts the evolution of plants and habitats. The other gardens – themed after mangroves, swamps, and dryland forests – feature plants that are unique to these habitats.

What is it? This 160-year-old building used to be the royal seat and palace of the last Sultan of Singapore but now houses the rich heritage of Singapore’s Malay community with six permanent galleries spanning two levels of the centre. The centre is temporarily closed for revamp works.

Why go? Learn all about Kampong Glam’s glory days as a booming port town before Raffles landed in 1819 and walk the down the paths where royalty once stood.

Don’t miss: Even as the Malay Heritage Centre remains shut for now, you can still learn more about the Malay community at Geylang Serai Heritage Gallery. It is curated by the Malay Heritage Centre along with support from the Malay Heritage Foundation and offers visitors a greater look into Geylang's history and heritage. FYI, the area is also one of Singapore's oldest Malay settlements besides Kampong Glam.

What is it? New to the cultural scene, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) first opened doors in 2017.

Why go? The centre teams up with arts and cultural groups and community partners around the city to showcase the rich Chinese culture through engaging exhibitions, performances, workshops, and more.

Don’t miss: Its inaugural permanent exhibition Singapo人: Discovering Chinese Singaporean Culture which debuted in March this year. Explore what it means to be uniquely Chinese Singaporean through five specially curated interactive zones that spotlight elements that shaped the distinctive Chinese Singaporean identity – from food, language, and traditions to popular culture and music.

What is it? With a glowing glass façade inspired by stepwells that are commonly found in South Asia, the Indian Heritage Centre is a museum with a wealth of artifacts dotted around its five galleries.

Why go? It documents and explores the history and culture of Indians, especially in relation to Singapore, all the way from the 1st century to the present day.

Don’t miss: Navigate through the special exhibition, From the Coromandel Coast to the Straits - Revisiting Our Tamil Heritage, for a collection of narratives that recount the experiences of Tamil diasporas in Southeast Asia and Singapore from pre-modern to contemporary times.

What is it? The revamped gallery in Katong gives an insight into the lives of the Eurasian community in Singapore.

Why go? The Eurasian community is one of the main ethnicities in Singapore and remains a significant thread in the nation's social fabric. The gallery is a great place to learn about the community's most prominent personalities, history, and culture – which includes weddings, traditional outfits, and cuisine, among others.

Don't miss The best way to get to know the community is none other than mingling with its people via the cultural events it holds throughout the year. Past events include the Eurasian Festival, workshops as well as dinner and dance parties.