National Museum of Singapore
7th Dec 2006
Standford Road
Singapore

About

At 119 years old, the National Museum of Singapore is Singapore’s oldest museum with the youngest and most innovative soul.  Designed to be the people’s museum, the National Museum of Singapore prides itself on introducing cutting edge and varied ways of presenting history to redefine conventional museum experience.

More than just a space for exhibitions and artefacts, the National Museum will also distinguish itself through its challenging and vibrant festivals and events that will unleash new creative possibilities in culture and heritage. This programming will be supported by a wide range of facilities and services including F&B, retail, Resource Centre, Gallery Theatre and the Public Sculpture Garden, among others.  With a rich history dating back to 1887, the National Museum of Singapore has been closed since April 2003 for redevelopment and was officially opened by His Excellency S R Nathan, President of Republic of Singapore on 7th December 2006.

Milestones

1887
The museum was initiated as a double entity – the Raffles Library and Museum, by the Governor of the Straits Settlements, Sir Frederick Weld when Singapore was part of the British Straits Settlements. It was known for its natural history collection of Southeast Asia as well as its ethnology and archaeology collections.

1942 – 1945
During World War II, the Raffles Library and Museum managed to stay intact under the charge of Japanese vulcanologist Professor Hideko Tanakadate, who was on friendly terms with General Yamashita, the Commander of the conquering Japanese Army.

1960
The Museum separated from the library and was renamed the Raffles Museum. Following Singapore's independence in 1965, the name National Museum was adopted to reflect the Museum's pivotal role in nation building.

1993
The National Museum became part of the National Heritage Board (NHB). NHB's National Museum arm comprises three component museums - the Singapore History Museum, the Singapore Art Museum and the Asian Civilisations Museum as well as a subsidiary museum, the Singapore Philatelic Museum. Only the Singapore History Museum is housed in the historically-rich National Museum building.

2003
The 116 year old National Museum at Stamford Road was closed on April 28 for the multi-million redevelopment project, which includes the building of a new purpose-built extension to complement the refurnished existing building. The Museum was re-located to Riverside Point and launched the Rivertales exhibition.

2004
The Foundation Stone of the new National Museum of Singapore was officially laid on November 25.

2005
On November 28, the National Museum of Singapore pronounces the structural completion of the building with the Topping Off Ceremony, announcing that the Museum will re-open in December 2006.