By Greg Rodgers
Asia Travel Expert, about.com
[post_ads_2]Many museums in Singapore are free in the late evenings and some have free admission during holidays and special events.
Alternatively, consider purchasing a three-day pass for S$20; the pass will save you money if you intend to see all the museums or to visit several more than once. Every museum offers discounts for seniors and groups.
The museums in Singapore are clustered fairly close together, with only a five-minute walk between each. The museums below are listed in order based on walking a circuit to see each. Admission prices are in Singapore dollars.
1. Singapore Art Museum[post_ads_2]
While Singapore wasn't always known for its progressive or contemporary art, the Singapore Art Museum is doing their best to change that. The museum houses the world's largest collection of modern Southeast Asian art. From film to experimental medias, you won't find the typical stuffy paintings here![post_ads_2]The Singapore Art Museum offers free guided tours during the week; call +65 6332-3220.
- Admission: S$10
- Hours: Monday to Sunday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Get There: Three minutes walking from the Bras Basah MRT stop; ten minutes walking from City Hall MRT.
- Promotions: Admission is free on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
2. National Museum of Singapore[post_ads_2]
The National Museum of Singapore is Singapore's oldest museum, dating back to 1887. The museum more or less covers the inception of Singapore along with cultural interests and national pride.Festivals and events are regularly held on the grounds of the museum.
The National Museum of Singapore arranges free guided tours; call +65 6332-3659.
- Admission: S$10
- Hours: History Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the Singapore Living Galleries are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
- Get There: Five minute walk from the Bras Basah MRT station; ten minutes walk from the City Hall MRT station; five minutes walk from the Singapore Art Museum.
- Promotions: Free admission to the Living Galleries after 6 p.m.
3. Peranakan Museum[post_ads_2]
The Peranakan Museum is considered the authority on Peranakan culture in the world. Also known as Straits Chinese, the Peranakans were the early Chinese immigrants to Indonesia during the 15th and 16th centuries who eventually settled in Malaysia and Singapore.The Peranakan Museum hosts collections of artifacts, furniture, and era clothing.
- Admission: S$6
- Hours: Mondays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; the museum is open until 9 p.m. on Fridays.
- Get There: Five minutes walking from the Bras Basah MRT station; five minutes walking from the National Museum of Singapore.
- Promotions: Half off admission on Fridays after 7 p.m.
4. Singapore Philatelic Museum[post_ads_2]
Philately is the study of stamps and postage history. Strangely, the Singapore Philatelic Museum focuses on exactly that and somehow manages to keep a visit interesting. Even if you do not have an interest in stamps, the photos on the stamps all relate to historic events and happenings of cultural significance.Before leaving the museum, try printing your own personalized stamps to give as souvenirs.
- Admission: S$5
- Hours: Mondays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Get There: Five minutes walking from the Bras Basah MRT station; ten minutes walk from the Peranakan Museum.
- Promotions: Families receive 25% off of admission.
5. Asian Civilizations Museum[post_ads_2]
The sprawling Asian Civilizations Museum deserves a dedicated afternoon. The museum traces the cultural histories of not just Singapore, but nearly all of Asia. Displays are well constructed and presented beautifully. Anyone of Asian descent can spend hours inside of the Asian Civilizations Museum learning more about their heritage.The museum offers free guided tours; call +65 6332-2982.
- Admission: S$8
- Hours: Mondays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; open unil 9 p.m. on Fridays.
- Get There: Five minutes walk from the Raffles MRT station; 15 minutes walk from the Singapore Philatelic Museum.
- Promotions: Discounted admission after 7 p.m. on Fridays.
