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Explore the diverse collection of Asian art, ranging from ancient relics to contemporary pieces. Don’t miss the Singapore River gallery and the special exhibitions showcasing Southeast Asian culture and history. It's also worth visiting the museum’s outdoor courtyard for a relaxing break.
Located at 39 Armenian Street, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is a collection of artifacts showcasing Singapore's diverse history and ethnic integration. It is the only museum in the region dedicated solely to exploring traditional Asian art, particularly the culture of Singapore's ancestors. Split into two buildings—one housed in the former Tao Nan School site and the other at the original Singapore Heritage Museum site at Empress Place—the museum showcases the exploration and evolution of civilizations across the region over two centuries, as well as cultural heritage from Southeast Asia and Islamic countries.
All seasons
2-3 hours
Adults are SGD 8, students are SGD 4, and children under 6 years old are free.
Friday night 19:00-21:00 half price
10:00-19:00 (Saturday-Thursday, January 1-December 31);
10:00-21:00 (January 1st - Friday, December 31st)
The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) showcases the rich history and diverse cultures of Asia, particularly focusing on Singapore's connections with Asia’s ancient civilizations. The museum was established to reflect Singapore’s role as a cultural hub, and its collection spans over 5,000 years of history across various Asian cultures.
Located at 1 Empress Place, Singapore, the museum is easily accessible via the Raffles Place MRT station (East West Line and North South Line), about a 10-minute walk away. You can also reach it by bus or taxi, with convenient drop-off points near the museum.
The museum is open from 10 AM to 7 PM daily, with extended hours until 9 PM on Fridays. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays.
The standard admission fee is around 10 SGD for adults, with free entry for Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, and children. Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s entrance or online via their official website.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary unless you're visiting during a special exhibition or on a public holiday. For group visits or specific events, it's recommended to book at least 1–2 days in advance.
To fully explore the museum and its galleries, allocate around 1.5 to 2 hours. If you plan to attend a guided tour or focus on specific exhibits, consider adding extra time.
Must-see highlights include the Ancient Southeast Asia galleries, the Tang Shipwreck collection, and the Southeast Asian textile and art exhibitions. The Singapore River gallery also offers an intriguing look at the city’s early history.
Yes, guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English and Mandarin. Audio guides are available for rent, providing insights into the museum’s exhibits and history.
For photography, the outdoor courtyard with views of the Singapore River is a great spot. The museum’s central atrium also offers an excellent view of the building’s architecture, with ample natural light.
Start with the Ancient Southeast Asia gallery, then explore the Tang Shipwreck collection and the textiles gallery. Follow this with the Singapore River gallery to conclude with the contemporary Asian art section.
The museum offers special evening events on Friday nights, including extended hours and occasional light shows or themed tours. Check their website for details on specific events and exhibitions.
The museum tends to be less crowded on weekday mornings, especially Tuesday to Thursday. Weekends and public holidays can be more crowded due to local tourists and families.
The museum has clean toilets, a café offering light meals and drinks, and a gift shop with a selection of books, souvenirs, and art-related items. There are also rest areas within the galleries where visitors can sit and relax.
The museum is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators for elderly and disabled visitors. It also offers family-friendly facilities, such as stroller rentals and kid-friendly exhibitions.
Both cash and cards are accepted at the museum’s ticket counter, café, and gift shop. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also available.
The museum’s café offers a selection of light bites and beverages. Nearby, you can find a variety of restaurants along the Singapore River, such as Clarke Quay, where you can enjoy local and international cuisines.
Yes, there are vegetarian, vegan, and halal options at the museum café and in nearby restaurants at Clarke Quay and Boat Quay.
Nearby hotels include the Raffles Hotel, The Fullerton Hotel, and the Parkroyal on Pickering. These are all within walking distance of the museum and offer luxurious stays with easy access to the city’s attractions.
Other nearby attractions include the Singapore Flyer, Merlion Park, and the Esplanade. These can all be easily combined into a day trip, with the added benefit of being within walking distance of the museum.
The museum’s gift shop offers a range of souvenirs such as art books, Asian-inspired jewelry, textiles, and traditional crafts. You can also find unique items related to the exhibits on display.
After visiting the museum, you can continue your trip by taking the MRT from Raffles Place station or catch a bus from nearby stops. Taxis and river taxis are also readily available around the museum’s vicinity.
