Once Upon a Tide: Sailing Through Singapore’s Story at the National Museum

#mytraveldiary Once Upon a Tide at the National Museum feels less like a typical exhibition and more like stepping onto a ship that sails through Singapore’s history. Running from May 2025 to October 2026, it traces how our little island grew from a trading settlement to a global city, told through five immersive chapters.

It starts with ancient maps that show Singapore’s place in regional trade long before 1819, then takes you down the Singapore River through an interactive sampan rowing game. One of the highlights for me was the section on land reclamation, where you can literally slide a digital map to see how much of our coastline has changed. There’s also a painting of the 1976 skyline that makes you realise just how fast the city grew.
What I liked most was how the exhibition wove in stories of people—early settlers, labourers, and local businesses that made waves abroad. It doesn’t just show objects; it feels personal. Even the playful bits, like a Singlish quiz or getting a virtual avatar with an RFID wristband, keep you thinking about how each of us contributes to Singapore’s story.

For families, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities too: marbling crafts, scavenger hunts, and a colourful Mama Shop installation that’s perfect for both play and photos. If you visit during Children’s Season, you’ll also catch performances and character walkabouts.

The museum has made it really accessible—admission is free for locals, and it’s stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. Guided tours are available if you prefer something structured, but you can just as easily wander through at your own pace.

Overall, Once Upon a Tide feels like both a reflection and a celebration. It’s nostalgic, hands-on, and thoughtful all at once—something that speaks to kids, adults, and anyone curious about the tides that shaped Singapore.

Post by Randomstuffsg | Sep 3, 2025