Want to acquaint the kids in Singapore’s history through archaeology and heritage? Dig up the fun at ArCH Square – Singapore’s first dedicated centre for Archaelogy and Intangible Cultural Heritage is opening its doors on 25 October. It promises a hands-on journey into Singapore’s living past.
Managed by HeritageSG (a subsidiary of the National Heritage Board) and located in the vibrant Kampong Gelam area (125 Jalan Sultan), ArCH Square is set to be a key hub where history comes alive through workshops, exhibits, and community involvement.
Best of all? General entry to the centre is free for all!
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Permanent Displays and Workshop Spaces at ArCH Square
Ever heard of sherds? You will see and even get to touch them at ArCH Square. Sherds is an archaeological term referring to broken fragments of pottery and other materials. They tell stories of the past and help archaeologists to piece together history through the traces left behind.
Get to meet an archaeologist and even participate in workshops to know more. It was a pleasant surprise meeting Mr Michael Ng again after encountering his team at a Fort Canning dig some years ago. Mr Ng will be conducting family-friendly archaeological workshops over the opening weekend and during the year end school holidays too.
The centre’s permanent display can be found on the first level. Artefacts include stone tools, blades and pottery fragments dating back to more than 3,000 years!
Objects discovered at Tanjong Tajam near the western edge of Pulau Ubin indicate primitive use of stone tools. Visitors can also see finds from a shipwreck from World War II and even Uri vessels used to contain the placenta and umbilical cord after childbirth. Some of the artefacts were found just a stone’s throw away at Sultan Gate and Istana Kampong Gelam.
Visitors can also see installations and displays such as a Singa-Rangoli, traditional hand-painted Hokkien lanterns and Eve Keepers’ Rituals in Petals highlighting the unique heritage of Singapore through eyes of artists and craftsmen.
Programmes at ArCH Square & Opening Weekend Highlights
The launch weekend on 25 and 26 October is packed with programmes celebrating living traditions and learning about archaeology.
On both mornings, discover archeology as a family with archaeologist Michael Ng and learn more about archaeology in Singapore. Yes we have digs here! For children ages 10 and up and their parent, the workshop will let participants touch and feel centuries-old finds from prior excavations, and dig deep into the stories each of them hold.
Look out for more workshops happening during the school holidays too!
During the launch weekend, there will be a floralscapes showcase exploring how floral traditions have evolved in Singapore, shaping our aesthetics and rituals across time. Featuring stunning commissioned installations like a rangoli.
Watch a captivating Javanese dance performance, followed by a hands-on batik tying workshop.
Find out more about our national flower and how orchid are cultivated at a Orchid Cultivation workshop partnering with NParks.
Upcoming Workshops & Programmes at ArCH Square
Here’s your chance to experience life as an archaeologist! Archaeology 101 is a four-week course that starts in December, designed for curious older kids and parents! Participants get to examine real artefacts up close, learn to identify ancient materials and motifs, and uncover how archaeologists piece together the past.
Drop by the centre monthly to see volunteers in action as they process excavated artefacts like pottery fragments (sherds). You can even volunteer to join them after completing Archaeology 101!
Look out for unique engagement programmes like experimental archaeology workshops and family-friendly movie nights!
Official Opening of ArCH Square
ArCH Square will officially open on Saturday 1 November. Opening hours are from 11 am to 7 pm from Wednesdays to Fridays, and 10 am to 6 pm on weekends.
For more information, please visit ArCH Square’s Instagram page
Where: 125 Jalan Sultan, Kampong Gelam
Official Opening: Saturday, 1 November 2025
Operating Hours: Wednesdays to Fridays: 11 am to 7 pm, Weekends: 10 am to 6 pm
Admission: General entry is FREE for all! (Programmes will be a mix of free and ticketed.)
