Pop quiz!
Name eight museums in Singapore?
Most people would be hard-pressed to name more than four or five. However, did you know that there are over 50 public and private museums and heritage galleries around Singapore?
The month of June is a great time to get acquainted with some of these museums as it is also Children’s Season and there are programmes aplenty taking place around the museums.
Here are eight museums to visit and explore as a family during the month of June.
1. Army Museum of Singapore
Address: 520 Upper Jurong Road Singapore 638367
Website: www.armymuseum.gov.sg
This two-storey museum pays homage to the men-in-green. Other than the exhibits, video screening and simulated firing range, a favourite with active kids is the outdoor mini-Standard Obstacle Course.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 24 May to 29 June, children between six and 12 years old can take part in Cadets, Fall In! where they will be able experience a two-hour programme that includes mock grenade throwing and even a mini-Passing Out Parade.
2. Chinese Heritage Centre
Address: 12 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637721
Website: http://chc.ntu.edu.sg
With its distinctive architecture, a visit to the Chinese Heritage Centre feels like an experience in itself. On 24 May and 7 June, children visiting the heritage centre can take part in an art competition, quiz, and also enjoy animation screenings and storytelling sessions.
3. iExperience
Address: 90 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189562 (inside the Esplanade Xchange)
Website: http://www.iexperience.sg
Immerse your kids into the digital age at iExperience. Go digital over the weekends with manga drawing activities and robotics workshops. Children between 4 to 12 years old can also take part in the Children’s Infocomm Workshop being conducted daily from 26 May to 15 June. Registration is required for the Children’s Infocomm Workshop.
4. Land Transport Gallery
Address: No 1 Hampshire Road Block 1 Level 1. Singapore 219428
Website: http://app.lta.gov.sg/ltgallery
See a human traffic light and explore the world of transport at the Land Transport Gallery. There will be activity booklets and guided tours for children and a Land Transport Carnival held on 31 May 2014 as part of Children’s Season.
5. Malay Heritage Centre
Address: 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
Website: http://www.malayheritage.org.sg
Housed within the premises of the old Istana Kampong Gelam, the Malay Heritage Centre provides a look into the Malay culture and history. It houses interesting artefacts from personalities such as Singapore’s first president, Yusof bin Ishak, and Zubir Said, the composer of the National Anthem.
During Children’s Season 2014, the Malay Heritage Centre will be holding a heritage hunt around Kampong Gelam where kids will take on the role of Singapore’s early traders. They will learn what products they brought and how they made profits through wit, creativity and hard work. The heritage hunt takes place on 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 June. Registration is required. Call 6391 0450 or email [email protected].
6. Memories at Old Ford Factory
Address: 351 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 588192
Website: http://www.nas.gov.sg/moff/
The historic location where the surrender of Singapore took place is now a museum that captures the hardships of war.
On 14 and 15 June, children can take part in A Race Against Time, a workshop where they will be brought back to the days of the Japanese Occupation and tasked to help a sick friend find medicine and learn about the hardships faced during World War II in an interactive way. For children between seven to 12 years old. To register, email [email protected].
7. Police Heritage Centre
Address: 28 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329560
Website: http://www.spf.gov.sg/about/historycontact.html
Step inside the guarded gates of New Phoenix Park where the Police Heritage Centre is located. The gallery recounts the development of the police force in Singapore and the crimes and incidents that they have had to tackle.
During Children’s Season, kids can put on mini police uniforms and have their photographs taken. There is also colouring activity after the tour. Registration is required and to be made one week in advance. To register, call 6478 2123 or email [email protected].
8. Singapore Maritime Gallery
Address: 31 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore 018988
Website: http://maritimegallery.sg
Discover how Singapore grew from a small entrepot into the world’s busiest port at the Singapore Maritime Gallery. During Children’s Season, kids can pick up an exclusive Singapore Maritime Gallery LEGO pack (whilst stocks last) and sit for a Maritime Caricature over the weekends from 24 May to 29 Jun.
