Reimagine museum tours with the Mystery Museum Tours that will be taking place each weekend from 4 to 26 September 2021. For those who are looking for more adventure or even an affordable family-friendly activity, the tours are promised to take participants on a journey of exploration through selected museums in Singapore, including lesser-known ones.
Mystery Museum Tours
The Mystery Museum Tours is one of the ways the Museum Roundtable is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a celebration of programmes, 25 years since its formation by the National Heritage Board to encourage a museum-going culture amongst Singaporeans.
The concept was inspired by the previous trend of Mystery Travel Tours, where participants would “blind-book” an adventure without knowing the details of the trip. By conducting the tours in this innovative way the organizing team hopes to reinstill a sense of excitement and wonder in visiting the various museums in Singapore.
3 Themes In Mystery Museum Tours
The tour is organised in collaboration with 10 Museum Roundtable members, and there will be a total of 34 tour runs following three themes. The three themes are “Fashion Confessions”, “Mythical Creatures” and “Hidden Secrets”, each featuring a unique itinerary and offers different insights into the collections and workings. Members of the public can sign up for the themes which interest them, and the exact museum(s) will only be revealed to participants on the day of the visit.
Here are is a short summary of the three themes that visitors can choose from.
Fashion Confessions
Tour duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
Tour format: Bus tour with a visit to two mystery museums (includes guided tour and hands-on activities during the bus ride and at the museums)
Tour ticket fees: $20 per person
Those looking for their next runway inspiration can go on this tour to learn about the history of fashion and its cultural significance in Asia through the fashion artefacts on display in some of Singapore’s museums. Participants will learn about the stories, significance and craftsmanship behind fashion artefacts, such as jewellery, garments, headpieces, and more while exploring the ways in which these artefacts empower identities and strengthen community ties. This tour will have two routes.
Mythical Creatures
Tour duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
Tour format: Bus tour with a visit to two mystery museums (includes guided tour and hands-on activities during the bus ride and at the museums)
Tour ticket fees: $20 per person
For those who love a little magic and mystery, this tour is for you! Go on a search for fantastic creatures hidden within Singapore’s museums. This tour will introduce participants to the various practices and beliefs behind the deities and protective guardians in South and Southeast Asian myths. From learning about the story of how the Kirtimukha got its name and the significance of nagas in their respective cultures and communities, this is sure to be an enriching journey for all attendees.
Hidden Secrets
Tour duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
Tour format: Guided tour of one mystery museum (includes hands-on activities)
Tour ticket fees: $10 per person
Ever heard of the hidden spaces in some of Singapore’s museums?
Get ready for exclusive behind-the-scenes access and the opportunity to interact with exhibit repair specialists, paper conservators, museum guides and gemologists to discover the secrets of their trades. The guided tours will also allow participants to learn from the experts about how artefacts are conserved, handled and displayed. They may even get a chance to have some hands-on experience!
How to sign up for the Mystery Museum Tours
Registration for the Mystery Museum Tours will begin on 30 August 2021, 12 pm, at the site here, on a first-come-first-served basis. As a precaution during this Preparatory Stage of Transition to Endemic COVID-19, each tour will be limited to a maximum of 10 participants.
Participants will also be required to observe the necessary safe management measures throughout the tours. Details on the applicable safe management measures will be sent to participants upon registration.
More information on the tours is also available at the site here.
