Head down to National Museum of Singapore from 1 to 9 August 2026 to enjoy a range of festive activities during the National Day season. The National Museum of Singapore National Day celebrations include immersive storytelling, hands-on workshops, and performances designed for all ages.
For Singapore’s 61st birthday, the National Museum of Singapore’s National Day celebrations draws on stories that shaped the Singaporean identity. This includes the legends surrounding the island’s beginnings, cultures and living traditions of the country’s diverse communities and peoples.
Highlights of National Museum of Singapore’s National Day Celebrations 2026
Voyage of Icons: A Projection Mapping by Howie Kim
The facade of the National Museum of Singapore is turning into a digital canvas for the Voyage of Icons, a work by artist Howie Kim.
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The animated projection mapping installation is a colourful visual journey through Singapore’s folklore and heritage.
It features five scenes that take the viewer from the founding legend of Sang Nila Utama to tales of resilience and nation-building, and a dazzling vision of a hyper-modern Singapore.
It celebrates the myths and shared stories in a whimsical fashion, celebrating how the past has shaped the Singapore of today.
When: 1 to 12 Aug 2026
Fri & Sat: 7.30 pm to 12 am
Sun to Thurs: 7.30 pm to 11 pm
Where: Front Lawn, Level 1
How much: Free of charge
Free Programmes at the NMS National Day Celebrations
Our Favourite Haunts: Through the Lens of Migrant Workers
Now in its fourth edition, the Migrant Workers Photography Festival (MWPF) is an invitation to view Singapore through the eyes of the migrant community. This year’s exhibition is themed Our Favourite Haunts and features a selection of 30 photographs, chosen from more than 100.
It is inspired by the dual meaning of “haunt”, the works showcase scenes of community and belonging alongside wistful, otherworthly portraits – offering a fresh and intimate perspective on the spaces we share.
Take note that the exhibition features images that some visitors might find unsettling. Visitor discretion is advised.
Work Permit and Special Pass holders can enjoy free admission to permanent galleries on 2 Aug 2026 alongside the launch of this exhibition! To redeem, simply present your work permit at the Visitor Services Counter.
On 2 and 9 August, you can meet the people behind the photographs, and listen to their stories and experiences with the spaces that inspired their works, at the following times:
- 2 Aug, 2 pm to 3 pm: Sharing by winners
- 9 Aug, 4 pm to 4.15 pm & 4.30 pm to 4.45 pm: Sharing by winners
When:
2 Aug: 2 pm to 6.30 pm
3 Aug to 13 Sep: 10 am to 6.30 pm
Where: Longer Concourse, Level 1
How much: Free of charge
SG: Decoded
Go on an activity that will take your through the museum and put your knowledge of the Singapore story to the test. Track down artefacts, and piece together clues that reveal details about the island’s history.
Complete the SG:Decoded hunt to redeem a special enamel pin, while stocks last! Enamel pin redemptions are limited to one per device upon successful completion of the game.
On-site registration required. Preferred timing is subject to availability, and participants may be assigned another slot.
Take note that this activity is expected to be highly popular – arrive early if you want to take part.
When: 9 Aug 2026, 10 am to 12.30 pm & 1.30 pm to 6 pm (Redemption counter closes at 6 pm)
Where: The Platform, Level 2
How much: Free of charge.
Recommended for ages 13 and above.
[Drop-in Craft] Click It Forward
Assemble your own keycap keychain for a tactile click with every press, making it both a collectible and stress-reliever.
Each participant will receive one keycap keychain, which includes two preset designs (NMS dome and SG keycap) and one design of your choice, while stocks last.
Take note that waiting times may be longer during peak hours (10.30 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm).
When: 9 Aug 2026, 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Get Curious Studio, Level 3
[Drop-in Craft] Myth in the Making
Recommended for children aged 5 and above, this craft activity will allow kids to show off their creativity as they craft their own Merlion hand puppet. Available while stocks last. This activity is supported by STAEDTLER.
When: 9 Aug 2026, 10 am to 12 pm & 2 pm –to 5 pm
Where: Gallery Theatre Foyer, Basement Level
How much: Free of charge.
Recommended for children aged 5 and above.
Writings on the Wall
Scan the QR code on the National Museum of Singapore’s LED wall to upload your photographs and well wishes. They will appear in a mosaic of voices, memories and hopes shared by fellow visitors.
When: 8 to 9 Aug 2026, 10 am to 7 pm
Where: LED Wall, Level 1
How much: Free of charge
The Snapshot Corner
Head over to the photo booth at Level 2 of the museum to strike a pose and create a keepsake to take home.
When: 9 Aug 2026, 10.30 am to 5.30 pm
Where: Glass Atrium, Level 2
How much: Free of charge
Beats of the City: A Mini Concert
On National Day, enjoy live performances at National Museum of Singapore on the Front Lawn.
There will be performances by Green Drumming by BEAT’ABOX, Singapore’s pioneer recycled drumming group, who transform everyday waste into powerful percussion, followed by the acoustic pop of Jack & Rai.
When: 9 Aug 2026, 4.50 pm to 5.30 pm
Where: Front Lawn, Level 1
How much: Free of charge
Live Telecast of NDP
Join fellow Singaporeans on the Front Lawn for a screening of the National Day Parade live on the Museum’s giant screen.
When: 9 Aug 2026, 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Where: Front Lawn, Level 1
How much: Free of charge
Ticketed Programmes
Colouring Competition 2026
Let your child’s creativity shine in the National Day colouring competition at National Museum of Singapore (registration required).
The competition is themed based on the legend of Kusu Island. Use the colouring sheet featuring elements from the Kusu Island legend to create your very own masterpiece. The ion will take place from 10.30 am to 12 pm, followed by a prize ceremony at 12.45pm. Register for the National Day colouring competition.
When: 9 Aug 2026, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Gallery Theatre, Basement Level
How much: $10 per child, to be refunded upon attendance.
Recommended for children aged 6 to 10 (adult accompaniment required).
Once Upon a Shore: The Founding of Singapura
Enjoy an immersive retelling of the tale of Sang Nila Utama. Through touch, movement, sound and imagination, young audiences will embark on a three-part sensory journey: exploring the beach where the prince’s adventure began; braving the waves of the open sea; and arriving at the shores of Temasek to discover the creature that inspired the island’s name.
There will be a craft at the end of the programme that participants can take home.
A session specially designed for neurodiverse children will be held on 8 August.
When: 9 Aug 2026, 3 pm to 3.45 pm & 4.30 pm to 5.15 pm
Where: Gallery Theatre, Basement Level
How much: $12 per adult-child pair (incl. GST). Recommended for children aged 4 to 8
Scents of History
Craft a scented candle inspired by the spices that once travelled historical trade routes – as featured in the Museum’s special exhibition, Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City.
Be guided by the team from Candle Collective Co. and learn about fragrance notes and scent pairing, explore simple blending techniques, and try pouring a candle. Each participant will create and receive a 200ml scented candle.
When: 9 Aug 2026, 10 am to 12 pm
Where: The Salon, Level 1
$35 per pax (incl. GST). Recommended for 13 years and above.
Half Lion, Half Fish, Wholly Delicious
Discover the story behind the Merlion in an interactive bento-making workshop.
Participants will pick up simple food decoration techniques and assemble a Merlion-themed bento that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. All ingredients used in the programme are halal-certified.
When: 9 Aug 2026, 3 pm to 5 pm
Where: The Salon, Level 1
How much: $49.50 per pax (incl. GST). Recommended for 13 years and above. Children aged 10 to 12 years may attend with a parent or guardian.
Get more details and register for the National Day activities at National Museum of Singapore.
More Fun Activities for National Day
Looking for more fun activities to celebrate National Day? Check out our list of family friendly activities for National Day 2026 in Singapore.
