What do the names Great World, New World and Happy World mean to you? If the first makes you think of a shopping mall and are clueless about the other two, perhaps it is time to pay a visit to the National Museum of Singapore and its New, Great and Happy: The Amusement “Worlds” of Singapore carnival experience.
National Museum of Singapore Amusement Park Showcase at Stamford Gallery
From 4 December 2021 to 9 January 2022, play a selection of classic amusement park games at a mini amusement park at the Stamford Gallery, National Museum of Singapore.
New, Great and Happy: The Amusement “Worlds” of Singapore recreates the age of the amusement parks, stretching from the 1920s to 2000.
The Three Worlds
In their heyday, people would flock to a trio of “Worlds” for amusement, entertainment and nightlife.
Great World Amusement Park, also known as Tua Seh Kai in Hokkien, which was located along Kim Seng Road, where the Great World mall now stands.
New World amusement park predated Great World. It was set up in 1923 and had attractions such as a cabaret and sideshow acts. It was located at where present-day City Square Mall now stands.
Happy World, or what would later be called Gay World, was located at Mountbatten Road. It closed in 2000.
New, Great and Happy: The Amusement “Worlds” of Singapore: Fun, History & Games
At the National Museum of Singapore’s New, Great and Happy: The Amusement “Worlds” of Singapore, you can learn more about these early amusement parks in Singapore and also enjoy games which have been set up by carnival operator Uncle Ringo.
To visit the exhibition, pre-register your visit here before your visit for a guaranteed entry and reduce waiting time. A ticket is required for each family member, regardless of age and children below the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Each admission is limited to a maximum of 30 minutes.
Visitors are also encouraged to complete the digital quest prior to their visit to the National Museum of Singapore Amusement Park showcase at Stamford Gallery.
There is also an online NMS Digital Amusement Park for those interested to learn more about the three amusement ‘worlds’ of Singapore from home.
