Your city travel guideSingapore Guide
Updated: June 22, 2026

Asian Civilisations Museum

Booking:Better to book in advanceAccess:See detailsAmenities:See details
Callum Reid
Callum ReidEditor-in-chief

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Why visit

Who will love it

Attraction: Asian Civilisations Museum Summary: A world-class museum housed in a historic riverside building, showcasing the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans and the broader artistic heritage of Asia.

Current recommendation block: Prioritize this museum if you are a history enthusiast, art lover, or traveler interested in the maritime trade routes that shaped Southeast Asia.

The stunning Tang Shipwreck collection and the thematic galleries on faith and design offer a deep, sophisticated look at cross-cultural exchanges that you will not find in standard city history museums.

Who should skip it

Skip this attraction if you are traveling with young children who require interactive play, or if you prefer fast-paced, highly digital entertainment. It is a quiet, contemplative space that requires patient reading and appreciation of historical artifacts to truly appreciate.

What to know beforehand

The Asian Civilisations Museum focuses on the thematic trade, religion, and artistic connections across Asia rather than a chronological history of Singapore.

Visitors looking for high-tech digital installations or a linear national history may leave underwhelmed, as the National Museum of Singapore is better suited for that.

However, history enthusiasts and art lovers will find the collection exceptional, particularly the 9th-century Tang Shipwreck gallery, which showcases thousands of recovered ceramics and gold artifacts.

Because the galleries are organized by theme rather than time period, the layout can feel slightly disjointed without context. Joining one of the free daily volunteer-led tours helps tie the exhibits together, and you should budget at least two hours to explore the three floors.

The museum is located a short walk from Raffles Place MRT station, with admission for international adults priced at SGD 15 for the permanent galleries.

Local Tip: Visit on a Friday evening when the museum extends its hours until 9:00 PM. The galleries are far less crowded, and the historic building along the Singapore River is beautifully illuminated.

🎫 Tickets, tours & discounts

Combo Ticket: National Museum of Singapore + Asian Civilisations Museum

  • Entry to Asian Civilisations Museum permanent galleries
  • Entry to National Museum of Singapore permanent galleries
  • Access to the Singapore History Gallery
  • Instant confirmation with mobile vouchers
Compare live prices
Klookfrom 33 SGDTiqetsfrom 35 SGDViatorfrom 35 SGDOfficial site35 SGD

Which ticket to choose

Singapore citizens and permanent residents enjoy free admission to all permanent galleries, needing only to pay for temporary special exhibitions. For international tourists, a standard ticket to the permanent galleries costs SGD 15 for adults and SGD 10 for seniors aged 60 and above, as well as students. Children aged 6 and under enter for free.

If you only want to explore the core collections—such as the famous Tang Shipwreck cargo, the ancient religions gallery, and the exquisite ceramics—the standard SGD 15 ticket is all you need.

A common mistake is purchasing a more expensive special exhibition ticket without knowing if the temporary display matches your interests. If you decide to see a special exhibition later, you can easily upgrade your ticket at the front desk.

Best time to visit

The museum is located at 1 Empress Place, just a 5-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT station (Exit H) across the Cavenagh Bridge. It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with extended hours until 9:00 PM on Fridays. To avoid crowds and enjoy a quiet walk through the galleries, plan your visit for weekday mornings right at opening time.

Alternatively, Friday evenings after 6:00 PM offer a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere. The galleries are peaceful, and the cooler evening temperatures make for a pleasant walk along the Singapore River right outside the museum after you exit. You should budget at least 2 to 3 hours to fully appreciate the three floors of exhibits.

Combos and discounts

If you plan to visit multiple cultural sites in the city, the Go City Singapore Pass includes admission to the museum. You can also find discounted tickets on platforms like Klook or KKday, which sometimes bundle the entry with a Singapore River Cruise or a visit to the nearby National Gallery Singapore.

For curated itineraries that connect this museum with other historic sites, plan your route using the guides on singaporemood.com.

To secure resident rates or free admission, Singaporeans and permanent residents must present their physical NRIC or digital Singpass at the counter. International students and seniors must show a valid physical student card or passport to qualify for the SGD 10 concession rate.

When to take a tour

Joining a guided tour adds immense value if you want to understand the historical context behind the trade routes, religions, and craftsmanship of the region. The museum offers free daily guided tours led by volunteer docents, which last about an hour and cover the main highlights, including the Tang Shipwreck collection.

If you prefer to explore independently, you can skip the formal tour and use the museum’s virtual host, Allie, on your mobile device to access digital maps and audio highlights. A self-guided walk is perfect for those who prefer to focus on the visual beauty of the textiles and ceramics at their own pace.

Weather nowLight haze
Singapore, Singapore
NowPartly cloudy 🌤️
Temperature29°C
VisibilityGood
AerosolsLight haze · AOD 0.31

Conditions are mixed — plan accordingly and check for covered areas.

AOD — how much dust and haze in the air dim the distant view. 0 clean, >0.4 noticeable, >0.7 heavy.

Crowd indicator

Expect peak crowds on weekends and during afternoon hours, while weekday mornings offer a quieter experience.

When to go?

Mini-calculator based on crowd levels by day and time.

Best time at Mon — 18:00

This day is usually calmer than average. This slot has a higher chance of a comfortable visit: compromise between light and visitor flow. Weather is currently not ideal: partly cloudy 🌤️.

30–50% · Quiet60–80% · Moderate90–100% · Crowded

Nearest days

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TomorrowSimilar crowd patterns expected tomorrow, with quieter morning hours.
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Day after tomorrowSlightly higher attendance expected, plan for a morning visit to avoid crowds.
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How to find the entrance

1
Exit Raffles Place MRTTake Exit H from the station and walk towards the Singapore River.
2
Cross the riverWalk across Cavenagh Bridge or follow the river pathway toward Empress Place.
3
Locate the entranceLook for the historic Empress Place Building and enter through the ramped front or river entrance.
4
Check in at lobbyHead to the Visitor Services counter inside the main lobby to present or purchase tickets.

Address: 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 Nearest metro: Raffles Place MRT (Exit H) District: Civic District Summary: A grand heritage building by the Singapore River housing pan-Asian antiquities, accessible via a short walk across Cavenagh Bridge.

Core context: To reach the museum, take the MRT to Raffles Place Station and take Exit H. From there, walk for about five minutes across the historic Cavenagh Bridge spanning the Singapore River. The museum is housed in the grand Empress Place Building directly on the other side of the river.

The main entrance faces the Singapore River and the Empress Lawn. Once inside the lobby, head directly to the Visitor Services counter. Admission to the permanent galleries costs SGD 15 for foreign adults and SGD 10 for students and seniors, while Singapore citizens and permanent residents enter for free.

Here is what to expect before you start your visit:

  • Security bag checks are conducted at the entrance, which can cause brief delays during peak hours.
  • You must collect a physical admission sticker at the ticketing counter.
  • The sticker must be worn on your clothing in a visible spot at all times, as staff check for it when you enter different galleries.
ImportantKeep your admission sticker clearly displayed on your shirt or bag. Gallery staff actively check for these stickers on every floor, and you will be stopped and asked to show it if it is hidden.

Practical limits & what to bring

What to consider before your visit

The museum is fully air-conditioned, providing a comfortable escape from the tropical Singapore heat. The galleries span three floors, so expect to spend 2 to 3 hours walking; comfortable footwear is highly recommended. The museum is a 5-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT station (Exit H) along the Singapore River.

All galleries are wheelchair accessible via lifts and ramps at both the Front and River entrances. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow for free at the Visitor Services counter on a first-come, first-served basis. You must wear your admission sticker visibly on your clothing at all times during the visit.

What is allowed and what is forbidden

  • Forbidden: Outside food and drinks (including unsealed beverages), tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, flash photography, videography, large umbrellas, and wheeled footwear like roller shoes or skate scooters.
  • Forbidden in galleries: Large bags, backpacks, and luggage exceeding 45cm x 25cm x 20cm. Pens and markers are also prohibited; only pencils are allowed for sketching.
  • Allowed: Standard-size strollers, small bags, foldable umbrellas (must be kept inside your bag), and non-flash still photography for personal use.

Storage and belongings

Self-service lockers are located on Level 1 behind the main lobby. They require a refundable deposit of SGD 2. Standard-size strollers are welcome inside the galleries, and all exhibition floors are connected by lifts. For families, a dedicated nursing room with a hot water dispenser and baby-changing facilities is located in the basement.

TipIf you are carrying large shopping bags or bulky items that do not fit in the lockers, you can deposit them directly at the Visitor Services Counter.

Location and what's nearby

The Neighborhood

  • A historic and cultural zone defined by grand colonial-era architecture, manicured lawns, and quiet monuments.
  • A highly walkable riverside area popular with history enthusiasts, museum-goers, and office workers seeking a scenic lunch spot.
  • A calm, dignified atmosphere that transitions into a lively dining and nightlife scene along the Singapore River as evening approaches.

Nearby on Foot (up to 15 minutes)

  • Sir Stamford Raffles Landing Site — the symbolic spot where Singapore's modern history began in 1819 · 1 minute
  • Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall — historic performing arts venue hosting classical concerts and cultural events · 2 minutes
  • National Gallery Singapore — massive museum displaying Southeast Asian modern art in two historic buildings · 6 minutes
  • Merlion Park — iconic waterfront plaza featuring the famous half-lion, half-fish statue · 8 minutes
  • Clarke Quay — vibrant riverside quay packed with colorful shophouses, restaurants, and nightclubs · 10 minutes
  • Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay — striking durian-shaped performing arts center with a scenic rooftop terrace · 12 minutes

15–30 Minutes by Transport

  • Gardens by the Bay — futuristic nature park featuring massive glass greenhouses and towering supertrees · 10 minutes by taxi
  • Chinatown — historic enclave offering traditional temples, bustling street markets, and heritage shophouses · 10 minutes by metro
  • Kampong Gelam — vibrant Malay-Arab quarter known for the golden-domed mosque and trendy boutiques · 12 minutes by taxi
  • Singapore Botanic Gardens — lush UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing a world-renowned orchid collection · 15 minutes by taxi

Where to Eat Nearby

  • Empress — contemporary Chinese dining by the river · above average · booking recommended · 1 min walk
  • National Kitchen by Violet Oon — elegant Peranakan heritage dishes · expensive · booking recommended · 6 min walk
  • Song Fa Bak Kut Teh — traditional peppery pork rib soup · budget · walk-ins welcome · 10 min walk

Ready-made Day Itinerary

Start your morning at the Sir Stamford Raffles Landing Site before entering the Asian Civilisations Museum to explore its rich galleries. Afterward, walk over to the National Gallery Singapore to admire the art, then head to Empress for a scenic lunch by the river.

Conclude your day with a sunset stroll to Merlion Park and an evening walk along the lively Clarke Quay.

NoteThe outdoor areas around the river offer very little shade, so plan your walking transitions between the air-conditioned museums during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours.
Reference

Facts

Read more

Numbers and Scale

  • Total floor space: 14,000 square metres across the historic Empress Place Building, providing room for 11 permanent galleries.
  • Refurbishment cost: 82 million SGD spent over a six-year period to convert the former colonial government building into a state-of-the-art museum space.
  • The Tang Shipwreck cargo: Over 60,000 pieces of 9th-century Chinese ceramics, gold, and silver salvaged from a single Arab dhow, representing the largest collection of its kind.
  • Permanent gallery artifacts: More than 1,300 historical treasures displayed across three thematic levels focusing on trade, faith, and design.
  • Historic age: 1867 was the completion year of the neoclassical Empress Place Building, which originally served as a colonial government office.
  • Acquisition cost: 32 million USD paid in 2005 to secure the entire Tang Shipwreck cargo, preventing the historic collection from being split up and sold to private collectors.

Myths and Misconceptions

  • Myth: The museum only displays Chinese historical artifacts. In reality: It showcases cultures from Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and the Islamic world.
  • Myth: The Empress Place Building was originally constructed as a museum. In reality: It was built in 1867 as a courthouse and later housed colonial government offices.
  • Myth: The Tang Shipwreck was discovered in Singaporean waters. In reality: The 9th-century Arab vessel was found off the coast of Belitung Island in Indonesia.
  • Myth: The museum has always been located at Empress Place. In reality: It first opened in 1997 at the former Tao Nan School building on Armenian Street.

Rare and Unusual

  • The blue pigment on the museum's 9th-century Chinese shipwreck plates contains cobalt imported from Iran, proving early global trade connections.
  • The museum houses a rare 9-centimetre-tall octagonal gold cup from the Tang Shipwreck, which is the largest and heaviest Chinese gold cup found from that era.
  • To blend the old and new, the Kwek Hong Png Wing extension features a titanium-clad cuboid that appears to float above the historic neoclassical facade.
  • A wooden protective ancestor statue called a hampatong on display depicts a Dutch soldier, showing the integration of colonial figures into indigenous Dayak art.
  • The Twakow cargo boats displayed in the river gallery featured eyes painted on the bow, with green paint indicating Hokkien ownership and red indicating Teochew.
Background

History

Read more

The Asian Civilisations Museum is housed in the neoclassical Empress Place Building, a grand structure along the Singapore River that dates back to 1867.

Originally built to serve as government offices during the British colonial era, this landmark once hosted the colonial administration, including the treasury and secretariat, before being systematically restored and repurposed as a museum.

Connecting Asia's Diverse Heritages

Initially established to showcase the ancestral cultures of Singapore's diverse immigrant communities, the museum originally organized its collections strictly by geographical regions.

However, a major curatorial shift transformed the galleries to focus on thematic connections rather than rigid national borders, reflecting Singapore's historic role as a global maritime crossroads.

Today, the museum stands as a premier institution dedicated to exploring the artistic and historical connections across Asian cultures. Visitors can explore how trade, faith, and design linked different civilizations over centuries, highlighted by the famous Tang Shipwreck collection, which features ninth-century treasures recovered from the ocean floor.

♿ Accessibility & families

Accessibility & Family Policy

Wheelchair & Mobility Access

The Asian Civilisations Museum is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Ramp access is available at both the Front Entrance (via Old Parliament Lane) and the River Entrance. Inside, all exhibition galleries are connected by three spacious passenger lifts.

For the basement level, which houses the Ngee Ann Auditorium, a stairlift is available to assist guests.

Manual wheelchairs are available for free loan at the Visitor Services counter on a first-come, first-served basis. Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) are permitted inside the galleries, provided they do not exceed 120 cm in length. Visitors with disabilities and one accompanying caregiver receive free admission.

Stroller & Family Facilities

Standard-sized strollers are welcome throughout the galleries, making it easy to navigate the wide, level corridors. Accessible, family-friendly washrooms equipped with diaper-changing facilities are located on multiple floors. For more family planning tips and local guides, consult singaporemood.com.

Admission & Age Policies

* Free Entry: Children aged 6 and below enter the museum for free. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents enjoy free admission to all permanent galleries.

* Standard Tickets: For foreign tourists, adult tickets cost 15 SGD, while students and seniors aged 60 and above qualify for a concession rate of 10 SGD. * Supervision: All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

* Gallery Etiquette: Because many delicate artifacts are on open display, running, touching the exhibits, and leaning on glass showcases are strictly prohibited. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the galleries, so families should plan snack breaks before entering or visit the dining spots on the ground floor.

🏢 On-site amenities

Restrooms and Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located on Level 1 near the Empress restaurant, on Level 2 outside the River Room, and in the basement near the lift and staircase. Standard-size strollers and wheelchairs are fully permitted inside the galleries, with ramps at the main entrances and lifts serving all floors.

Dining

Two distinct dining options are available on-site: * Privé ACM: A casual, family-friendly cafe located on the ground level. It serves all-day breakfast, local favorites like laksa, and Western comfort food, featuring an outdoor terrace with views of the Singapore River.

* Empress: A smart-casual, upscale restaurant specializing in contemporary Cantonese cuisine and dim sum. It offers a refined indoor dining hall as well as alfresco seating along the waterfront.

Gift Shop

Supermama, the Museum Store is located on the ground floor. It is a local design and lifestyle brand specializing in Singapore-themed porcelain, contemporary souvenirs, and locally designed gifts.

Wi-Fi and Water

Free public Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. While food and drinks are strictly prohibited inside the galleries, you can find a drinking water dispenser near the restrooms.

Family Facilities

A dedicated family washroom is located in the basement. It features a private nursing room, a baby-changing station, a child-protection seat, and a hot water dispenser for preparing feeds.

Reliability & freshness

AuthorCallum Reid
UpdatedJune 22, 2026

I live in Singapore and, after seven years here, I write clear guides on transport, neighbourhoods, costs, and daily travel logistics.