The National Museum of Singapore is set to reopen its Singapore History Gallery after its first major revamp in 20 years. The refreshed gallery traces more than 700 years of Singapore’s story, bringing together new research, previously unseen artefacts and more interactive ways to explore the past. At its heart is the question “Who are we?”, with the exhibition examining how Singapore’s identity has evolved through multiculturalism, regional connections and global influences.
The revamped gallery expands its focus on post-war Singapore and the decades from the 1980s onwards, while weaving personal stories from eyewitnesses and descendants with perspectives from contemporary writers, artists and curators. Highlights include a restored 1970s HDB lift exploring Singapore’s transition from kampongs to public housing, a traditional Nanyang coffee roasting machine from Ho Tit Coffee Powder Factory, and a newly commissioned timelapse by photographer Keith Loutit capturing more than a decade of changes to the Singapore skyline.
Developed with input from academics and the public, including focus groups involving more than 160 people, the reopening forms part of the museum’s wider phased revamp. The celebrations will include Stories of Everyday, featuring special installations, an art market, live performances and workshops, while a new museum mascot inspired by an artefact from the collection will also make an appearance. The remaining Level 2 galleries are scheduled to reopen in 2027, ahead of the museum’s 140th anniversary.
