Here at the National Museum of Singapore, there are many exciting ways for the whole family to discover Singapore’s rich social history together, from toddlers to grandparents alike.
An Old New World: From the East Indies to the Founding of Singapore, 1600s–1819
- 21 Sep – 29 Mar | 10am – 7pm
- Exhibition Galleries, Basement Level
- Free admission for citizens and permanent residents
Explore the 200 years leading up to the establishment of an entrepôt in Singapore in 1819, beginning with the bustling world of trade in the East Indies that attracted the Dutch and British East India Companies from the early 17th century. The European entry into the region, for better or worse, was only part of its longer history. This exhibition is a telling of that story, and a reflection of the broader forces at play that culminated in the events of 1819.
All Aboard! An Interactive Learning Space for Families and Children
What was life on a ship like for people who sailed to the East Indies?
Board an interactive ship, specially created for children as young as 7, to find out how sailors navigated the seas in the past, the items people brought for their long sea journeys, and the challenges faced at sea. Learn the ropes – some of the important knots used by sailors – and scale the upper deck of the ship for a bird’s eye view of the other sections of An Old New World.
An Old New World Explorer’s Guide
- Ages 7 – 12
Navigate through the exhibition with this booklet as a guide! With the help of fun activities and reflective questions, your child will examine artefact highlights, learn more about trade in the region from the 1600s–1800s, and better understand the experiences of explorers in the East Indies.
An Old New World Family Trail
- Ages 5 and above
Parents of preschool-age children can pick up the Family Trail, a set of six thick-bound cards featuring activities and prompts to engage you with the exhibition as a family. What was it like to be an explorer at sea? What plants and animals were found in the East Indies? Who were the people and how was life like for them? Let’s find out more together!
The Family Trail is available for loan only at the gallery entrance. Please return your trail when you exit the gallery.
Storytelling Sessions: Orang Laut Tales by MoonShadow Stories
- 21 & 22 September | 2pm & 3.30pm: Like A Fish
- 23 November & 21 December | 2pm & 3.30pm: I Smell Treasure!
- Exhibition Galleries, Basement Level
- Free
- Ages 4 – 8
Climb on board our magnificent ship deck, and discover An Old New World through the eyes of some of Singapura’s earliest inhabitants.
Limited to 25 children per session on a first come, first served basis.
Drop-in Craft Activities
- 21 & 22 September, 12 & 13 October, 23 November, 21 December | 10.30am – 12.30pm & 2pm – 5pm
- The Canyon, Basement Level
- Free
- Age 4 and above
Come try your hand at a wide array of crafts inspired by the nautical aspects, spices, flora and fauna of An Old New World. While stocks last!
Get Curious at the National Museum of Singapore!
The National Museum of Singapore has launched its very first interactive guide for children and families based on the permanent galleries.
Get Curious! – The Official Interactive Family Guide to the National Museum of Singapore* supports their visit to the museum and presents information on our galleries and collection in a fun and accessible manner, through various interactive elements across 116 pages. Get Curious! is on sale at the Museum Label shop on Level 1 at $24.90.
Click here for a special sneak preview of some pages!
Special Campaign for “Get Curious!” readers!
Do you have a toy with an interesting story to tell? Participate in our “What’s Your Toy Story?” campaign and share your story with us from now until December 2019! Entries with the most interesting stories will stand a chance to be displayed in our Growing Up gallery and win attractive prizes sponsored by LEGO*!
Check out the submission card at the back pocket of the book for more information or click here for the campaign Terms & Conditions. Submit your entry into the box at the Visitors’ Services counter today! Winners will be contacted via email within the campaign duration.
*Prizes sponsored by LEGO are suitable for children aged 12 and below.
Image Credit: National Museum of Singapore
Age
4+
Links
Address
Singapore93 Stamford Road Bras Basah, South Singapore 178897
How to get there?
By MRT:
Bras Basah MRT Station (5-minute walk)
Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (5-minute walk)
City Hall MRT Station (10-minute walk)