Celebrate Singapore’s 54th birthday with us at the National Museum of Singapore over the long weekend!
Come dressed in your best red-and-white outfit and join us for two days of fun activities featuring Singapore’s icons, exciting performances and art installations, plus a live screening of the National Day Parade at the NMS front lawn on the 9th! Look out for our friendly Museum Hosts and staff who will be on-site to direct you to the various programmes.
What does Singapore mean to you? What are your hopes for the future? What do you hope to see in Singapore in the next 10 years? Share with us your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #NationalDayatNMS and you might see your responses projected on the museum’s LED wall from 8 to 11 August 2019!
Be Inspired by Stories of Singapore
- Celebrating Singapore's Unknown Heroes: A Showcase of the 15 Shorts Film Initiative
- 9 August, 3pm – 5pm | The Salon, Level 1
Catch a moving selection of short films from the 15 Shorts film initiative, and be inspired by Singaporeans who performed powerful acts of giving between the 1970s and 1990s. This segment is supported by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC).
Featured films: Shanti (directed by Chong Yu Lun), The T(h)ree Lives (directed by K. Rajagopal), and Guilty (directed by Sun Ji)
15 Shorts is a charity film initiative by NVPC and Blue3Asia, in support of SG Cares. Please refer to Annex B for the synopsis.
Live Telecast of the National Day Parade
- 9 August, 5.40pm (please be seated by 5.20pm) | Front lawn, Level 1
Enjoy a live telecast of the National Day Parade under the museum’s iconic Banyan tree, as you picnic with your family and friends.
Visitors may bring their own picnic mats and food, or make purchases from the on-site food trucks for the live telecast.
Screening of Republic of Food (PG13)
- 10 August, 3pm – 5pm | The Salon, Level 1
Catch this comedy about Singapore and local food that was released in celebration of National Day 2018. In a world where food has been outlawed, a small band of disgruntled and deliriously hungry food-lovers risk their skins to defy the authorities and feast on contraband food.
Directed by Kelvin Tong. Limited seats, on a first-come-first-served basis.
Explore Packaging and Sustainability with Our Special Exhibition
- Packaging Matters: Singapore’s Food Packaging Story from the Early 20th Century
- 10am – 8.30pm (Last admission at 8pm) | Stamford Gallery, Level 1
Explore the world of food packaging in Singapore, from the early bottling and canning factories in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, to the light industries of the 1960s–70s when food was manufactured in factories. Drawing from the museum’s rich artefact collections, Packaging Matters traces the development of packaging technologies in the context of new retail spaces such as supermarkets, as well as the design identities of local food brands.
Craft Making with Yeo’s
- 10 August, 10am – 12pm | Canyon, Basement
Create bags, table displays and other fun craft with Yeo’s Tetra pak packaging and PET bottles.
This segment is supported by Yeo’s.
Discover Singapore’s History and Culture through our Exhibitions, Tours and Performances
- Singapore History Gallery, and Life in Singapore Galleries
- 9 August: 10am – 9pm, 10 August: 10am – 7pm (last admission: 30 minutes before closure)
Plus, look out for a special programme presented by our docents – Encounters with History – based on the Singapore History Gallery on 9 August!
Families can also purchase a copy of Get Curious! The Official Interactive Family Guide to the National Museum of Singapore at a special price of $20, and explore the galleries together!
Encounters with History by Friends of the Museums
- 9 August, 1pm – 3pm | Various locations
Journey through 700 years of Singapore history with our knowledgeable and friendly docents in Encounters with History, and discover fascinating stories and significant events associated with the artefacts in our galleries!
Docents wearing a red scarf will be stationed at the following locations: Rotunda (level 1), entrances of the Singapore History Gallery, Singapura, Crown Colony, Syonan-To and Merdeka sections of the Singapore History Gallery. You can also find out about volunteering opportunities at the museum from our docents and museum hosts.
REUNION: An Exhibition by NTUC
- Ongoing till 10 Nov 2019, 10am – 7pm | Glass Atrium, Level 2
From the struggles during the pre- and post-independence days of Singapore to the triumphant moments of our common history, witness how the Labour Movement has evolved since its modernisation journey started 50 years ago. Immerse yourself in a multi-sensory experience through videos, speeches, artefacts and digital installations that bring history to life.
Songs for Singapore
- 9 & 10 August, 2.30pm – 3pm | Platform, Level 2
Sing along with our performers as they present a selection of local tunes and all-time favourite National Day songs such as Home and Count on Me Singapore!
Watch Our Young and Youth in Action
- Montage 2019: Our National Identity Photography Exhibition
- 1 – 11 August, 10am – 7pm | Longer concourse, Level 1
- Talk and tour: 10 August, 1pm – 2.30pm | The Salon, Level 1
Montage 2019: Our National Identity presents winning entries from Montage, an annual nation-wide photography exhibition organised by the Photographic Society of NUS that aims to celebrate and promote photography among youth. This year’s competition, themed Our National Identity, invites youth to share what being Singaporean means to them – be it through Singapore’s architecture, culture or heritage.
Let us know which of the photos resonated with you by responding to one of the three questions listed below on social media with the hashtag #NationalDayatNMS, and you might see your post projected on NMS’ LED screen from 8 to 11 August!
What does Singapore mean to you?
What are your hopes for the future?
What do you hope to see in Singapore in the next 10 years?
Meet with the photographers as they hold on-the-spot engagement tours and on 10 August, hear from the photographers on how they captured these iconic shots in a talk and tour of the exhibition.
This segment is co-presented with the Photographic Society of the National University of Singapore (NUSPS).
SMU Samba Masala Performance
- 9 August, 4.40pm – 5.10pm | Front lawn, Level 1
Groove to the tunes performed by the Singapore Management University (SMU)’s Samba Masala, as a lead-up to the live screening of the National Day Parade!
Singapore Youth Festival Art Exhibition and Fringe Activities: Artist and Citizenship Exhibition
- 9 & 10 August, 10am – 7pm | Canyon, Basement
- Student Artist Talk-Workshop
- 10 August, 1.30pm – 2.30pm, 3pm – 4pm | Canyon, Basement
What are some of the issues that have concerned artists in the past and present? How have artists transformed these concerns into creative expressions that touch and inspire citizens to create a better society?
This year’s Singapore Youth Festival Art Exhibition, themed Artist and Citizenship, is presented in commemoration of Singapore’s bicentennial and features artworks by primary-school artists and their reflections on Singapore.
On 10 August, join a group of student artists as they present their inspirations and creative processes behind the artwork A Family on Separation Day. Participants will be guided on a hands-on session in using stippling as a drawing technique to create their own masterpiece.
This segment is co-presented with the Arts Education Branch of the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the workshop is presented by students from Sengkang Green Primary School. Limited to the first 30 participants per session.
A Series of Postcards for Singapore
- Front Desk, Level 1
What does Singapore mean to you? Be inspired by a series of four postcards by 16-year-old student Nathaneal Wee, available at the museum’s front desk.
Share with us which postcard you picked and respond to one of the three questions listed below on social media with the hashtag #NationalDayatNMS, and you might see your post projected on NMS’ LED wall from 8 to 11 August!
What does Singapore mean to you?
What are your hopes for the future?
What do you hope to see in Singapore in the next 10 years?
Share Your Thoughts with Us!
- Writings on the Wall
- 8 – 11 August, 10am – 7pm | LED Wall, Level 1
This year, we invite you to share with us your thoughts and reflections on social media, with the hashtag #NationalDayatNMS.
What does Singapore mean to you? What are your hopes for the future? What do you hope to see in Singapore in the next 10 years?
Over the course of four days, watch your thoughts as well as that of many others projected on the museum’s LED wall, as we reflect on our Singapore!
Wishes for Singapore Video Booth
- 9 & 10 August, 11am – 6pm | Shorter Concourse, Level 1
Record your wishes for Singapore with your friends and families in this video booth, and send yourself a copy of this memorable event! Share your video on social media with the hashtag #NationalDayatNMS and you might see your post projected on NMS’ LED wall from 8 to 11 August!
The National Museum Pop-up Birthday Card
- 9 & 10 August, 10am – 6pm | Under the Grand Staircase, Level 1
What’s your birthday wish for Singapore? Personalise a special pop-up birthday card and pen your wish for Singapore!
Enjoy Engaging Activities with Families and Friends
Colouring Competition
- 9 August, 10am – 1pm (Registration starts at 10am, and the competition starts at 10.30am. The prize presentation ceremony will be held from 12pm to 1pm) | Salon, Level 1
Unleash your creativity in this colouring competition about Singapore. Express your thoughts on what Singapore means to you or what you hope to see in Singapore in the next 10 years through art!
This competition is open to the first 120 pairs of parent/ grandparent and child/ grandchild. A colouring pack (with retail value of $18) is available with a minimum donation of $5. Limited to the first 150 participants. The programme and prizes are supported by STAEDTLER.
Scavenger Hunt
- 9 & 10 August, 10am – 5pm | Various Galleries
Search the museum’s galleries for little-known aspects of Singapore, and receive a tote bag with a design of your choice upon completion of a scavenger hunt card!
While stocks last for each day.
A Race Through Singapore (Racing Simulator)
- 9 & 10 August, 11am – 5pm | Activity Room, Level 3
Race through Singapore in this virtual-reality experience with your friends, and look out for iconic Singapore scenes along the way!
Recommended for ages 16 and above
Timmy & Tammy Discover Singapore Hawker Food – Storytelling by Lianne Ong
- 9 & 10 August, 2pm and 3.30pm | Stamford Gallery, Level 1
Discover some of Singapore’s favourite hawker dishes and popular ingredients in this engaging children’s storytelling session with Lianne Ong!
Bouncy Adventures
- 9 & 10 August, 10am – 5pm | Bus Bay, Level 2
Suitable for 4 years and above
Embark on a bouncy adventure with interactive inflatable playgrounds inspired by iconic mosaic playgrounds of yesteryear and the museum’s prized William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings!
This segment is supported by Families for Life.
Craft Activities
- 9 & 10 August, 10am – 5pm
- Wearable Headgear: Open Spaces, Level 3
- Makan Memories: Activity Room, Level 3
Celebrate Singapore’s identity as a foodie paradise with a craft activity created by Staedtler or bring home your own wearable headgear inspired by your favourite Singapore icon!
Other National Day Specials
Balloon Sculpting Redemption
- 9 August, 1pm – 5pm | The Canyon, Basement Level
Back by popular demand, these special “National Day Balloons” take balloon sculpting to a whole new level. Get a whimsical Chilli Crab, Vanda Miss Joaquim or Changi Airport-shaped balloon sculpture for keeps! Redeemable with a completed scavenger hunt or reflection card.
Tote Bag Redemption
- 9 & 10 August, 11am – 5pm | Gallery Theatre Foyer, Basement Level
Choose from a variety of locally-inspired designs and create your own unique tote bags!
While stocks last. Redeemable with a completed scavenger hunt activity sheet.
Funpack Giveaway
- 9 August, 4.15pm | Front Lawn
Redeemable with a completed feedback form.
Food and Beverages
- Families for Life Mobile Café and Games
- 10am – 8pm on 9 Aug
- 10am – 6pm on 10 Aug (Various Food Trucks)
- 10am – 5pm on 9 & 10 Aug (Families for Life Mobile Café) | Front Lawn and Coach Bay
Enjoy delicious grub from food trucks owned by our very own Singaporeans. From light bites for snack lovers to wholesome meals to satisfy bigger appetites, we’ve got something for everyone! Visitors are encouraged to BYO utensils and dining ware to reduce wastage.
Please note that food and drinks (including bottled water) are not permitted in the galleries.The Families for Life Mobile Café and games are supported by Families for Life.
Milo Truck
- 10 August, 2pm – 5pm | Front Lawn
Special National Day Menu by Food for Thought
- 5 August – end of August
Savour a special National Day menu prepared by Food for Thought with your family and friends at $25 per pax!
Image Credit: National Museum of Singapore
Age
0+
Price
Free
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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)