Asian Civilisations Museum

About this experience

Asian Civilisations Museum is a cultural and historical museum located in Singapore, showcasing the rich heritage and diversity of Asian cultures. This attraction features extensive collections of artifacts, art, and exhibitions highlighting trade, religion, and cultural exchanges across Asia. Visitors can explore galleries focused on China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Islamic world. It is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper understanding of Asia’s cultural roots.

The recommended duration is approximately 1.5–3 hours, depending on your pace and interest in the exhibits. The experience is self-paced, allowing guests to explore galleries at their own convenience. Duration may vary depending on crowd levels and temporary exhibitions.

Guests can enter using a e-ticket or redeem tickets at the counter if required. Upon entry, visitors can explore multiple galleries featuring artifacts, multimedia displays, and curated exhibitions. Highlights include maritime trade history and cross-cultural influences across Asia. Guests can move freely between galleries, following their preferred route, and complete the visit at their own pace.

Highlights

• Discover rich Asian heritage through interactive galleries, artifacts, and exhibitions showcasing diverse cultures.
• Explore one of Singapore’s leading museums featuring unique collections from across Asia and maritime trade history.
• Perfect for culture enthusiasts, students, and travelers seeking an educational and enriching experience.
• Includes access to permanent galleries and selected special exhibitions within the museum.
• Ideal for visitors of all ages interested in history, art, and cultural exploration.

What's included

• Garden of Senses Exhibitions
• Let's Play! Exhibitions
• All Access Admission

How to use

1. Show Mobile Ticket
2. Ticketing counter
3. Ticketing Counter (with corresponding identification upon entry for local resident ticket holders)

What to expect

The ACM’s collection began with objects from the colonial Raffles Library and Museum. The major part was ethnological materials collected in Southeast Asia – essentially examples of the crafts, tools, weapons, utensils, and costume of the Malay and other indigenous Southeast Asian cultures. There was also a small collection of Chinese objects.

Collections in new areas were started in the 1990s: West Asia/the Islamic world and South Asia, so that the ACM could fulfill its mission to highlight the roots of Singapore’s different ethnic groups in the various cultures and civilisations of Asia.

ACM opened in the former Tao Nan School Building on Armenian Street on 21 April 1997, with then Deputy PM Lee Hsien Loong presiding. The museum included 10 galleries, with thematic displays on China and space for special exhibitions. In 2003, the ACM moved into its current home — the historic Empress Place Building. First completed in 1867, this neoclassical-style building along the Singapore River had seen several extensions built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Things to note

• Accessibility: Staff are available to assist visitors with disabilities whenever possible, and wheelchairs are available for loan.
• Restriction: Food and drinks are not allowed inside the exhibition halls, but there's a cafe on-site for refreshments.
• Restriction: Large bags, backpacks, and luggage must be deposited in lockers at the entrance.
• Restriction: Flash photography and tripods are generally not permitted, and photography may be restricted in certain exhibitions.
• No age or height restrictions. Child tickets may require valid ID; children should be supervised at all times.
• Indoor attraction, operations are not affected by weather conditions.
• Wear comfortable attire. Follow museum rules; no touching exhibits unless permitted, and maintain quiet behavior.

Terms & conditions

Ticket Eligibility

• The admission ticket is valid for entry only and cannot be sold or transferred.
• All purchased tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
• Senior ticket/student ticket/local resident ticket holders must provide corresponding identification upon entry.

• Entry must comply with the current venue rules and regulations of the museum.
• The museum may be closed on specific dates due to private events. Follow the official website and social media for the latest updates.
• If certain exhibition halls are temporarily closed, please refer to the on-site notices at the attraction.

• This activity is suitable for stroller and wheelchair users.
• Photography is allowed on-site, but commercial photography and live streaming are strictly prohibited. The use of flash is not permitted in the venue.

• Please refrain from touching any artifacts on public display. Do not touch handicrafts, paintings, or artworks, as the oils from your fingers can contaminate and damage them.
• Outside food and beverages are prohibited, as well as smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Only service animals with valid ID are allowed; other pets are not permitted.