Ask anyone about Singapore museums and you’ll likely hear ArtScience Museum, National Gallery and National Museum pop up in the conversation. While we certainly have impressive museums, there are also many lesser known gems that are just as interesting as the big players. Need something to feed your curious mind? Check out these underrated museums in Singapore that are totally worth taking time to explore.
1. Singapore Chinese Opera Museum
Growing up in mainland China, Mr Bian Hui Bin grew up with Chinese opera. With a deep love for the art form, he wanted to introduce Chinese opera to locals and foreigners when he arrived here in Singapore. Singapore Chinese Opera Museum is one of its kind, the only museum here dedicated to our art form of Chinese opera. Tucked away on the second floor of a shophouse in Kampong Glam, the museum showcases the styles, costumes and props in the different types of Singaporean Chinese opera.
2. Former Ford Factory
Originally the first motorcar assembly plant in Southeast Asia, the Former Ford Factory is better known as the place where the British officially surrendered Singapore over to the Japanese in World War II. Today, you'll get to see archives detailing the experiences of residents in Singapore and Malaya during the Japanese Occupation, complete with personal stories and items owned by pre-war Singaporeans.
3. JCU Museum of Video and Computer Games
Calling all gamers – the JCU Museum of Video and Computer Games is arguably one of the most impressive yet underrated museums in Singapore. It is Southeast Asia’s first museum dedicated entirely to computer and video games! Located within James Cook University (JCU) Singapore, visitors can expect to see a collection of classic game consoles here. You can even try your hand at an old-school game on one of their many vintage consoles!
4. Red Dot Design Museum
Next time you’re planning a visit to Marina Bay, check our Red Dot Design Museum along the Marina Bay boulevard. Dedicated to design, this boutique museum showcases practical yet stunning artworks from around the world. You don't even need to be particularly artistic to enjoy IG-worthy displays! After you’re done marveling at the works of art, pop by the museum shop to check out some very cool and unique home decor and souvenirs!
5. The Gem Museum
Love gemstones and minerals? Then check Singapore’s only museum dedicated to the world of gems! It takes you on a journey from the time the gem is formed, all the way to the time it is cut and shaped for trade. Meanwhile, feast your eyes on everything from shimmering diamonds to rare gems. The museum also holds workshops that teach you the value and classification of various gemstones. That way, you'll never be scammed by gem fraudsters ever.
6. SGH Museum
Housed in Bowyer Block, the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Museum documents almost 200 years of medicine and medical history. Check out the extensive artefact collection, which includes a vintage X-ray machine, many other medical tools as well as the medical theses of late president Dr Benjamin Sheares. Visitors also get an insight into the significant contributions of the hospital and how it has supported the healthcare needs of the nation for two centuries.