The Singapore History Gallery will reopen at the National Museum of Singapore on 10 October 2026.
The reopening follows a one-year restoration, the gallery’s first major refresh in 20 years.
Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time will explore more than 700 years of Singapore history.
Singapore History Gallery returns this October with a showcase featuring unseen artefacts, personal stories of the past, and more.
The National Museum of Singapore will reopen the doors to its flagship Singapore History Gallery on 10 October 2026, two days before its 139th anniversary. The one-year restoration of the space is a first for the gallery in 20 years, and its return will mark the debut of the showcase Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time. The latest exhibition from the Singapore History Gallery will unveil Singapore’s storied history over 700 years, anchored by the milestones that informed its transformation from humble beginnings to a global metropolis.
Through the revelation of never-before-seen artefacts and interactive installations, curated by local academics and focus groups involving over 160 people, the showcase is realised through the research and perspectives of prolific writers and artists, and will also feature personal stories recounted first-hand by eyewitnesses who have observed the changing phases of Singapore. The intention is to allow visitors to engage in introspection by asking “Who are we?”, in a bid to offer answers to the definition of Singapore’s national identity and how it has been influenced through the years.
Noteworthy touchpoints at the gallery include a restored lift that served public housing flats in the 1970s, a traditional coffee-roasting machine from the Ho Tit Coffee Powder Factory, and an exhibit by photographer Keith Loutit featuring a decade-long visual time-lapse of Singapore’s skyline.
In celebration of the National Museum of Singapore’s upcoming 139th anniversary on 12 October 2026, the gallery’s reopening is part of a series of spirited festivities, including an art market, meet-and-greets with special guests, and workshops from 10 to 18 October 2026. During this time, the museum will also unveil its mascot, inspired by a prized artefact from its collection.
Entry to the National Museum of Singapore and its galleries is complimentary for all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. General admission for adults from foreign countries starts from $20, while concession tickets for children and the elderly start from $10.
Where: National Museum of Singapore, Stamford Road, Fort Canning, Singapore
When: Daily from 10 October 2026, from 10am to 7pm
Contact: www.nationalmuseum.nhb.gov.sg