So you think museums are only for big people? Think again! The Children’s Museum of Singapore is here to change your perspective…
A museum that welcomes adults, but only in the company of kids? Unheard of! Round up the fam and hit the National Heritage Board’s new Children’s Museum Singapore, pronto because this ‘starter museum’ is one for our tiny folks and the first of its kind in Singapore! Designed using the expertise of researchers, educators and professionals, the museum is packed with adventure, storylines and interactive activities to stimulate your munchkin’s senses, evoke curiosity and motivate learning. Sounds like fun? The kiddos can also acquaint themselves with our tiny island nation through a learn-through-play environment. Enough of the intro – let’s take a deep dive into the deets! We got a sneak peek, and here is what you can expect…
Things to do at the Children’s Museum of Singapore
The museum features a permanent exhibition that spans four galleries on the ground floor and three-special galleries on the second level. Let’s take a peek at what each one is all about.
1. Permanent Gallery: A Voyage Back In Time
Kids will get to meet CMSG’s mascot from the future, WonderBot, and join him on a voyage through different periods in Singapore’s history. There are also tons of fun activities to keep the littlies entertained courtesy of another virtual companion, the adventurous sea-faring Captain. Here is what Level 1 has in store:
Hidden Chamber
Put your captain hat on to unravel the mysteries of the hidden chamber! Kiddies can brace themselves for a short immersive theatre show and discover treasures (via animation) from the Captain’s secret stash. Our tiny pirates will learn stories about the origins of the treasures too.
Ahoy Singapore!
Calling all tiny sailors! Her Captain’s ship is set to sail back in time and will teach all the tricks of the trade. The kiddos can get into the rhythm with the Captain’s orders by learning to tie a reef knot and activating a water pump. While they are at it, take a whiff of the aromatic spices onboard or the musty smell in the ship’s cargo hold. This exhibit ought to get them all set for the high seas! Before setting sail, our little helpers can disembark at the port and immerse themselves in a fun multimedia game to clean the dirty Singapore river.
The Marketplace
The street with bustling heritage shophouses next door to the port is a pit stop the wee ones will love to explore. There is plenty of room for pretend play with Singapore’s early migrants busy at work. The kids can hop onto a barber’s chair to listen in on to his tales or help the funny confectioner as he bottles up candies. There are many other trades to explore, including textiles, fresh produce, traditional letter writers and even a street food stall selling satay. Yum! Tons of sights and sounds to absorb here.
My Neighbourhood
Knock-knock! Do you hear the postman’s knock? This exhibit opens its doors to a colourful modern-day neighbourhood where the littlies can discover the workings of a post office. Pretty cool! They can explore a display of stamps and design their own stamps too. They will love seeing their creations come to life in a stamp parade!
2. Special Galleries: Imagine A Garden, Play Pod and Happy Birthday!
Make your way to Level 2 for another floor packed with fun-filled activities, spanning three galleries. You and the fam don’t want to miss out on these because they will be refreshed every year.
Imagine a Garden
This a-maze-ing gallery might feel like a walk in the park, but it gives an insight into the avian and floral diaspora of Singapore and Southeast Asia. Our tiny tails will love to study the life-like paper sculptures of birds and flowers by Colombian artist Diana Beltrán Herrera. We say the paper models are sheer works of art! Looking to step into avian wings? Don’t miss the multimedia game ‘How Fast Can You Fly’ where the kiddies (or yourself) can try impersonating a spotted wood owl on the hunt for its prey. Littlies can even create their own magnetic flower mural here.
Happy Birthday!
Get your party hat on and whistles at the ready because we are stepping into one heck of a birthday party at this exhibit! Kiddies can take a deep dive into various cultural birthday practices in Singapore. Think of gift-giving traditions, familial love, traditions of welcoming a wee bub, and even preparing yummy birthday treats. Kiddies can even try their hand at making different birthday foods through the multimedia game Help the Chef. Don’t miss out on the wall of birthday photographs contributed by Singaporeans from different periods.
Play Pod
Calling all tiny tots aged two to four! Want to know more about all those magic fruits and veggies that mum and dad keep preaching about? This shoes-off gallery helps kiddies explore nature’s bounty in a fun way through active play. Kiddos can help themselves to gardening tools from a shed, try gardening at a small garden bed and even go veggie-picking. There is also a cute fruit stall set for littlies to sell the fruits of their hard labour. The exhibit also has a storybook-like twist with a calamansi fruit that the kiddies can clamber into. Fun!
Now that you have all the deets, how about a visit to the Children’s museum for a fun-filled time?
Children’s Museum Singapore: ticket prices, opening hours, and how to get there
How much is the Children’s Museum Singapore?
Good news, general admission to the Children’s Museum Singapore is free for all until 31 March 2023. Each ticket is valid for a 1hr 45mins visit to the museum, and each transaction is limited to a maximum of four tickets. Click here to book your tickets. Note – you must book your tickets in advance, and it’s popular, so book early to avoid disappointment.
What are the opening times for Children’s Museum Singapore?
The Children’s Museum Singapore is open Tuesday-Sunday (closed on Monday), 9am-1pm and 2pm-6pm. The museum is closed between 1pm-2pm daily for cleaning. There are four entry slots to select: 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm, and entry is valid for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Be sure to arrive 10-15 mins before your allocated slot; tickets won’t be accepted if you arrive more than 10 minutes late.
How do I get to the Children’s Museum Singapore?
The Children’s Museum Singapore is located at 23-B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807. The museum is housed in a historic double-storey colonial building; you can’t miss it! The nearest MRT is City Hall, which is an eight-minute walk away. There are also lots of options via bus. Check here for all the details.
Some handy-dandy tips for exploring the Children’s Museum Singapore
- Keep a tab of all the happenings in terms of activities and events before you choose your visit date. You can sign up for additional workshops and classes in advance, from craft workshops to book launches!
- Pack light, as there are no lockers, and stroller parking is extremely limited. Strollers are not allowed in the galleries, so best to leave them at home if pos!
- To make it a comfy experience for our tiny explorers, make sure to kit out in comfortable footwear and clothing.
- The exhibits are designed for children aged five and older, but there is a play space called Play Pod for children two to four years old to enjoy.
- Don’t bring food or drink into the museum with you (water is fine). There are no food or drink options onsite, but you’re not far away from a whole host of fab options if you need a pitstop post-museum.
And there you have it! All you need to know about the Children’s Museum of Singapore. What do you most like about the museum? We would love to hear from you. Send us a DM and let us know.
