Fashionistas and shopaholics have been trooping to Singapore
for years, lured by its many shopping malls that offer every brand, and
labels that fulfill the (shopaholics') hearts' desires. But while I do
enjoy shopping, I don't relish the idea of going to penury just to pay
for a huge credit card bill. There are other ways of enjoying
Singapore.So instead of heading to the malls, I often go to Singapore's
museums.They are the best in Asia, benefiting not only from the
government's vast resources (this wealthy country is competing with Hong Kong
to be Asia's art center) and the the city's state fondness for
organization and efficiency. That may be boring, but it has nevertheless
produced well curated art spaces. All of Singapore's museums are
accessible through public transport, air-conditioned, and have
wheelchair accessible facilities, restrooms and souvenir shops.Best of
all, given that Singapore is one of Asia's most expensive cities, . And
some days, you can even go to the museums for free!So when you're in
Singapore, try visiting:
1. The Peranakan Museum
The only museum that showcases the arts and culture of a distinct
ethnic group that was shaped and continues to influence Southeast Asia.
The Peranakan, which means "locally-born" in the Malay language, usually
refers to the descendants of Chinese traders who settled in the straits
Settlements of Singapore, Malacca and Penang in the 14th century and
married Malay women. The Peranakans also include those who descended
from unions between Indian merchants and local women
during the 15th century. This intermarriage produced a fusion of
cultures, and is reflected in the colorful cuisine, architecture and
fashion that form the multicultural mix of Singapore and Malaysia.
2. Singapore Art Museum (SAM)
With over 7,000 Southeast Asian pieces of artwork in its permanent collection, SAM stands as the region's repository of visual art. The collection
includes paintings, sculptures, multimedia installations, drawings,
prints and photographs – eye candy for those who can't get enough of
modern and contemporary art.
3. National Museum of Singapore
This is custodian of the 11 National Treasures – the most important
artefacts in Singapore's history. It includes the Last Will and
Testament of Munshi Abdullah, the Father of Modern Malay literature, the
1930's era Chinese glove puppet theater stage and a collection of
watercolor paintings of local floral and fauna commissioned by William
Farquhar, the First Resident of colonial Singapore.Visitors interested
in Singapore's history should also go to the museum's Four Living
Galleries – a showcase of artefacts, replicas, pictures, costumes and
even old films that document the history of Singapore fashion,
performing arts, photography and cuisine.
4. Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)
This is a must see for those who want to backpack around Asia. A
visit to the ACM is like going through a crash course on Asian studies.
It is the only museum that's dedicated to present artifacts and
collections representing different regions of Asia including China and
the Middle East.
5. Singapore Philatelic Museum
The museum that appeals to the child in us, as who after all didn't have a stamp collection when they were kids? The museum's collection
includes stamps and archival philatelic material of Singapore from the
1830's to present day. The museum also encourages philately in
Singapore, with its permanent galleries not only dedicated to the global
history of stamps, but also organizes workshops and talks on how stamps
chronicle Singapore's history.
varun -
About the Author:
Vishnoi written about Singapore Museum
