A Guide to the Asian Civilizations Museum: A Trip Across the Continent without Leaving SG!
As a history nerd, I love that Singapore has several amazing museums scattered all over the country, each having its own distinct theme. One of my favourites, which is located in the city centre, is the Asian Civilizations Museum (ACM).
As the name suggests, this museum covers the history of different civilizations across Asia. There are educational exhibitions detailing certain moments of history, as well as displays of ancient relics and even textile designs throughout time!
Curious to know what to do at the museum? Here’s a guide to help you out!
Things to Know
Address: 1 Empress Pl
Operating Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday—10 am to 7 pm
- Friday—10 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +6563327798
How to Get There
By MRT: If you prefer riding the MRT, take the North-South or East-West Line and disembark at the Raffles Place MRT Station. Then, walk to the museum, which should take about five minutes.
By Bus: Ride any of the following bus services: 10, 10e, 57, 70, 75, 100, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 167, 196, 196e, 700, 850E, 868, 951E, or 971E. Then, stop at the Fullerton Square bus stop, and walk to the museum.
By Car: The best way to reach the museum by car is by taking the road behind the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall. The museum has no dedicated parking space, but there’s one at the basement of the New Parliament House, at Six Battery Road, and One Fullerton across from the Fullerton Hotel.
Admission Fees
Currently, these are the admission prices at the museum. They depend on whether you’re an adult, child, or senior citizen and if you’re a Singaporean/permanent resident or a foreign resident/tourist.
Take note that the tickets are non-refundable and not eligible to be sold or exchanged.
Visitor Tips
To ensure that you’ll have a seamless experience inside the museum, please make sure to follow these rules:
- Maintain silence inside the museum. If you want to talk to your companions, keep your voice low.
- Don’t touch any items on open display. Most of them are extremely old, making them vulnerable to damage. Even the oil from your fingers can contaminate them.
- You’re not allowed to bring food and drinks inside the museum. Other prohibited items include large backpacks, trolleys, and all sorts of bulky items.
- Taking photos and videos is allowed, but please make sure you’re not using the flash. Additionally, the photos and videos are allowed for personal use only; you can’t use them commercially.
Permanent Galleries to Check Out
Maritime Trade
– From: acm_sg
Located on Level 1, Maritime Trade tackles the long-standing trading relations between several civilizations across Asia. That’s why this gallery has maps and views of various cities, including Canton, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Batavia, Nagasaki, and Manila.
Aside from the maps, this gallery also has on display the objects that were produced for trade and export. Most of these objects are ceramics and paintings, and I love that they have different designs, depending on where they were produced. Some have simple geometric patterns, while others boast vivid colours with gold accents.
Faith and Belief
– From: acm_sg
If you’re interested in learning how religions in Asia differ from each other, then you need to visit the Faith and Belief gallery.
What I love about this gallery is that it’s divided into several other mini-sections, focusing on certain topics. I love the ancient religions section because I’ve always wanted to see how people thousands of years ago practised their faith.
Aside from that, there are also sections for Christian and Islamic art and relics used during ancient rituals. There’s even a scholarly section, filled with texts exploring the Chinese systems of belief!
Materials and Design
– From: acm_sg
Materials and Design has to be my favourite gallery because I have an interest in fashion. It’s so fascinating to see how textile arts have evolved throughout the years and how they differ, depending on the region. This gallery also has different jewellery pieces on display, and I love seeing all the intricate headdresses and glinting necklaces!
But clothes and accessories aren’t the only things you’ll spot here. There are all sorts of ceramics as well.
Other Things to Do
Attend a fun and educational exhibition
– From: acm_sg
While the permanent galleries are the highlight here, the museum still hosts several fun exhibitions to keep things fresh and interesting. These exhibitions are only available for a limited time; they change regularly—another thing to look forward to in the museum!
One of my favourite exhibitions that I attended here is the #SGFashionNow. This one was all about adopting a sustainable approach to fashion, and many established and emerging designers were featured. There was even a runway with models wearing avant-garde clothes, and it was so much fun to watch!
Join a guided tour
– From: acm_sg
I love exploring the museum on my own, but for people who are visiting for the first time, I recommend going on a guided tour first. This is just to ensure that you won’t feel overwhelmed because of how large the museum is.
Going on a guided tour is also fun. You get to talk to a volunteer docent who’s knowledgeable about the galleries and the different objects on display.
Tours tend to last an hour, and they’re free of charge! If you’re interested, you have to register and pick your preferred tour schedule at Visitor Services.
Become a volunteer (and/or donate)
– From: acm_sg
If you’re passionate about Asian history and you want to do something meaningful with your spare time, consider joining the Friends of Museums (FOG) Singapore and becoming a volunteer at this museum!
I don’t have experience volunteering here, but I have heard good things from friends and acquaintances who did. According to them, they had to attend weekly lectures, read books about history, and even go on field trips sometimes!
Host an event
– From: acm_sg
Did you know that the museum has several venue rentals? You can host a fun event here, such as birthdays, corporate team-building, and even weddings!
The event spaces on levels 1 and 2 are best suited for large gatherings because they’re spacious, with high ceilings. If you want a more intimate setting, you can choose the auditorium, discovery room, and demonstration room on the basement level.
To book any of these venues, you can send a request to [email protected], addressing Ms. Yanie Tan. You can also call using the number +6569821390 or +6569821302.
Join ACM Online
– From: acm_sg
If you want to learn more about Asian history but have no more time to spare to explore the museum a second time, you can just hop on ACM Online. This program features a collection of educational resources that you can access from the comfort of your home!
My favourite feature has to be the virtual tour because it gives me more insight into the key objects on display.
This program also includes publications that go in-depth on certain topics and items. They can be costly, but they work great as coffee table books. That way, both you and your guest can learn something new when you’re bored!
Where to Dine
Privé ACM
– From: theprivegroup_sg
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—9 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—9 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6567760777
At Privé ACM, you’ll be taking your dining experience to a whole new level. Located at the top of the museum, this restaurant commands a stunning view of the city. The sight becomes even more beautiful at night, thanks to all the twinkling skyscrapers.
The menu features Western food with a dash of local influences! I love the roast pork belly spaghetti aglio olio. The pork belly has a lovely charred taste, and its fat makes the sauce extra rich and salty. The dish also has a kick of spice at the end, which I really like!
Empress
– From: empress_acm
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +6567760777
If you can afford to splurge further, then Empress is the restaurant to go!
I recommend trying the Imperial Set Lunch, which is a prix fixe meal with four courses. I love to start with roast pork and Peking duck because the salty-peppery flavours excite my taste buds!
Where to Shop
Supermama
– From: supermamasg
Contact Number: +6596157473
Don’t come home from the museum without getting a beautiful souvenir! Luckily, Supermama has you covered!
This shop features replicas of popular artefacts in the museum that can serve as home decor. There are also everyday products like plates, mugs, and notebooks with a gorgeous art print of mundane Singaporean details.
For example, I have a few pieces of tableware with paintings of local plants. I always whip these out whenever I have guests!