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Asian Civilisations Museum

Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore: Hours, Address, Asian Civilisations Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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Asian Civilisations Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
Asian Civilisations Museum
4.5
2,200
#33 of 1,121 things to do in Singapore
History Museums
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10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The Asian Civilisations Museum is devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. Founded in 1993 and in its present building by the Singapore River since 2003, the museum traces its roots to the Raffles Museum, founded in the middle of the 19th century. ACM focuses on the many historical connections between the cultures of Asia, and between Asia and the world. Singapore’s history as a port city that brought people together from all over the world is used as a means of examining the history of Asia. Special exhibitions bring magnificent objects from around the world to our Singapore audience. Programmes like the annual River Nights encourage visitors to connect more closely with culture and the arts.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Admission tickets
from SGD 5.13
All you need to step foot in the door.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: City Hall
How to get there
  • Raffles Place • 5 min walk
  • Telok Ayer • 9 min walk
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7,434 within 5 kms
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Stellar at 1-Altitude
720
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Attractions
766 within 10 kms
Former Empress Place Building
15
26 mHistory Museums
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39
41 mArchitectural Buildings
Deng Xiaoping Monument
2
59 mMonuments & Statues
Cavenagh Bridge
283
0.1 kmBridges
Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall
99
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Theatres
Statue of Raffles
276
0.2 kmMonuments & Statues
Anderson Bridge
132
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Raffles Landing Site
105
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Boat Quay
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The Arts House
66
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Popular mentions
4.5
2,200 reviews
Excellent
1,185
Very good
765
Average
215
Poor
30
Terrible
5
Anand1351
Singapore, Singapore2,563 contributions
A must visit place, one of better museums in SG
May 2022 • Business
It used to be better earlier, still good to visit. Interesting place to spend couple of hours in hot afternoon or during rains.
Strangely you have to take stirs to go up and down, not sure how people on wheelchairs can visit.
There were lifts but were closed.
Still one of the must visit place in SG, just outside you can take a stroll at riverside and even walk to Merlion and Esplanade.
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marc Hiles
5 contributions
A day isn't enough - going back again.
Apr 2022
The ACM is ideally situated in a area with other attractions and for a walk around the Marina and down to Clarke's Quay. The outside display with the large spheres outside enable you to take pictures of the whole outside of the museum. Inside the displays were well laid out with great background information and explanations why things developed the way they did and during those periods in history. The ship wreck on the ground floor had an imaginative layout showing off numerous artefacts. We only managed to get through the first floor and half the second floor then needed to rest at the restaurant down stairs; the cakes were wonderful. Next visit starting from the top and finish the 2nd floor. Cannot wait.
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mr. Gullo
Singapore, Singapore242 contributions
Asian Civilisations Museum
May 2022 • Solo
A deep dive in the Asian Culture with some European perspectives. If you like the history of the trade, religion, fabric, porcelain and jewellery this is the place. You will need at least 4 hours to have a proper tour.
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
R. K. V.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam1,931 contributions
Still great
Apr 2022 • Solo
One of my favorite places in the world. Exceptional exhibits, wonderful location and incredibly friendly service and atmosphere
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jacqueline S
Dubai, United Arab Emirates5 contributions
The history you didn't learn in school
Apr 2022 • Solo
Easily in the top 10 of world museums. One of the best history museums I have visited. They do a wonderful job of presenting the history of the area in an unbiased manner. Very educational even for a history teacher
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
J&S_Singapore
Singapore, Singapore3,457 contributions
The Special Exhibitions thrills
Sep 2021
ACM is conveniently located near to Raffles Place MRT station. The museum has 10 galleries with some good thematic displays on China and Southeast Asian exhibitions (eg Silk Route and artefacts recovered from sunken vessels nearby like porcelain treasure cloves). They are also closer to Home exhibits on SG’s Peranakan past, aptly the Asia Civilisation Museum. We used to drop by at least twice a year and the recent Special exhibition especially draws us in; Russel Wong in Kyoto – Life In Edo.
There is two parts in this exhibition, giving visitors a good glimpse of both Past & Present Japan
One is Russel Wong in Kyoto, where the renowned photographer shares his capturing of Kyoto’s nature and architecture beauty, and also Geisha traditions through the lens. The black and white photography comes with informative text accompaniment to better appreciate the Arts.
The other section is Life in Edo. It depicts the lifestyles and trends of the Edo period ( from 1603 to 1868 ) through a display of Japanese woodblock prints. And definitely not forgetting works by ukiyo-e masters Katsushika Hokusai ! We just been through the Hokusai Museum Tokyo back in 2019 and this really refreshes u as it centred on Japanese culture & craftsmanship, showcasing array of woodblock prints.
We spent a good 1+hour tour including the other exhibits, fully enjoyed a segment of stories of traditional & contemporary Japan. Afterwhich we stroll along part of the Singpapore River where we head to nearby Clark Quay for food hunt.
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Erico2709
Singapore, Singapore1,999 contributions
Nice walk inside & outside the museum
Oct 2021
If you have been to other world renowed museums, this is very small by comparisoin. However, they do a very good job to space out the exhibits and focus more around Asian culture and exhibits. The walk around the museum is a must with beautiful scenery and the Singapore river.
Written 9 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Haebee
Singapore, Singapore756 contributions
Edo/Russel Wong exhibition- highly recommended!
Jul 2021 • Friends
The ACM is well organised, elegant with exhibits and displays worthy of learning and interesting discoveries. Do arrange to join a docent led tour so that you can have a better appreciation of the items, context and interesting background information. We specially went for the Edo/Russel Wong exhibition and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! It was as if we relived the times of the Japanese samurai and geishas, yet could appreciate a contemporary view through the lens of Russel Wong. Most impressed by the wood block art prints. Highly recommended.
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
多多333
Singapore, Singapore4 contributions
Good museum experience
Jun 2021
I am awed by the exhibitions the Asian Civilisations Museum has, especially those artefacts from the Silk Road era, like porcelain items from places like Jingdezhen and Changsha. I am also impressed by how ancient people make carpets and various items in a detailed way.
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nigel
Singapore, Singapore39 contributions
Visit to Kyoto / Edo Exhibition
May 2021 • Solo
Visited specifically to look at this exhibition, which runs from 16 April to 19 September.

The life of Geisha - from the hazy origins to the five kagai of Kyoto. Good photographic journey in black and white with highly informative text accompaniment. To my mind the light is a bit too subdued - certainly makes photography difficult. Notwithstanding, good and informative.

Edo in paintings and woodblock prints. Good display but again subdued lighting. Nice artwork and well worth a visit.
Written 11 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Asian Civilisations Museum
Asian Civilisations Museum is open:
  • Fri - Fri 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Sat - Thu 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Asian Civilisations Museum admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost S$5.25, while a popular guided tour starts around S$7.15 per person. See all 8 Asian Civilisations Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
Asian Civilisations Museum can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 8 Asian Civilisations Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
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