Singapore City Gallery
Singapore City Gallery
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Singapore City Gallery is a great starting point to get to know the city for free. Located beside the Maxwell food centre in the historic district of Chinatown, this 3 storey visitor centre goes beneath the skin of the city to understand how the city came to be, that even though it’s a dense built-up city of tar, glass and concrete, it is still so green, has memorable buildings, historic districts and walkable streets. You can imagine and design your own version of Marina Bay or explore plans long into the future like Greater Southern Waterfront city. The main draw is an enormous model replica of the City Centre with uncannily accurate miniatures of building and streetscapes. Look out for an illustrative map drawn by Lee Xin Li. It will sure to bring back memories of Singapore, past and present. Before you leave, catch the dramatic 3-min Island Wide Model show screened every 20 mins at level 1.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
How to get there
- Telok Ayer • 6 min walk
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6,821 within 5 kms
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824 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Stephanie S2 contributionsA brilliant place to spend an hour or twoA really well planned out and informative place. Definitely worth a visit especially if you are interested in knowing more about the set up of the city and how it is looking forward. Also a wonderful 3D model of the inner city.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 6 October 2023
- SusaMasaHelsinki, Finland434 contributionsExcellent exhibition on the city of SingaporeIn addition to the Singapore city museum, pop in to this free of charge exhibition close to China town, that explains how the city has evolved. You can easily spend an hour inside watching the miniature model of the city and learning how the city has changed and developed over time. Next to the city gallery, there is and excellent food court that is popular with locals and tourists.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 January 2024
- Brown_SamanthaKennewick, Washington1,780 contributionsFree entrance fee and truly enjoyable and delightful miniature models of SingaporeThis lovely city gallery is located near the Maxwell hawker center, the MRT station, and the large temple in Chinatown. Very easy to find and access. We really enjoyed both levels of the gallery, but especially the main exhibit area that had the miniature models of Singapore. It is delightful to see how the city is laid out, like a birds eye view of the current developments as well as future plans. The space is bright and clean, with very clean restroom facilities. It is with AC, so it gave us a break from the heat. Well done!Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 March 2024
- RelayGBAndwell, United Kingdom70 contributionsInsightful view on the past 60 years of development and what the city has in store for the next 50 years.Not a place that seemed obvious on the list of things to do but this was fascinating. So much was considered as part of the vision 60 years ago and you can see what’s been implemented. But the upper levels are much more focused on the next 50 years and how the city handles energy, water, infrastructure etc. if you’re a first time visitor or a ‘returner’ you would get so much from this that helps to explain what has happened and what is being planned. Oh, and it’s free to enter!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 April 2024
- WikumjRedhill, United Kingdom402 contributionsExcellent informative free exhibit in ChinatownExcellent free little exhibit to see how Singapore has developed, with a fantastic miniature model that shows the further planned development of the city. Explains the way the city has been planned and designed which was very eye opening. The best part is this is free to see, so definitely worth stopping by in a visit to Chinatown. Takes less than an hour.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2024
- Mildred2011London, United Kingdom206 contributionsEssential start to any stayAn unexpected but essential start to any few days in Singapore It is extremely impressive to see how long term planning and efficient use of the very limited land that the country has is organised The UK could learn a lot from how Singapore operatesVisited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
528 reviews
Excellent
307
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39
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Cathie
4 contributions
Aug 2022
I would spend a few days browsing through the exposition if I only could! Lots of interactive displays, explications to read, two models of the city (on different levels of the building). Great insights into the future of Singapore’s development.
On the ground floor there was a guide talking through one of the models . I wanted to join, but he said that it’s only for a group of VIP visitors . Would be great if there were daily scheduled guided tours for the public.
On the ground floor there was a guide talking through one of the models . I wanted to join, but he said that it’s only for a group of VIP visitors . Would be great if there were daily scheduled guided tours for the public.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asian T
Los Angeles, CA12 contributions
Nov 2022
This is a great place to come and soak in the architecture, history, and the humble beginnings of Singapore. If you have the time and read all the intricate details posted on the wall plus watch some of the videos, you can easily spend several hours in this gallery. There are various awesome models laid out nicely, as well.
In addition, the Gallery is free of charge to the public, too. And if you get hungry enough, there is a local (Hawker) Market/eatery across the street. We found some of the workers buying lunch from there and then going into the Gallery to eat their lunches. So long you pick up after yourself, no one would say anything to you.
The Gallery, also, allows photography and videos. I am not sure if the Gallery would encourage any flash, though.
In addition, the Gallery is free of charge to the public, too. And if you get hungry enough, there is a local (Hawker) Market/eatery across the street. We found some of the workers buying lunch from there and then going into the Gallery to eat their lunches. So long you pick up after yourself, no one would say anything to you.
The Gallery, also, allows photography and videos. I am not sure if the Gallery would encourage any flash, though.
Written 5 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin H
Bristol, UK159 contributions
Mar 2020
Wasn't sure what to expect here, but it turned out to be an excellent experience. On 3 floors a series of maps, models, interactive videos etc takes you through the cities 50 year plan to where it is today. There are also other exhibition's of photos, sculpture etc as well. Definitely worth a visit. Recommended.
Written 16 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeremie Bradette
Rougemont, Canada11 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
Awesome museum!
I've set foot in many museums in Singapore, and I find it almost ironic that the greatest one by far was the only place I didn't have to pay for. I stumbled upon it without even knowing it existed, and I ended up spending hours in it. It's one of the rare times I feel like TripAdvisor's estimated duration is too low.
Unlike other museums nearby, this one isn't about art, or anthropology. The Singapore City Gallery is exclusively about how Singapore came to be and how the city works today. "How does garbage disposal work in such a compact city?" "How and when did Singapore expand?" "With what purpose were the streets and zones placed decades ago?"
This may sound boring, but trust me, you'll spend a lot of time there. Heck, just looking at the gigantic maquette of the city is worth it. There's interactive games, videos, models...
All free of charge.
I've set foot in many museums in Singapore, and I find it almost ironic that the greatest one by far was the only place I didn't have to pay for. I stumbled upon it without even knowing it existed, and I ended up spending hours in it. It's one of the rare times I feel like TripAdvisor's estimated duration is too low.
Unlike other museums nearby, this one isn't about art, or anthropology. The Singapore City Gallery is exclusively about how Singapore came to be and how the city works today. "How does garbage disposal work in such a compact city?" "How and when did Singapore expand?" "With what purpose were the streets and zones placed decades ago?"
This may sound boring, but trust me, you'll spend a lot of time there. Heck, just looking at the gigantic maquette of the city is worth it. There's interactive games, videos, models...
All free of charge.
Written 6 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom B
Sheffield, UK306 contributions
Oct 2022
Not an art gallery; instead, this is where the city planners hang out. There's a lot of interesting information here: interesting old maps showing how Singapore has developed, and interactive displays outlining how Singapore deals with practical issues such water supply, waste services, etc.
The most dramatic exhibit is a scale model of the city centre that's metres across - has to be seen to be believed.
The most dramatic exhibit is a scale model of the city centre that's metres across - has to be seen to be believed.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusaMasa
Helsinki, Finland434 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
In addition to the Singapore city museum, pop in to this free of charge exhibition close to China town, that explains how the city has evolved. You can easily spend an hour inside watching the miniature model of the city and learning how the city has changed and developed over time. Next to the city gallery, there is and excellent food court that is popular with locals and tourists.
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RelayGB
Andwell, UK70 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Not a place that seemed obvious on the list of things to do but this was fascinating. So much was considered as part of the vision 60 years ago and you can see what’s been implemented. But the upper levels are much more focused on the next 50 years and how the city handles energy, water, infrastructure etc.
if you’re a first time visitor or a ‘returner’ you would get so much from this that helps to explain what has happened and what is being planned.
Oh, and it’s free to enter!
if you’re a first time visitor or a ‘returner’ you would get so much from this that helps to explain what has happened and what is being planned.
Oh, and it’s free to enter!
Written 18 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob O
3 contributions
Aug 2023
We came here because our pre-teen is very interested in architecture. It was recommended by hotel staff.
It's free, and for a person interested in urban planning, urban history, and urban life, this was educational, interesting, and full of little surprises and unique ways to access information, which made it engaging and hands-on, even for kids who are interested in how things (especially cities) work.
I do wish there had been a few more guides or docents hanging around ready to answer questions, but my son is a little shy, and might not have asked questions anyway.
It's free, and for a person interested in urban planning, urban history, and urban life, this was educational, interesting, and full of little surprises and unique ways to access information, which made it engaging and hands-on, even for kids who are interested in how things (especially cities) work.
I do wish there had been a few more guides or docents hanging around ready to answer questions, but my son is a little shy, and might not have asked questions anyway.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brown_Samantha
Kennewick, WA1,780 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This lovely city gallery is located near the Maxwell hawker center, the MRT station, and the large temple in Chinatown. Very easy to find and access. We really enjoyed both levels of the gallery, but especially the main exhibit area that had the miniature models of Singapore. It is delightful to see how the city is laid out, like a birds eye view of the current developments as well as future plans.
The space is bright and clean, with very clean restroom facilities. It is with AC, so it gave us a break from the heat. Well done!
The space is bright and clean, with very clean restroom facilities. It is with AC, so it gave us a break from the heat. Well done!
Written 12 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wikumj
Redhill, UK402 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Excellent free little exhibit to see how Singapore has developed, with a fantastic miniature model that shows the further planned development of the city. Explains the way the city has been planned and designed which was very eye opening. The best part is this is free to see, so definitely worth stopping by in a visit to Chinatown. Takes less than an hour.
Written 2 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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