Singapore History Gallery reopens after three-year revamp

The National Museum of Singapore will reopen its revamped Singapore History Gallery on 10 October, offering visitors a new presentation of the city-state’s history spanning more than 700 years.

The gallery’s first full revamp follows the completion of the museum’s three-year restoration. Its new exhibition traces the development of Singapore’s identity through historical artifacts, multimedia installations and interactive displays.

The gallery is divided into seven zones covering Singapore’s history from the 1300s to the present, including its maritime heritage, colonial period, Japanese occupation, path to self-government, post-independence development and emergence as a global city.

Among the featured items are the Singapore Stone, a newly commissioned jongkong boat model, a restored HDB lift and the piano used by composer Zubir Said to write “Majulah Singapura.”

Visitors will also be able to record their reflections at voice-input stations throughout the gallery. Their contributions will form part of the exhibition’s concluding experience, creating a collective vision of Singapore’s future.

“The reopening of the Singapore History Gallery is a milestone that carries deep meaning for us,” National Museum of Singapore director Chung May Khuen said. “It is the culmination of years of work, shaped by the voices of our communities and grounded in our belief that Singapore’s story belongs to everyone who has lived it.”

The reopening will anchor the museum’s 139th anniversary celebrations, “Stories of Everyday,” which will run from 10 to 18 October. The museum’s new mascot, Stoney, inspired by the Singapore Stone, will also debut during the celebrations.

The museum said the full reopening of its Level 2 Life in Singapore Galleries is scheduled for early 2027.