Visiting The Asian Civilisations Museum?

1. History

The Asian Civilisations Museum. What can you tell from its name? Well, it certainly emphasizes exhibits reflecting Asian cultural heritage. The museum itself is split into two wings. Let me explain ...
 

2. The First Wing (ACM I)

If you step into the first wing (called ACM I), you will step into a nice neo-classical building which dates all the way back to 1910. What's in ACM I you say? Well, this wing contains exhibits which showcase Chinese civilisation and culture.

The Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore
Photo by StarvingFox Some rights reserved
 

It also has a great exhibition called the Peranakan Legacy - which I strongly recommended. What's a Peranakan? Well, if you didn't know a Peranakan is a group of people who lived in the Straits Settlements and the Indonesian Archipelago. Some of their rich heritage includes thins like batik (a prized fabric in Southeast Asia), embroidery and also beadwork. You will also find very beautiful collections of porcelain and silver.

Note: As of the time of this article, ACM I is closed for renovation. It will be operational again soon.
 

3. The Second Wing (ACM II)

Curious to know more? Well, you can step over to the second wing of the museum, aptly termed 'ACM II'. This wing is situated at Empress Place and was set up in early 2003 after a lot of renovation work.

You will be treated to very nice cultural exhibits from India, China and Southeast Asia, including the Islamic Word. What I like about ACM II is also the up-to-date display and interactive technologies within the museum. If you're visiting with children, that's so much the better - many of the exhibits have educational components fully integrated into the galleries. You can even find a small centre dedicated to younger kids.

From time to time, you will also see various 'blockbuster' exhibitions being held at the Asian Civilisations Museums. One current exhibition that I know of is called 'Tok Panjang - The Peranakan Dining Experience'.

This exhibition is simply amazing - you can see the Tok Panjang (i.e. 'long table') as it was used for formal dining amongst the Peranakan Chinese. Feasts were laid out on this table on special occasions and also allowed people to show off the family's wealth. The exhibition also allows you to view porcelain and silver from the Mariette Collection. Lovely stuff.
 

4. Admission and Opening Hours

If you're visiting, then take note of the following charges:

• $5 adults, $2.50 senior citizens / children (6 - 16 years old).
• Discounted admission on Friday nights (from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm).

You should also take note of the opening hours:

• Mon 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm
• Tue to Sun 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
• Fri 9.00 am to 9.00pm
   

5. Location

Here are the addresses of ACM I and ACM II in case you have trouble locating them:

• ACM I - 39 Armenian Street Singapore 179941 - Tel: 6332 3015
• ACM II - Empress Place, 1 Empress Place 179555 - Tel: 6332 7798
   

6. How To Get There?

If you're going to ACM I - you should take the MRT to the City Hall MRT Station. Next, walk towards Stamford Road and turn into Armenian Street right at the Stamford House. The museum is diagonally across from Stamford House.

To get to ACM II - again, start from the City Hall MRT Station and walk along St Andrew’s Road. Go right past St Andrew’s Cathedral, City Hall and the Supreme Court. Next, just walk into the Old Parliament Lane. ACM II will be on your left just after The Arts House.
 

Conclusion

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