The National Museum of Singapore is scheduled to undergo restoration and upgrading later this year, aiming to preserve the building and enhance the museum experience. Beginning in September 2023 and continuing until 2025, the works will be conducted in phases to minimise disruptions to museum operations and the use of its spaces. Visitors can access the museum from its main Rotunda entrance facing Stamford Road until early 2024, when the main Rotunda entrance and other spaces are slated to close for restoration.
Despite the ongoing restoration and upgrading, the National Museum will remain open and accessible to visitors. It will continue to offer exciting attractions and activities to the public throughout this period. However, the galleries on Level 2 of the monument building and the Stamford Gallery on Level 1 will be closed from 4 September 2023.
The restoration efforts will primarily focus on the façade of the National Museum’s historic monument building, which has proudly stood on Stamford Road since October 1887. These works aim to address typical wear and tear issues associated with building deterioration. Simultaneously, the museum will also carry out improvements to its restrooms, elevators, escalators, as well as repainting and other necessary replacements. These enhancements will encompass both the monument building and the modern extension of the museum.
Additionally, the National Museum plans to revitalise its permanent galleries. While some of the exhibits in the Level 2 galleries, such as the four Life in Singapore galleries and the Goh Seng Choo Gallery showcasing a rotating selection from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, will be refreshed, the museum is also considering a more extensive renovation of its Singapore History Gallery and the Glass Rotunda experience.
The public can also get involved in the rejuvenation efforts as the museum hopes to explore ways to make its content and collection accessible to the wider audience. Visit go.gov.sg/nmsengageinterest to register.
Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents will continue to enjoy free admission to all the museum’s remaining permanent galleries during this period. Flute restaurant will cease operations from 8 October 2023. Food for Thought, Café Brera at Reunion and Supermama as well as The Museum Store will remain open.
