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A Guide to the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore That’ll Let You Know That History’s Far From Boring
- Where is the Asian Civilisations Museum?
- How to Get to the Asian Civilisations Museum
- What to Do and See in the Asian Civilisations Museum
- Where to Eat and Drink Around the Asian Civilisations Museum
- Where to Stay Near the Asian Civilisations Museum
- Where to Shop in the Asian Civilisations Museum
- FAQs about the Asian Civilisations Museum
I’ve always been fascinated by history, and it’s my dream to see museums from all around the world. So far, I’ve been to a few in Asia and Europe—my favourites are the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the National Museum of the Philippines!
But after travelling for a while (and realising I didn’t have much money left), I decided to head back home to Singapore.
When I got to thinking about my trips, I realised it wasn’t right for me to rave about the history of other countries without giving the same attention to Singapore’s own past.
So, to start off, join me on this journey through the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore. Let’s explore our own history together!
Where is the Asian Civilisations Museum?
The Asian Civilisations Museum is in Singapore’s Civic District. It is bounded by Fullerton Road to the south, Empress Place to the east, the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall to the north, and the river promenade to the west.
How to Get to the Asian Civilisations Museum
By Bus: Take Bus 10, 75, 100, 107, 130, or 131 and alight at Fullerton Square (Stop 03011). Walk about 2 minutes to the museum. The stop is located along Fullerton Road near the river.
By MRT: Ride the MRT to Raffles Place Station (EW14/NS26) and exit via Exit H. Walk 5 to 7 minutes toward Empress Place. The museum is along the river promenade.
By Taxi: Book a taxi or Grab and set “Asian Civilisations Museum” as your destination. Most drivers drop off along Empress Place. The entrance is directly beside the river.
By Private Car: Set your GPS to “1 Empress Place.” Nearby parking is available at Parliament House or One Fullerton. Note that Connaught Drive is closed to public vehicles.
What to Do and See in the Asian Civilisations Museum
Trace old sea routes and treasures at the Maritime Trade Exhibit
Media Credit: @acm_sg
Address: 1 Empress Place
Phone: +65 6332 7798
Pricing: $-$$
Operating Hours:
- Daily, except Fridays – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Fridays – 10 AM to 9 PM
Website: nhb.gov.sg/acm
If you’re even a little curious about how Singapore became such a trade hub, the Maritime Trade Exhibits at the ACM are genuinely worth checking out.
Start with the Tang Shipwreck Gallery—it’s easily one of the coolest parts of the museum. The ship was from the 9th century, found just south of Singapore, and it’s shocking how well-preserved everything is.
Then there’s the broader maritime trade section that zooms out and shows Singapore’s place in all of this. The gallery links everything together—Indian textiles, Chinese ceramics, and so much more.
Our tour guide mentioned how it’s a map of how cultures mixed through trade, and what made it even cooler was seeing how many people from all walks of life were there too—everyone seemed to find something that connected to their heritage.
Take a closer look at sacred relics and symbols from different faiths
Media Credit: @acm_sg
Address: 1 Empress Place
Phone: +65 6332 7798
Pricing: $-$$
Operating Hours:
- Daily, except Fridays – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Fridays – 10 AM to 9 PM
Website: nhb.gov.sg/acm
Visiting the religious artefacts at the Asian Civilisations Museum is an eye-opening experience! I was surprised by how many different faiths were represented.
I especially loved the Hindu and Buddhist exhibits. There were massive stone carvings, ancient statues of Shiva, and a stunning bronze Buddha.
The museum even has a deep dive into Christian and Islamic art. The Christian gallery features some beautiful 16th-century pieces, but with clear Asian influences.
And then there’s the Islamic section, which has its own distinct vibe—elegant calligraphy, intricate tomb markers, and even Chinese porcelain made specifically for Muslim communities.
Tag along on a curator-led tour and hear the stories behind the displays
Media Credit: @wongkelwin
Address: 1 Empress Place
Phone: +65 6332 7798
Operating Hours:
- Daily, except Fridays – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Fridays – 10 AM to 9 PM
Website: nhb.gov.sg/acm
The curator-led tours are another great way to get a more personal look at the exhibits. Instead of just browsing the displays, you’ll be able to hear directly from the experts who put everything together.
I went on one of these tours for the Pagoda Odyssey exhibition, and let me tell you, it was such a cool experience.
The guides explained the historical significance behind the hand-carved teakwood pagodas and shared fascinating details about how they were created and displayed at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition.
I also appreciated how the curators connected the global history of these pagodas to Singapore’s own architectural and cultural heritage. They even touched on how the exhibition fits into the ACM’s broader mission of exploring Asian cultures.
Plus, these tours are an excellent way to ask questions and get into discussions with experts about the exhibits.
Where to Eat and Drink Around the Asian Civilisations Museum
Empress
Media Credit: @empress_acm
Address: 1 Empress Place, #01-03 Asian Civilisations Museum
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours: Daily – 11:30 AM to 3 PM; 6 PM to 10:30 PM
Website: http://empress.com.sg/
Empress, located inside the ACM, is a fantastic place for a lively dining experience. The atmosphere is vibrant, with both indoor seating and outdoor dining that overlooks the Singapore River.
The restaurant serves contemporary Chinese cuisine, and I was blown away by how they combine traditional flavours with creative takes.
The Pan-Fried Impossible Gyoza, for instance, is a vegan dish that truly lives up to the hype. I mean, I don’t normally expect much from vegan dishes, but these were next level.
The crispy edges and the Impossible filling were just perfect—so good I kept asking for seconds.
The Steamed Shanghai Xiaolongbao Dumplings with Impossible Pork were another highlight. The broth is super rich, and the pork is so tender, you wouldn’t even miss the regular pork.
Everything I had was so filling, and what makes it even better is that the portion sizes are generous.
Prive ACM
Media Credit: @theprivegroup_sg
Address: 1 Empress Place, #01-02 Asian Civilisations Museum
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 9 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 9 AM to 10:30 PM
Website: http://www.priveacm.com.sg/
Also within the ACM, Prive offers a relaxed meal with an unbeatable view of the Singapore River.
The menu is a real treat, especially for vegans and vegetarians. There are plenty of regular vegan options available, plus a monthly special that introduces new plant-based dishes.
I had the Vegan Chicken Rice, and it was so tasty; it had all the comforting elements of the classic dish. The “chicken” was made with a plant-based substitute that had a great texture.
For dessert, I’d recommend checking out their vegan sweets. The Tiramisu—made without any dairy or animal products—was decadent and totally hit the spot.
They also have a daily happy hour from 4 PM with 40% off, and if you show your same-day dining receipt, you get 10% off at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Tanoshii
Media Credit: @tanoshiisg
Address: URESHII #01-02 1 Old Parliament Lane, The Arts House
Phone: +65 6322 4054
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Website: http://ureshiisingapore.sg/
Tanoshii on Cairnhill Road is one of those places that definitely catches you off guard. It’s next to a beauty salon, with a handwritten sign telling you to take off your shoes before entering.
At first, I couldn’t quite figure out what to expect because the dishes are this mash-up of Korean and Japanese food. There’s sukiyaki and shabu-shabu alongside kimchi, japchae, and even fusion bibimbap noodles.
Though one thing that seemed to catch everyone’s eye was the abalone. It was so fresh and tender, steamed perfectly in its shell.
The combination was a little crazy—silky abalone with that punch of wasabi that clears your sinuses. It’s not often you get to have something so fresh and delicious at a price that doesn’t break the bank, especially with abalone from Jeju Island.
Where to Stay Near the Asian Civilisations Museum
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Media Credit: @fullertonhotelsg
Address: 1 Fullerton Square
Phone: +65 6733 8388
Pricing: $$$
Check-in Time: 3 PM
Check-out Time: 12 PM
Website: https://www.fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-singapore
Considered a landmark itself, the Fullerton Hotel Singapore is housed in a stunning heritage building that was originally completed in 1928.
Even outside of the ACM, you’re still getting a whiff of history, but don’t let the old-school atmosphere fool you—it’s very much modernised with all the comforts you’d expect.
The rooms at Fullerton are spacious and well-appointed, and they’ve got this elegance with a bit of contemporary flair. I’ve been told that the beds are super comfy too.
I’ve noticed that people love this hotel for its location. It’s in the heart of everything—close to Marina Bay Sands, and all sorts of shops and restaurants, so of course, I have to suggest getting a room with a river view to wake up to.
Lyf Funan Singapore
Media Credit: @joannalhs
Address: 67 Hill Street, Level 4, Funan
Phone: +65 6970 2288
Pricing: $
Check-in Time: 3 PM
Check-out Time: 12 PM
Website: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/lyf/singapore/lyf-funan-singapore?
Another great stay would be the Lyf Funan Singapore. It’s a modern, co-living spot that has hotel-style convenience but with more of a community vibe.
The hotel is ideal for travellers. It’s just a few minutes walk from an MRT station, making it super easy to get around the city.
And when you’re tired, you’ll be set up with the “One of a Kind” studios. They’re minimalist and functional, with a queen bed, work desk, and a clever Murphy bed setup that saves space.
Outside of each room, there’s a chalkboard where guests can leave messages or requests for housekeeping. It’s a unique touch that I haven’t really seen other hotels try to do!
As for the amenities, they apparently cater to both short and long-term stays. There’s a shared kitchen, a gym with quirky “lyf Wheels” for a fun workout, and even a laundromat.
CUBE
Media Credit: @cubecapsules
Address: https://www.instagram.com/joannalhs/
Phone: +65 6970 1245
Pricing: $
Check-in Time: 3 PM
Check-out Time: 12 PM
Website: https://cubehotels.com.sg/
CUBE is a really cool place if you’re looking for something affordable but still comfy. It’s actually in a renovated shophouse, so it has this retro feel mashed with the urbanity of Singapore.
You might feel that the rooms are a little compact, but they’re designed to be efficient. Each capsule has a comfy mattress, a reading light, and power outlets with USB ports, so you can charge your stuff easily.
There’s also a privacy curtain, so you can have your own little space. The shared bathrooms are clean, with rainfall showers and all the essentials like toiletries and hairdryers.
If you’re travelling solo or with a buddy, they’ve got different room options, including single capsules or rooms with queen-sized beds.
There’s no elevator, though, so be prepared to carry your bags up some stairs, but that’s pretty much the only downside I found.
Where to Shop in the Asian Civilisations Museum
Supermama
Media Credit: @supermamasg
Address: 1 Empress Place, Asian Civilisations Museum
Phone: +65 9615 7473
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Daily, except Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Website: https://www.supermamastore.com/
Supermama is a design brand and museum store that really captures the essence of ACM. Since its inception in 2010, they’ve been known for curating high-quality, design-forward products that tell a story.
Their philosophy is all about the joy of giving and the impact of good design, which is why their items aren’t just beautiful, but meaningful.
A collection I found breathtaking is the iconic Singapore Blue series, which features porcelain wares crafted in Arita, Japan.
The cobalt blue and white designs are distinct and rich in detail, with the Singapore Icons collection being especially famous for earning the President’s Design Award, Singapore’s top design honour.
You should also definitely check out the Original Magic Cup. This little blue cup became a symbol of hope and humour during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong used it during his national addresses.
