A typical museum date often leads you to the ArtScience Museum, National Gallery or the National Museum. If you’re bored of the aforementioned museums, try exploring these unique, lesser-known museums instead. Not only do they hold a different allure as compared to ordinary museums, these museums also contain pieces of our local heritage.

Plus, these free-admission museums are all within the vicinity of MRT stations, making travelling to them a breeze. Grab your cameras and lets travel back in time!

Museum @ my Queenstown

5 lesser-known museums in Singapore that are worth a visit
Image: Shariffah Nadia/Butler Singapore

Started in early 2019 to preserve the ‘common man’ story for collective memory, this community museum is run by over 250 volunteers who are also in-charge of conducting heritage tours all around Singapore every weekend. 

Nestled in a shophouse in Tanglin Halt, the museum features iconic neon signs from the Queenstown bowl and uncovers the rich history behind Singapore’s first satellite town. With the neighbourhood bound for demolishment in 2021, the museum also features artefacts from shop-owners who have left a profound impact on the residents even after their store’s permanent closure.

Nearest MRT Station: Commonwealth

Address:
Museum @ My Queenstown
Commonwealth Drive 01, 388 46-3, Singapore 140463
Opening Hours: 9am-6pm (Tues-Thu, Sun), 9am-9pm (Fri-Sat)
Discover more about Museum @My Queenstown Singapore here

DECK SINGAPORE

5 lesser-known museums in Singapore that are worth a visit
Image: Shariffah Nadia/ Butler Singapore

Situated alongside the streets of Lasalle College, DECK’s trendy stacked shipping containers will certainly intrigue photography lovers. The gallery aims to promote visual literacy and champions diversity by showing all facets of contemporary arts and photography to the widest possible audience. 

Specially curated year-round exhibitions held in this tiny space feature photography art pieces from both local and international artists. DECK is home to the annual Singapore International Photography Festival, which is currently ongoing till February 2021. 

Nearest MRT station: Rochor 

Address:
DECK Singapore
120A Prinsep Street, Singapore 187937
Opening Hours: 12pm-7pm (Tues-Sat), 12pm-5pm ( Sun)
Discover more about DECK Singapore here

Objectifs – Centre for Photography and Film

5 lesser-known museums in Singapore that are worth a visit
Objectifs Singapore

Objectifs is derived from a French word — lens, a tool which photographers utilise to help capture their shots. With its chapel facade still in place, it’s no surprise if you are not able to spot the Objectifs gallery at first glance. Back in the days, this chapel used to house the Middle Road Church. The centre for photography and film has now transformed into a space for budding artists and enthusiasts. 

With frequent workshops conducted by professionals, this space also provides a platform for students to learn photography without being constrained or limited by any means. The main gallery features short films and photography exhibitions of local artists to showcase their works.

Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (10mins walk away from DECK)

Address:
Objectifs Singapore
155 Middle Road, Singapore 188977
Opening Hours: 12pm- 7pm (Tues- Sat), 12pm-4pm (Sun)
Discover more about Objectifs Singapore here

Civil Defence Heritage Gallery

5 lesser-known museums in Singapore that are worth a visit
The Central Fire Station Singapore

You might have unknowingly driven or walked past this red building countless times, but never knew its meaning. To date, this building doubles up as both the Singapore’s civil defence’s heritage gallery as well as the Central Fire Station, Singapore’s oldest fire station. 

The gallery is run by firefighters working in the station, who also conduct guided tours for visitors. For those who have always been curious about the job scope of a firefighter, you will be able to try on their uniforms and experience putting out a fire using the jets, all whilst learning and understanding the real-time situation a fireman is in during a crisis. 

Nearest MRT Station: City Hall (opposite Funan Mall)

Address:
Civil Defence Heritage Gallery
62 Hill Street, Singapore 179367
Opening hours: The gallery is currently only open via appointments, but bookings can be made online for free. 
Discover more about Civil Defence Heritage Gallery Singapore here

Singapore Sports Museum

5 lesser-known museums in Singapore that are worth a visit
Singapore sports stadium features artefacts of the former National Stadium, demolished in 2010.

Did you know that Singapore has a sports museum? Located at the west entrance of the Singapore Sports Hub, the museum showcases memorabilia of Singapore’s athletes who have won medals for the nation at renowned games such as the Youth Olympic Games and the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Do bring your folks along, and let them reminisce about the former national stadium through displays of conserved artefacts such as the gallery seats and the former turnstile. 

MRT Station: Stadium

Address:
Singapore Sports Museum
Singapore Sports Hub, 6 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397698
Opening Hours: 10am-8pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-9pm (Weekends & PH)
Discover more about Singapore Sports Museum Singapore here

Gather your friends and family for a weekend of exploring to uncover these unfrequented museums!

To note: Do adhere to all safe-distancing measures during your visit and do visit respective museum websites for any changes in opening hours.

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