Asian Civilisations Museum

Visited the museum during Chinese New Year 2025 week. The museum provides great content, covering historical pieces, crafts, and arts across Asian countries. Expected more content on the textile section, but the other sections' coverage was great. Since the sections abundance to check, you can set the visit time earlier if you have other agendas to do on the visit day.

Just felt like the perfect size collection to not only pique a person’s interest in Asian art, but also deepen their understanding of its history and context. General admission allows you access to everything except special exhibitions. You should give yourself at least two hours to to appreciate the majority of the collection. Starting with the first floor, I found the Tang exhibit of treasures from a shipwreck to be absolutely fascinating. From the ceramic bowls that were being transported across the Pacific, to artifacts of life on the ship, including rolling pin and mortar and pestle from the galley, it was both fascinating and haunting to recall those on board as well as the precious cargo that was to be transported and ocean away for buyers eager to enjoy the high-quality craftsmanship from Asia. Second floor houses the Faith and Beliefs Galleries including a magnificent collection of Buddha statues, as well as artifacts from the world’s other great religions, including Christianity and Islam. The third floor boasts Materials and Design Galleries with fashion, textiles and ceramics. I could have spent three hours or more in the museum, but I had to cut it short at 2 1/2 hours due to another commitment.

Unexpectedly interactive and large with lots of in-depth history to explore. I enjoyed the effort they put into making interesting experiences as well as the variety of Asian history they covered. Budget at an absolute minimum 2 hrs to explore this place!

Fantastic collection. I am typically not overly interested in ceramics (which constitutes a good chunk of the exhibits) but the way that the museum presents the displays was easy to digest and engaging. Suggest to cater about 2 to 3 hours as the museum is a lot bigger than it appears at a glance.

History is the best teachers. The design, curation, & narrative are brilliantly presented for each section of the ACM. Individual pieces that combine into a meta narrative showcasing historical importance & insights. A great way to spend an afternoon getting lost in time. 👍🏽

Stepping into the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) was like embarking on a journey through time and across cultures. The first thing that struck me was the elegance of the colonial-style building, located right by the Singapore River. It felt like a portal, transporting me into the heart of Asia’s rich and diverse heritage. The first exhibit I encountered was the Tang Shipwreck Gallery, and it immediately captivated me. Standing before the ancient ceramics and gold treasures salvaged from a sunken ship, I could almost feel the vibrancy of the maritime trade routes of centuries past. The intricate details on the bowls and jars seemed to whisper stories of merchants and sailors who traversed the seas, connecting different cultures across Asia. Moving into the Chinese culture section, I was awestruck by the jade carvings, delicate calligraphy, and serene Buddha statues. Each piece felt alive with history and artistry. In the Islamic art gallery, I found myself mesmerized by the intricate geometric patterns on pottery and the handwoven carpets, each detail a testament to the devotion and craftsmanship of the people who created them. The atmosphere within the museum was serene, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the exhibits. The audio guide provided just the right amount of context, making each artifact more meaningful without being overwhelming. Every room I entered felt like stepping into a new chapter of Asia’s story, each with its unique charm and perspective. Before leaving, I stopped by the gift shop to pick up a postcard featuring a Tang ceramic design—something to remember this incredible experience by. I then relaxed at the cozy café, sipping a drink as I looked out at the Singapore River. It was the perfect moment to reflect on everything I had seen, and I felt as though I had traveled across Asia in a single afternoon. For me, the Asian Civilisations Museum is not just a museum—it’s a gateway to understanding the interconnectedness of Asian cultures and a celebration of their rich heritage. It left me inspired, in awe, and eager to learn more about the history and art of this fascinating region.

I can only describe this museum as a "treasure trove" of Asian art. It manages to cut the cake in many different ways, looking at art by religion, by country, by art type, by century. One of the largest art types in the museum is the ceramics, and I absolutely loved these. There are so many beautiful pieces displayed here. Check out the "Blanc de Chine," white porcelain from Dehua, or the colourful canton painted enamelware (enamel on copper). The exhibition starts with the 9th century ceramics recovered from the Tang shipwreck. Other galleries show off Textiles from India, Jewellery, Islamic & Christian art, as well as ancient tribal cultures like the Batak and Dayaks. This museum provides a very broad coverage and platform for art forms throughout Asia.

The Asian Civilisations Museum is an absolute treasure for exploring the diverse cultural heritage of Asia. This month, they’re showcasing a special highlight on Mexico’s Day of the Dead in their free exhibition room, which offers a fascinating look into this vibrant and meaningful celebration. It’s a wonderful contrast to the museum’s usual focus on Asian history, adding another layer of cultural depth. The permanent exhibits are equally impressive, covering everything from ancient trade routes to intricate religious art. The Tang Shipwreck collection is a standout, and the building itself, set along the Singapore River, is a beautiful piece of history in its own right.

Visited the museum during Chinese New Year 2025 week. The museum provides great content, covering historical pieces, crafts, and arts across Asian countries. Expected more content on the textile section, but the other sections' coverage was great. Since the sections abundance to check, you can set the visit time earlier if you have other agendas to do on the visit day.

Just felt like the perfect size collection to not only pique a person’s interest in Asian art, but also deepen their understanding of its history and context. General admission allows you access to everything except special exhibitions. You should give yourself at least two hours to to appreciate the majority of the collection. Starting with the first floor, I found the Tang exhibit of treasures from a shipwreck to be absolutely fascinating. From the ceramic bowls that were being transported across the Pacific, to artifacts of life on the ship, including rolling pin and mortar and pestle from the galley, it was both fascinating and haunting to recall those on board as well as the precious cargo that was to be transported and ocean away for buyers eager to enjoy the high-quality craftsmanship from Asia. Second floor houses the Faith and Beliefs Galleries including a magnificent collection of Buddha statues, as well as artifacts from the world’s other great religions, including Christianity and Islam. The third floor boasts Materials and Design Galleries with fashion, textiles and ceramics. I could have spent three hours or more in the museum, but I had to cut it short at 2 1/2 hours due to another commitment.

Unexpectedly interactive and large with lots of in-depth history to explore. I enjoyed the effort they put into making interesting experiences as well as the variety of Asian history they covered. Budget at an absolute minimum 2 hrs to explore this place!

Fantastic collection. I am typically not overly interested in ceramics (which constitutes a good chunk of the exhibits) but the way that the museum presents the displays was easy to digest and engaging. Suggest to cater about 2 to 3 hours as the museum is a lot bigger than it appears at a glance.

History is the best teachers. The design, curation, & narrative are brilliantly presented for each section of the ACM. Individual pieces that combine into a meta narrative showcasing historical importance & insights. A great way to spend an afternoon getting lost in time. 👍🏽

Stepping into the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) was like embarking on a journey through time and across cultures. The first thing that struck me was the elegance of the colonial-style building, located right by the Singapore River. It felt like a portal, transporting me into the heart of Asia’s rich and diverse heritage. The first exhibit I encountered was the Tang Shipwreck Gallery, and it immediately captivated me. Standing before the ancient ceramics and gold treasures salvaged from a sunken ship, I could almost feel the vibrancy of the maritime trade routes of centuries past. The intricate details on the bowls and jars seemed to whisper stories of merchants and sailors who traversed the seas, connecting different cultures across Asia. Moving into the Chinese culture section, I was awestruck by the jade carvings, delicate calligraphy, and serene Buddha statues. Each piece felt alive with history and artistry. In the Islamic art gallery, I found myself mesmerized by the intricate geometric patterns on pottery and the handwoven carpets, each detail a testament to the devotion and craftsmanship of the people who created them. The atmosphere within the museum was serene, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the exhibits. The audio guide provided just the right amount of context, making each artifact more meaningful without being overwhelming. Every room I entered felt like stepping into a new chapter of Asia’s story, each with its unique charm and perspective. Before leaving, I stopped by the gift shop to pick up a postcard featuring a Tang ceramic design—something to remember this incredible experience by. I then relaxed at the cozy café, sipping a drink as I looked out at the Singapore River. It was the perfect moment to reflect on everything I had seen, and I felt as though I had traveled across Asia in a single afternoon. For me, the Asian Civilisations Museum is not just a museum—it’s a gateway to understanding the interconnectedness of Asian cultures and a celebration of their rich heritage. It left me inspired, in awe, and eager to learn more about the history and art of this fascinating region.

I can only describe this museum as a "treasure trove" of Asian art. It manages to cut the cake in many different ways, looking at art by religion, by country, by art type, by century. One of the largest art types in the museum is the ceramics, and I absolutely loved these. There are so many beautiful pieces displayed here. Check out the "Blanc de Chine," white porcelain from Dehua, or the colourful canton painted enamelware (enamel on copper). The exhibition starts with the 9th century ceramics recovered from the Tang shipwreck. Other galleries show off Textiles from India, Jewellery, Islamic & Christian art, as well as ancient tribal cultures like the Batak and Dayaks. This museum provides a very broad coverage and platform for art forms throughout Asia.

The Asian Civilisations Museum is an absolute treasure for exploring the diverse cultural heritage of Asia. This month, they’re showcasing a special highlight on Mexico’s Day of the Dead in their free exhibition room, which offers a fascinating look into this vibrant and meaningful celebration. It’s a wonderful contrast to the museum’s usual focus on Asian history, adding another layer of cultural depth. The permanent exhibits are equally impressive, covering everything from ancient trade routes to intricate religious art. The Tang Shipwreck collection is a standout, and the building itself, set along the Singapore River, is a beautiful piece of history in its own right.