Quirky museums in Singapore

There are some interesting things that are right on our doorstep; so, why not start with a museum? Here are a handful of Singapore’s more unusual ones.

Singapore Musical Box Museum

Yep, there’s a museum devoted wholly to musical boxes! Why? Well, musical boxes – instruments that make sound when pins on a revolving cylinder pluck at a steel comb – were popular in Europe in the 19th century; a precursor of the jukebox, if you like! And Singapore played a prominent role in bringing the instruments to Southeast Asia. The ticket price of $12 includes a compulsory 40-minute tour showcasing a variety of musical boxes: big, small, each with its own story. When you’re done, you can also pop next door to Thien Hock Keng (Tianfu Temple), built in 1839.

Where: 168 Telok Ayer Street
When: 10am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday (pre-booking required)
Web: singaporemusicalboxmuseum.org

NUS Baba House

This three-storey townhouse was once the ancestral home of a Peranakan Chinese family. It’s been meticulously restored so that a walk through the open courtyard, reception hall, kitchen and private spaces feels like stepping back in time. A third floor was added to the original dwelling around a century or so ago; it’s now used as a gallery for exhibitions and projects pertaining to traditional Peranakan culture.

Where: 157 Neil Road
When: Heritage tours by appointment only, Tuesday to Friday, 10am; self-guided tours are on Saturday, between 1pm to 4pm
Web: babahouse.nus.edu.sg

The Battlebox

Second World War buff? You’ll love the Battlebox. Built in 1936, this was the former WWII British command centre buried inside Fort Canning Hill – it was inside the Battlebox that the British made the decision to surrender to the invading Japanese on 15 February 1942. Visits are free-and-easy and docents will share interesting highlights of ​key rooms. Get your tickets at the Battlebox Visitor Centre.

Where: 2 Cox Terrace, Fort Canning Park
When: Wednesdays to Sundays, 10.30am to 4.30pm.
Web: battlebox.com.sg

Images of Singapore LIVE

Ever wonder what Singapore looked like long before MBS and Takashimaya were a part of the landscape? Images of Singapore LIVE shows you just that by taking you on a journey from humble fishing village to 21st-century powerhouse. Experience the sights, sounds – and, yes – even the smells of yesteryear. The 45-minute, actor-led attraction features 11 themed areas with live action, special effects and even a boat ride.

Where: Sentosa (next to Madame Tussaud’s)
When: 11am to 8.30pm daily, last show at 7pm
Web: imagesofsingaporelive.com

Singapore Sports Museum

Dedicated to telling the stories of the nation’s sporting history, achievements and aspirations, the Singapore Sports Museum is the first sports-related museum on the island – a great one for fans of the Olympic Games, football and some less traditional sports. You can also tour Shimano Cycling World, with a collection of bicycles you can pull out one by one. There are also some cool interactive digital exhibitions.

Where: Singapore Sports Hub
When: Weekdays 10am to 8pm, weekends and holidays 10am to 9pm
Web: sportshub.com.sg/museum

Also…

Three more of Singapore’s quirkiest museums are currently getting a makeover.

• Singapore Philatelic Museum: Set to reopen in 2021, the SPM is converting to a dedicated children’s museum aimed at ages 12 and under, with stamps being just one feature.
• The Air Force Museum: A great spot for anyone into fighter jets, missiles and more, this museum is closed for renovations until further notice.
• MINT Museum of Toys: Known for its 8,000 items of vintage toys from around the world, MINT is upgrading “to provide you with a better experience”.