The Gem Museum
A free museum of one family's gems in a Perak Road shophouse, from how a stone forms to what the price tag pays for. Book a slot first; walk-ins aren't accepted.
- Where: Jalan Besar
- Price: Free
Smaller museums
Specialist museums that take an hour rather than a day, and give back more if you arrive with a question and are willing to ask it.
Read the full guide: Smaller museums, bigger questions.
Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
Three sauropods for the photo, and a sperm whale found off Jurong Island with the better Singapore story. A rainy-weekend museum for children past the dinosaurs-are-big stage.
- Where: Kent Ridge
- Price: Under S$30
Haw Par Villa
Most of the gardens are shut for repairs, but Hell's Museum and the Ten Courts are open on their own ticket, except on Mondays and dated closures. Check your date before you travel.
- Where: Pasir Panjang
- Price: Under S$30
More arts & culture collections
Museums worth your attention
One museum given proper attention beats three at a jog. Regional art, natural history or something smaller: pick the subject you care about, then check what's on.
- 5 picks
Small museums, big stories
Three small museums, three ways into Singapore: how it was planned, who came and what the war left. Start with the story you know least about.
- 3 picks