Asian Civilisations Museum — Attraction in Singapore

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...

Amazing place to visit and explore. However, it is not inclusive/wheelchair friendly to enter. We need to carry our special needs child with a mild mobility disability who is in the stroller up the main entrance steps. Our child would have sudden meltdown in places like Science Centre, National Museum, that's crowded and noisy. But, ACM, our child did not have sudden meltdown because the museum is less crowded and quiet. But, if there's a meltdown, at least there's some areas we can stand aside to calm our child. Going by car is a HUGE challenge. The route to the ACM from One Fullerton carpark is not advisable for a stroller or wheelchair to go to Fullerton Hotel. The underground tunnel has no ramp for the stroller or wheelchairs. So, it's best to park somewhere else (maybe at New Parliament House carpark, according to ACM website), which we did not have the chance to try. Overall, it's a wonderful outing for our family, especially for our special needs child. The staff, including the security personnel, are knowledgeable and very friendly people. I recommend watching the ACM videos (mimicking watching social stories videos) that can be found on their website to prepare your child before the visit. And, it also has activities materials to download, so the whole family can explore while doing the activities. Will visit again soon!

Singaporeans' adults' tickets are prices at $12 each. Free for Singaporean child below 6 years old. I recommend buying the tickets via their website in advance. Online purchase will verify the buyer's citizenship using their SingPass. But at the ACM counter, we need to verify for the rest of the family. So, don't forget to bring the rest of the family members NRIC (or show the SingPass app and the child's identity card, student pass, etc. that shows...

The last time I visited ACM was over 3 yrs ago. On this visit I noticed several new exhibits. The highlight was the story of the Manila Galleon which is a limited duration exhibition. This is something new for me. For about 250 yrs between 1565 to 1815, there was a thriving trade between Spanish occupied colonies of Mexico and Philippines. This affected the culture of both places. The Portuguese were dominating the trade route from Europe to India and the far east via the Indian Ocean. The Spanish sailors figured out how to navigate the more difficult trans-pacific route leveraging on ocean currents and trade winds. Wooden ships called Galleons (La Nao de China) carried huge tonnage and plied between Manila and Acapulco on the pacific coast in Mexico. Traders from Fujian, China would bring porcelain, silk, spices, lacquerware, ivory, etc to the Philippines to supply the galleons. Goods from India and South-East Asia were also supplied. Payment was in Spanish silver mined and minted in the Americas. This was due to Ming China using silver ingots as currency. The Spanish dollar became a currency standard as a result. Once the goods arrived in Acapulco, they were distributed in Spanish colonies in central and South America. Some goods were shipped over land to Mexico City and there on to Veracruz on the Atlantic coast for further shipment to Europe mainly Spain and Portugal. Dutch and English privateers such as Francis Drake and pirates would prey on these galleons on the high seas and loot the goods and treasure. The galleons were the largest known European ships of the time and were built by Philippino craftsmen using local hardwood. They could carry up...