History buffs are in for a treat as Singapore is home to an array of historical sites that uncover the stories of the country’s rich architectural, historical, natural and cultural heritage.
We spotlight seven historical places that serve as tangible links to Singapore’s past.
1. Former Ford Factory
351 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 9am to 5.30pm
Apart from cementing Ford Motor Company’s expansion into Southeast Asia, the former Ford Factory in Singapore was also the place where British forces surrendered to the Japanese army on 15 February 1942.
Today, the historic site has been turned into a permanent exhibition gallery and an archive that chronicles the events and memories surrounding the Japanese Occupation and other wartime stories.
Among the relics on display include personal items belonging to the soldiers of that era, as well as audio recordings surrounding the British surrender. In addition to the main exhibition, families can also download an activity guide or a worksheet challenge for their children to tackle during the visit.
2. The Battlebox
2 Cox Terrace
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm)
Once a bomb-proof head command operations bunker for the Malaya Command during the war, The Battlebox has since been preserved and repurposed into an educational underground museum.
Just when you think you already know all there is to know about Singapore during the war, this tour flips the script on the head. Beneath the surface of the museum lies a labyrinth of rooms and corridors waiting to be explored.
The 40-minute audio guide tour ($20 for adults, $15 for kids) brings you to two 270° projection rooms where you’ll get to learn about what went on within those four walls on that day in history when the British made the decision to surrender Singapore to Japan.
3. Fort Siloso
Siloso Road
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm
Think Sentosa is just about the beaches, Universal Studios Singapore and joy rides? Think again. Sentosa is also home to Singapore’s only remaining coastal fort, aptly named Fort Siloso.
Now a free-to-visit military museum, Fort Siloso is where you’ll find a treasure trove of wartime memorabilia including real-life coastal guns.
While visiting a historic fort like this might not immediately appeal to non-history buffs, there are more than just tunnels and historical scenes here. The journey leading to Fort Siloso is a scenic one, along a treetop walk which offers a vantage view of Sentosa’s beaches. Murals depicting what Sentosa’s beachfront used to look like during Singapore’s fishing village days dot the walls (and even the rocks!) along the exit. See if you can find them all!
4. Asian Civilisations Museum
1 Empress Place
Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday – 10am to 7pm, Friday – 10am to 9pm
The only museum in the region dedicated to the artistic heritage of Asia, with a focus on Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum was where China’s most renowned couturier Guo Pei held her Chinese Art and Couture exhibition in 2019.
Be sure to allocate a couple of hours to explore the museum. The museum houses seven galleries filled with over 2,000 historical artefacts from all over Asia, with some of the galleries dedicated to fashion, textiles and jewellery.
Photo: Asian Civilisations Museum
Check the museum’s website to find out about its seasonal exhibitions such as Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai To San Francisco (till 1 June 2025), #SGFASHIONNOW: Runway Singapore (till 1 September 2024) and #SGJEWELLERYNOW (till 1 September 2024).
5. The Arts House
1 Old Parliament Lane
Open daily from 10am to 9pm
It may not look like it but The Arts House occupies the almost 200-year-old building which was once home to Singapore’s first parliament. The national monument re-opened as The Arts House in 2004 and is today a vibrant arts centre within the Civic District.
The historical landmark has been converted into a performing and visual arts venue. The entertainment space now houses a 75-seater film theatrette as well as The Chamber, furnished with furniture from London that still has their original upholstery from 1954, which serves as a venue for recitals, performances, fashion shows and even wedding events.
One of the main highlights of visiting The Arts House has to be its Civil District Art Tour. After exploring the inside of the building, hop on a vintage Vespa scooter sidecar and ride around the Civic District to admire the grand Victorian buildings forming the administrative centre and seat of Government during the Colonial era, and learn more about how the area has been transformed into a vibrant arts and cultural cluster in the heart of the city today.
6. Civil Defence Heritage Gallery
62 Hill Street
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10am to 5pm
If you’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to be a firefighter, step inside the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery, located in the operationally ready Central Fire Station.
Check out the vintage fire trucks and firefighting equipment on display, along with the customised interactive stations that offer a glimpse into the life of a firefighter during the old days. The museum is pretty much every kid’s playground and the best part is that you can tour the place for free!
7. National Museum of Singapore
93 Stamford Road
Open daily from 10am to 7pm
To learn more about Singapore’s history and culture, a visit to the National Museum of Singapore is a must. With a history dating back to 1887, it is Singapore’s oldest museum.
Designated as a national monument in 1992, the museum’s galleries showcase the story of Singapore’s development over more than 700 years, featuring important artefacts, cutting-edge technology and creative storytelling that redefine the conventional museum experience.
So expect to learn about Singapore’s history and culture in a fun and engaging way – think video montages, immersive background music and more! The museum is known for hosting thought-provoking exhibitions and events all year round including the popular Singapore Night Festival.
*This article has been edited and adapted with permission from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “Walk Down Memory Lane: Historical Sites in Singapore To Explore” feature
