To mark Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence, the National Museum of Singapore (NMS) is presenting two new commemorative experiences.
It unveiled Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time at the Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda, the first permanent gallery to reopen during the museum’s ongoing revamp.
An introduction to Singapore’s history, this multimedia experience takes visitors back in time to witness formative moments in the nation’s history.
Through an RFID-enabled wristband, visitors can “adopt” one of nine Magical Companions inspired by Singapore’s native fauna to guide them through hidden layers of content on Singapore’s history.
Visitors are first greeted with a suspended LED globe that anchors a two-minute light show, which maps the evolution of the maritime routes that have connected Singapore to the world.
As visitors move through the gallery and descend the spiral ramp, they “time-travel” in reverse chronology through pivotal chapters of Singapore’s history via visual wall projections that come alive with animated scenes.
The journey culminates at the base of the Glass Rotunda, which features a digital waterfall curtain that reveals historical moments of Singapore’s past, and an immersive media show.
Visitors can also experience Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City – which runs through 9 October 2026.
This spotlights how the sea and river have shaped Singapore’s evolution since the 14th-century.
Featuring over 350 artefacts from Singapore’s National Collection, the exhibition is spread over five thematic sections brought to life through experiential storytelling.
Visitors can discover the island’s deep historical roots and its early prominence through maps, early trading activities along the Singapore River, and take on the Sampan Challenge to ferry passengers across the river.
Through first-person accounts, photographs, personal artefacts, and even a digital Singlish quiz, the final section concludes with a tribute to Singaporeans and homegrown organisations that have made an impact globally.
