Walking into the National Museum of Singapore (NMS), it was like walking into a whole new dimension.
Full Front View of the National Museum of Singapore
The grand yet simple appearance of the museum not only demands respect for the building and its contents, but also seemingly condensed all the knowledge available inside into an attainable goal to reach.
The ambience when you first step into the imposing doors is that of a more ancient feel.
Main Entrance to the Museum
The tainted glass rotunda dome, the grandiose broad staircases and the “shop-house” type of windows never fail to remind Tourists and Singaporeans alike of our history as a city which was governed by the British and were filled with shop-houses.
This also stirs the visitors to think of Singapore’s roots, and where this country, this “lion-city” had originated, making the whole experience very awe-inspiring.
Glass Rotunda Dome on the Ceiling
However, upon stepping into the main section of the museum, the ambience previously described is quickly transformed into a futuristic feel, with the marble flooring and the clear combination of metal and glass walls/ceilings.
The Walkway to the Main Exhibits
This clearly reflects our modern society in today’s context, where we have evolved from the British Colonial Times to the modern and upbeat city of Singapore.
The obvious change in the atmosphere presents Singapore‘s ability to bridge the gap of time and pull both ideas of the past and the future together in this monumental museum.
Ultimately, this presents tourists a chance to look into Singapore’s history and appreciate the rocky road Singaporeans endeavored to reach the multi-cultural, multi religious society we have today, allowing a full view of Singapore’s culture and identity, starting from her roots.
Among these exhibits, the Living Galleries-Food seemed to further enhance the idea of our cultural significance in the museum.
The artifacts on display in the exhibit include many famous delicacies in Singapore today, for example the “Char Kway Teow” and the “Kueh TuTus”.
Kueh-TuTu Cart Artifect found in the Living Galleries-Food Exhibit
These gourmet foods seem to transcend the boundary of time, never losing their popularity among tourists and citizens alike.
Thus, these savory treats have, without doubt, become a part of Singapore’s culture, a part of every Singaporean’s identity.
Inside many of these exhibits, the artifacts seem to tell a story of Singapore’s rich history. Artifacts such as a simple Japan flag reflect Singapore’s experiences during the World War II, as Singapore was under the Japanese rule between the years 1942 and 1945.
Japanese Flag Artifact found in the Singapore History Gallery
The Japanese Occupation of Singapore plays a huge role in the shaping of Singapore’s identity. It was the turning point for all Singaporeans due to the ardent decision for independence after the event. This eventually led to the independent modern-day Singapore we now know today.
Also, the journey for Independence could not be accomplished without our forefathers, sweating blood and tears to transform Singapore from the colonized country we were in the past to the modernized society now. Therefore, even small, seemingly insignificant pictures of Coolies, are able to tell a tale of great depth.
A trip to the National Museum of Singapore is appropriate for all ages, young or old, and its exhibits serve to educate tourists of Singapore’s rich heritage and culture, learning how the past affects the formation of Singapore’s identity through tough times. The museum also doubles up as a reminder to all Singaporeans of the grueling path taken to reach our present-day society. Just as “Rome was not built in a day”, Singapore was not either.
Primary School Children filling the Glass Passage
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