Nestled by the picturesque Singapore River, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) stands as a beacon of cultural exploration, offering a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Asia’s diverse heritage. A visit to ACM is not just a journey through time; it’s an immersive experience that connects visitors with the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans and the broader Asian continent. With its expansive collections, contemporary art spaces, and interactive exhibits, the ACM offers a unique blend of history, art, and cultural education that resonates with all who walk through its doors.
A Historical Edifice by the Singapore River
The ACM’s journey began in 1993, but it was in 2003 that it found its current home by the Singapore River, a location as historically significant as the treasures it houses. The museum’s architecture, a splendid example of neoclassical design, sets the stage for the exploration of Asian civilisations and their intricate connections to Singapore. The ACM, uniquely devoted to the artistic heritage of Asia, serves as a vital link between the past and the present, showcasing how Singapore has been a melting pot of cultures for centuries.
The Galleries: A Window to Asian Civilisations
The museum extends over three levels, with 11 galleries that house over a thousand artefacts, each telling a story of Asia’s multifaceted cultures. From the Southeast Asian galleries that unveil the pre-history, tribal histories, and the splendour of vernacular Buddhism to the West Asian sections highlighting the beauty of Islamic culture, every corner of ACM is a testament to the rich cultural mosaic of Asia.
The Khoo Teck Puat gallery, home to the famous Tang Shipwreck collection, is a must-visit. This collection offers a glimpse into 9th-century China and its trade relations, with artefacts that remained hidden until their discovery in 1998. The museum’s contemporary art space and the collection of over 300 Chinese ceramics on the third floor of the Kwek Hong Png Wing further underscore ACM’s commitment to showcasing the depth and diversity of Asian art.
Book Tickets to Asian Civilisations Museum Singapore Online
To streamline your visit and minimize waiting times, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets online. Purchasing tickets ahead of time not only ensures your entry but also helps in planning your visit around the museum’s vast offerings at your own pace.
Beyond the Exhibits: Engaging with Culture
The ACM is more than just a repository of artefacts; it’s a vibrant cultural hub where history comes to life. Annual events like the River Nights allow visitors to engage with culture and the arts in a dynamic setting. Moreover, the museum’s educational programmes and special exhibitions offer deeper insights into the complex facets of Asian cultures.
After exploring the galleries, visitors can reflect on their journey with a meal at Privé Café @ ACM or the Cantonese restaurant, Empress. The museum’s gift shop offers unique mementos, allowing you to take a piece of Asian heritage home with you.
Galleries of the Asian Civilisations Museum Singapore (ACM): A Closer Look
Level 1: Maritime Trade and the Tang Shipwreck
Maritime Trade
The first floor of ACM is dedicated to Maritime Trade and the legendary Maritime Silk Routes. This section begins with the Tang Shipwreck collection, offering a fascinating glimpse into the 9th century’s trade dynamics. The gallery showcases Asian export art, including ceramics, furniture, and paintings, illustrating the vibrant history of Asian port cities and their role in early globalisation. The exhibits reveal how the bustling trade routes connected Asia with the rest of the world, fostering not only economic exchanges but also cultural and technological sharing.
Tang Shipwreck
The centerpiece of this level is the Tang Shipwreck, housed in the Khoo Teck Puat Gallery. Discovered off the shores of Sumatra, the shipwreck narrates the tale of a vessel from the Middle East that sank nearly 1100 years ago. This significant find sheds light on the early global trade networks, demonstrating Asia’s central role in these exchanges. The artefacts recovered, especially the variety of ceramics, highlight the Chinese ceramics industry’s vitality and the nuanced understanding merchants had of their diverse clientele.
Level 2: Faith, Belief, and Artistic Exchange
Ancestors and Rituals
Moving to the second floor, the Ancestors and Rituals gallery explores the ancestral and ritualistic beliefs across Southeast Asia’s traditional societies. This exhibit pays homage to the reverence for ancestors and the rituals related to fertility, crucial for the survival of these communities. The displayed objects tell the stories of diverse cultures, from wet rice farmers to seafaring traders, illustrating the region’s openness to foreign influences.
Ancient Religions
The Ancient Religions gallery traces the spread of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism from India across Asia. Masterpieces of sculpture, painting, and ritual objects highlight the artistic evolution as these religions were assimilated into local cultures, creating unique styles that resonated with local communities. This gallery underscores the mystical and unfathomable aspects of religious deities and the artistic challenges in depicting such divinity.
Christian and Islamic Art
The Christian Art Gallery delves into the works of art created or used in Asia, reflecting cross-cultural artistic exchanges and showcasing the diversity and religious tolerance that characterizes the continent. Similarly, the Islamic Art Gallery presents objects produced in environments influenced by Islamic values, highlighting the exquisite works of religious art across Asia, with a focus on Southeast Asia.
Level 3: Materials, Design, and Aesthetic Excellence
Ceramics and Fashion
The third floor celebrates Materials and Design, with the Ceramics Gallery offering a comprehensive survey of Chinese ceramics. This floor also hosts the Fashion and Textiles gallery, which examines how fashion and textiles reveal identities and cross-cultural exchanges, featuring a range of fashion from different Asian regions.
Jewellery
The Jewellery gallery is a testament to the artistic energy devoted to jewellery making in island Southeast Asia. This gallery, the first of its kind globally, showcases the varied and complex styles, forms, and uses of jewellery, illustrating its role in expressing beauty, rank, and status, as well as its significance in various stages of life.
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Plan Your Visit to the Asian Civilisations Museum Singapore (ACM)
A journey through the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) in Singapore offers an immersive look into the rich tapestry of Asian history, art, and culture. To ensure a seamless and enriching museum experience, here’s everything you need to know about visiting, from ticket booking to opening hours.
Book Tickets to Asian Civilisations Museum Singapore Online
To streamline your visit and minimize waiting times, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets online. Purchasing tickets ahead of time not only ensures your entry but also helps in planning your visit around the museum’s vast offerings at your own pace.
Opening Hours of Asian Civilisations Museum Singapore
The ACM welcomes visitors daily, offering extended hours on Fridays for those who might prefer a late visit. Here are the details:
- Daily: 10am to 7pm
- Fridays: 10am to 9pm
Please note that admission to all galleries ends 30 minutes before the museum closes. This policy helps ensure visitors can enjoy the exhibits without rush and the museum can maintain its preservation routines effectively.
The museum prioritizes the well-being of its visitors and staff, and in line with this, encourages the pre-purchase of admission tickets online.
Read Also: ArtScience Museum Singapore: Tickets & Opening Hours 2024
Admission Prices (Valid from 16 November to 17 March 2024) for Asian Civilisations Museum Singapore
The ACM offers a variety of ticket options to cater to different visitor needs, including free admission for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents to the Permanent Galleries. Here’s a breakdown of the ticket prices:
For Singaporeans / Permanent Residents*:
- Permanent Galleries only: Free
For Foreign Residents / Tourists – All-Access (Permanent Galleries + Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas)
- Adults: $25
- Children (6 years and below): Free
- Concession1: $20
*Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are required to present a Pink or Blue NRIC for verification purposes.
Concession Prices
Concession prices are available for the following groups, with valid proof of identity required for eligibility:
- Senior citizens (60 years old and above)
- Students
- Persons with disabilities (and one caregiver)
These rates are designed to make the museum accessible to a wider audience, encouraging visitors from all walks of life to explore the rich cultural heritage showcased within its walls.
Conclusion: The Asian Civilisations Museum
The ACM is more than just a museum; it’s a gateway to understanding the diverse and dynamic cultures of Asia. With its extensive collections, engaging exhibitions, and educational programs, the museum offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art lover, or curious explorer, the ACM promises an enriching and enlightening experience.
Plan your visit today and embark on a journey through the fascinating world of Asian civilisations, where history comes alive and cultures converge.
Remember to buy your tickets in advance to enjoy a seamless and memorable visit to the Asian Civilisations Museum Singapore.
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