The National Museum of Singapore is set to reopen its revamped Singapore History Gallery on October 10, unveiling an expanded and updated narrative of the nation’s past through a diverse array of artefacts and immersive displays. The gallery’s refurbishment, which took 11 months to complete, coincides with the museum’s 139th anniversary and marks a significant renewal of its flagship historical exhibition.
The upgraded gallery presents a chronological exploration of over 700 years of Singaporean history, divided into seven thematic sections: Fluid Beginnings (300s to 800s), Colonial City (1800s to 1930s), Fall of the Fortress (late 1930s to 1940s), Towards a New Identity (1950s to 1960s), Becoming Singapore (1960s to 1980s), Being Singaporean (1980s to 1990s), and Looking Global (2000s to present). This structure reflects new academic research alongside extensive public consultation involving more than 160 focus group participants to incorporate fresh perspectives and community voices.
Among the highlights is the century-old grand piano that belonged to Zubir Said, the late composer of Singapore’s national anthem, Majulah Singapura. Carefully conserved with its lid closed and keys protected by custom acrylic covers, the piano will be exhibited permanently for the first time since a temporary display in 2010. Its inclusion is part of a broader effort to showcase artefacts that hold both historical and emotional significance. The gallery will also feature the iconic seven-seater Septagon chair designed for the famed Jiak Kim Street nightclub Zouk, reflecting the evolution of Singapore’s social and cultural scenes from the 1990s onwards.
Other notable exhibits include the Singapore Stone, a fragile sandstone fragment with inscriptions dating back to between the 10th and 14th centuries, and artefacts related to Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. These include his 1950s barrister robe and two Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches, symbolizing his early legal career and the relationships that helped shape his political journey. Post-war and contemporary developments are further illustrated by items such as a traditional Nanyang coffee roasting machine from the Ho Tit Coffee Powder Factory and a restored 1970s Housing Board lift, representing the transition from kampung to public housing life.
To complement the physical artefacts, the gallery incorporates experiential elements designed to engage visitors more deeply, such as a “phygital” rickshaw display that combines physical and digital experiences. The museum will also celebrate the gallery reopening and its anniversary with a week-long event from October 10 to 18 titled Stories Of Everyday. The celebrations will include live performances, workshops, an art market, and immersive installations aimed at reflecting the diverse lived experiences of Singaporeans across generations.
Museum director Chung May Khuen emphasized the importance of evolving museums alongside their communities. She expressed hope that the revamped gallery will resonate with visitors and inspire reflection on what it means to be Singaporean in today’s context. Conservators and curators worked closely throughout the project to balance preservation needs with accessibility, ensuring that each piece could be experienced authentically while protected for future generations.