Company News Online Sources 01 Jan 2026 views ( )

Singapore National Museum Launches Two New Experiences to Mark the Nation’s 60th Anniversary

In celebration of Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence, the National Museum of Singapore has unveiled two commemorative exhibition experiences that trace the nation’s transformation from a humble settlement into a global city—and highlight key milestones across 700 years of Singapore’s rich history.

Visitors begin their journey at the Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda, home to Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time—the museum’s first permanent gallery to reopen during its ongoing renovation. This immersive multimedia experience introduces guests to Singapore’s historical narrative by transporting them through pivotal moments that shaped the nation. Upon entry, each visitor receives an RFID-enabled wristband and can “adopt” one of nine magical companions inspired by native Singaporean animals. These digital guides accompany guests throughout the exhibition and unlock layered, hidden stories from Singapore’s past.

The journey opens with a suspended LED globe that launches a two-minute light-and-sound spectacle, illustrating the evolution of maritime trade routes that connected Singapore to the world across centuries. As visitors descend the spiral ramp through the rotunda, they travel “backward in time” via large-scale visual wall projections that vividly animate key historical chapters with dynamic scenes and rich audio effects. The experience culminates on the ground floor, where a digital waterfall curtain displays iconic moments from Singapore’s history, followed by an immersive media presentation exploring myths and legends tied to the island’s origins.

To further explore Singapore’s story, guests can visit the special exhibition Once Upon a Tide: Singapore's Journey from Settlement to Global City (on display until October 9, 2026), which examines how seas and rivers propelled Singapore from a thriving 14th-century port to today’s global hub.

Featuring over 350 artifacts from the National Collection, the exhibition is organized into five thematic zones, each using immersive storytelling to bring different facets of Singapore’s development to life. Visitors can trace the island’s deep historical roots through maps and re-creations of early trade along the Singapore River—the lifeline of early settlements—and even take part in a “Sampan Challenge,” simulating the experience of ferrying passengers across the river by boat. The final zone pays tribute to influential Singaporeans and local organizations that have made global impacts, using first-person narratives, photographs, personal belongings, and even a playful digital Singlish quiz.

In every zone, visitors engage with thought-provoking questions via their RFID wristbands. Their responses help them unlock one of four virtual avatars—each reflecting personal values and aspirations—and contribute to a collective vision for Singapore’s future.