Asian Civilisations Museum

#49 among destinations in Singapore

Museum, History museum

Gallery (13)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcin Konsek / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Donald Trung / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Donald Trung / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bjoertvedt / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Anandajoti / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Anandajoti / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.5 / I64s / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Singapore's historic district, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is a bastion of cultural heritage and a treasure trove of historical artifacts. As a premier institution dedicated to exploring the rich artistic legacy of Asia, the museum is an essential visit for those seeking to understand the diverse tapestry of cultures that make up this vibrant continent.

Housed in a neoclassical building by the Singapore River, the museum's elegant facade is a fitting prelude to the wonders contained within. The ACM's extensive collection spans the breadth of Asian civilizations, from the ancestral cultures of China, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, to the Islamic regions of West Asia.

The museum's galleries are thoughtfully curated to highlight the historical connections and cultural exchanges that have shaped Asia. Visitors can marvel at an array of exquisite artifacts, including ancient textiles, intricate ceramics, and ornate jewelry. Each piece tells a story of the people, trade, beliefs, and systems that contributed to the evolution of Asian societies.

The Asian Civilisations Museum also prides itself on its dynamic approach to exhibitions, frequently hosting both permanent and temporary showcases that delve into specific themes or periods. Interactive multimedia displays and educational programs offer engaging experiences for audiences of all ages, making the ACM a place of learning and discovery.

Alternative names: Established: 1997 (27 years ago)Coordinates: 1°17'15"N, 103°51'4"E

Location

1 Empress Place Empress Place BuildingSingapore 179555 CentralSingapore

Contact

+65 6332 7798

Website

Social media

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Day trips

Asian Civilisations Museum – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Cavenagh Bridge, One Raffles Place, Anderson Bridge, Elgin Bridge.

~480 ftSE
Bridge
Cavenagh Bridge
3 min walk • Cavenagh Bridge is an iconic historical landmark in the heart of Singapore, spanning the lower reaches of the Singapore River in the Central Area. Opened in 1869, it is the oldest bridge across the river that is still in its original form, serving as a pedestrian...
~1080 ftS
Shopping centre, Shopping
One Raffles Place
6 min walk • One Raffles Place, standing proudly in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District, is a beacon of modernity and a hub of commercial activity. This iconic skyscraper is not just a place of business; it houses a bustling shopping centre that caters to the needs...
~730 ftE
Bridge
Anderson Bridge
4 min walk • Spanning the Singapore River, Anderson Bridge is an integral part of Singapore's urban landscape, connecting the civic district to the commercial area of Raffles Place. Completed in 1910, this elegant bridge is named after Sir John Anderson, the Governor of the Straits...
~930 ftNW
Bridge
Elgin Bridge
5 min walk • Elgin Bridge, a historic and functional landmark, serves as a vital connection across the Singapore River in the heart of the city-state's Central Area. Named after Lord Elgin, the British Governor-General of India, the bridge marks the boundary between the Downtown...
~850 ftNE
Memorial
Lim Bo Seng Memorial, Central Area
5 min walk • The Lim Bo Seng Memorial is an octagonal pagoda-like war memorial at Esplanade Park, Singapore. It was erected in 1954 in honour of the late Lim Bo Seng for his heroic acts and selfless sacrifice during the World War II.
~70 ftN
Memorial
Raffles's Landing Site
1 min walk • Raffles's Landing Site stands as a historical marker in the heart of Singapore, commemorating the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles on the island in 1819. This memorial is strategically positioned on the northern bank of the Singapore River, a significant location...
~1110 ftE
Bridge
Esplanade Bridge
6 min walk • The Esplanade Bridge is a prominent landmark in the heart of Singapore, spanning the mouth of the Singapore River in the Marina Bay area. Completed in 1997, this elegant bridge serves as a crucial link between the city's financial district and the cultural precinct of...
~490 ftNE
Tower, Theater, Concerts and shows
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
3 min walk • The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall is a performing arts center in the Central Area of Singapore, situated along Empress Place. It is a complex of two buildings and a clock tower joined together by a common corridor; the oldest part of the building was first built in 1862, and the complex was completed in 1909.
~690 ftSE
Monuments and statues
First Generation, Central Area
4 min walk • First Generation is a bronze sculpture by Singaporean sculptor Chong Fah Cheong. The sculpture was created as part of a series of sculptures by various sculptors, in the Open Air Interpretative Centre project by the Singapore Tourism Board. Chong's sculpture was the first to be unveiled on December 31, 2000.
~960 ftNE
Park
Esplanade Park
5 min walk • Esplanade Park is a park located at the Esplanade area within the Downtown Core district of Singapore.
~670 ftNE
Sport venue, Sport
Singapore Cricket Club
4 min walk • The Padang or Singapore Cricket Club Ground is a cricket ground in Singapore. The Padang became a major recreational area when two clubs, the Singapore Cricket Club in 1870 and the Singapore Recreation Club in 1883 were established at both ends of the field.