Asian Civilisations Museum
Quick answer
Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore, Singapore — the Asian Civilisations Museum sits in the Empress Place Building, a 19th-century neoclassical landmark on the north bank of the Singapore River. Open daily, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Friday until 9:00 PM). Admission: S$25 tourist adult admission; permanent galleries free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Allow 2 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Asian Civilisations Museum at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Friday until 9:00 PM) |
|---|---|
| Admission | S$25 tourist adult admission; permanent galleries free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents |
| Free or reduced entry | Singapore citizens and permanent residents: permanent galleries free; special exhibitions may cost extra |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 2 hours |
| Best time to visit | Friday evenings until 9 PM. |
| Getting there | Metro: Raffles Place MRT station — 5-minute walk across Cavenagh Bridge |
| Address | 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 |
| Official website | nhb.gov.sg |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Asian Civilisations Museum known for?
The Asian Civilisations Museum sits in the Empress Place Building, a 19th-century neoclassical landmark on the north bank of the Singapore River. Founded in 1997, it is the only museum in the region devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans.
Its galleries cover trade, faith, and materials from across Asia, with celebrated holdings from the Tang Shipwreck — cargo from a 9th-century Arab dhow recovered off Belitung Island containing some 60,000 ceramics. Christian and Islamic art collections reflect Singapore's position at the crossroads of civilisations.
Free admission for Singapore citizens and PRs, and a central location steps from the Fullerton Hotel and the river, make it one of the easiest museums to combine with a walk through colonial Singapore.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · Art Lovers · First-timers
How long do you need at Asian Civilisations Museum?
Allow 2 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Asian Civilisations Museum without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Tang Shipwreck Gold Cup
📍 Maritime Trade Gallery, Level 1
A gilt-silver wine cup from the Belitung shipwreck — part of the most important early Chinese trade cargo ever recovered, proving maritime Silk Road connections a millennium ago.
- 2
Tang Shipwreck Ceramics
📍 Maritime Trade Gallery, Level 1
Thousands of Changsha painted bowls recovered intact from the shipwreck — displayed in quantity to convey the scale of medieval Indian Ocean trade.
- 3
Khmer Vishnu
📍 Faith and Belief Gallery
A sandstone figure of Vishnu from the Angkor period — representative of the museum's strong Southeast Asian sculpture collection.
- 4
Empress Place Building
📍 Exterior and Riverfront
The neoclassical building itself — designed as a courthouse and government offices — is a national monument and one of the finest colonial buildings on the Singapore River.
What are the must-see works at Asian Civilisations Museum?
4 highlights that define the collection: Tang Shipwreck Gold Cup, Tang Shipwreck Ceramics, Khmer Vishnu and more.
Tang Shipwreck Gold Cup
Tang dynasty · c. 826 CE
📍 Maritime Trade Gallery, Level 1
A gilt-silver wine cup from the Belitung shipwreck — part of the most important early Chinese trade cargo ever recovered, proving maritime Silk Road connections a millennium ago.
Tang Shipwreck Ceramics
Changsha kilns · c. 826 CE
📍 Maritime Trade Gallery, Level 1
Thousands of Changsha painted bowls recovered intact from the shipwreck — displayed in quantity to convey the scale of medieval Indian Ocean trade.
Khmer Vishnu
Khmer · c. 11th century
📍 Faith and Belief Gallery
A sandstone figure of Vishnu from the Angkor period — representative of the museum's strong Southeast Asian sculpture collection.
Empress Place Building
Colonial architecture · 1865
📍 Exterior and Riverfront
The neoclassical building itself — designed as a courthouse and government offices — is a national monument and one of the finest colonial buildings on the Singapore River.
Collections and highlights
- • Tang Shipwreck cargo from a 9th-century vessel
- • Khmer and Hindu-Buddhist sculpture
- • Chinese export porcelain galleries
- • Christian and Islamic art collections
- • Empress Place riverfront architecture
Tips for visiting Asian Civilisations Museum
- 1.
Best time to visit
Friday evenings until 9 PM. The Tang Shipwreck gallery is best visited early before crowds gather. Combine with an evening at Clarke Quay.
- 2.
Tickets & booking
S$20 for foreign visitors. Free for Singapore citizens and PRs. Tickets at the entrance or online.
- 3.
Accessibility
Fully accessible. The historic building has been retrofitted with lifts.
- 4.
Photography rules
Non-flash photography permitted in permanent galleries.
How do you get to Asian Civilisations Museum?
- metro Raffles Place MRT station — 5-minute walk across Cavenagh Bridge
- metro City Hall MRT station — 5-minute walk via the Padang
- walk 5-minute walk from National Gallery Singapore across the Padang
- walk On the Singapore River — accessible via the riverfront promenade from Clarke Quay
Address: 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Asian Civilisations Museum: frequently asked questions
What is the Tang Shipwreck?
It is the cargo of a 9th-century Arab dhow recovered off Belitung Island, including some 60,000 ceramics — the most important early Chinese trade ceramics ever found.
Is it walkable from National Gallery Singapore?
Yes, it is a five-minute walk across the Padang and Cavenagh Bridge.
How long should I spend at Asian Civilisations Museum?
Plan 2 hours for the highlights of Asian Civilisations Museum. Our 4-stop route — Tang Shipwreck Gold Cup, Tang Shipwreck Ceramics, Khmer Vishnu and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Asian Civilisations Museum best known for?
The Asian Civilisations Museum sits in the Empress Place Building, a 19th-century neoclassical landmark on the north bank of the Singapore River. Key highlights include Tang Shipwreck cargo from a 9th-century vessel, Khmer and Hindu-Buddhist sculpture, Chinese export porcelain galleries.
How do I get tickets for Asian Civilisations Museum?
Admission: S$25 tourist adult admission; permanent galleries free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/acm
How was the Tang Shipwreck discovered?
In 1998, Indonesian sea cucumber divers found the wreck off Belitung Island. The cargo of an Arab dhow included 60,000 Changsha ceramics, gold and silver vessels, and bronze mirrors — all dated to approximately 826 CE, proving early trade between China and the Middle East.
Is ACM the same as the Asian Art Museum?
The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is Singapore's national museum for pan-Asian art and archaeology. It is distinct from the National Gallery (Southeast Asian and Singapore art) and the ArtScience Museum (temporary exhibitions).
Can I walk from ACM to the Merlion?
Yes — a 10-minute walk along the Singapore River from Empress Place to Merlion Park, passing the Fullerton Hotel and the Cavenagh Bridge.
Is Asian Civilisations Museum open on Mondays?
Yes — Asian Civilisations Museum is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Friday until 9:00 PM). Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are Asian Civilisations Museum's opening hours?
Asian Civilisations Museum is open daily, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Friday until 9:00 PM). Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Asian Civilisations Museum free to visit?
Not for everyone. Standard admission: S$25 tourist adult admission; permanent galleries free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Free or reduced entry: Singapore citizens and permanent residents: permanent galleries free; special exhibitions may cost extra.
