If you have little ones in school, you’re probably aware of Racial Harmony Day, started in 1997 in commemoration the 1964 racial riots and that day falls on 21st Jul 2019 every year.
As adults, Racial Harmony Day tends to fall off our mind but if you’ve got little ones, it’s the ideal time to introduce your little ones to the various cultures in Singapore.
Here are 4 places in Singapore you can bring your little ones to learn more about the different cultures.
1. Malay Heritage Centre Museum
Photo credits Malay Heritage Centre
Built more than a century ago, the Malay Heritage Centre was previously the Istana Kampong Glam. Today, this former palace of the Malay sultans, showcases the heritage and culture of Malays in Singapore through historical artefacts, interactive media, exhibits and contributions from the community.
Photo credits Shing Design Atelier
What makes a visit to the Malay Heritage Centre even more interesting is that your tour of the galleries, spread across two levels, will start, not at the ground floor but at the second floor.
If you're wondering why, the galleries are designed as such to honor the original layout of the Istana Kampong Glam where the upper level would serve as the main living area and the ground level would usually be reserved for storage or work.
Location
Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate Singapore 198501
Operating Hour
Tue – Sun: 10 am – 6 pm (last admission: 5.30 pm)
Mon: closed
Admission
Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents
Free (charges applicable for selected programs)
Tourist & Foreign Citizens
Adult: $6
Child (Below 6 yrs): Free
2. Indian Heritage Centre
Photo credits Indian Heritage Centre
Did you know that the Indian Heritage Centre is the first museum in Southeast Asia to be dedicated to the colourful heritage of the Indian Community? Indeed it is.
The museum’s permanent exhibit is divided into five themes, spanning from the 1st century to today, featuring the origins of Singapore Indians, the contributions of early Indian pioneers in Singapore and Malaya, and the impact of World War II on the local Indian community, among others.
Photo credits Indian Heritage Centre
Within its four-story building, you’ll find over 400 artefacts, from stone sculptures and wood carvings to costumes and jewelries. The treasure trove of artefacts are however not the only way to experience Indian culture, you can also explore via augmented reality, role-playing games and interactive touch screens.
Location
Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane Singapore 209924
Operating Hour
Tue – Thu: 10 am – 7 pm
Fri – Sat: 10 am – 8 pm
Sun: 10 am – 4 pm
Mon: closed
Admission
Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents
Free
Tourist & Foreign Citizens
Adult: $6
Child (Below 6 yrs): Free
3. Chinatown Heritage Centre
Photo credits Singapore Tourism Board
Take a step into Chinatown Heritage Centre and you’ll feel like you’ve travelled through time.
Rooms designed to reflect the original interiors of Chinatown’s shophouse tenants in the 1950s and tales retelling the journey of Singapore’s early pioneers who left their villages for a better life, will take you through the lives of Chinatown’s early residents.
Photo credits National Heritage Board
Made up of three restored shophouses located on Pagoda Street, the heritage centre features multisensory exhibits across its six galleries, allowing you to fully immerse yourself into the experiences of Singapore’s early Chinese settlers.
Location
Chinatown Heritage Centre, 48 Pagoda Street Singapore 059207
Operating Hour
Mon – Sun: 9.30 am – 6.30 pm
Admission (with Multimedia Guide)
Adult: $18
Child (7 – 12 yrs): $14
Seniors (Singaporeans & PRs 60 yrs and above): $3/Free entry with every paying visit
4. Asian Civilisations Museum
Photo credits Singapore Tourism Board
Asian Civilisations Museum may not be a centre dedicated to a particular culture but housed within its historical building are collections from the various cultures around Asia. Artefacts such as the stone sculptures of deities, relief panel chronicling the life of Buddha, and ancient artworks, all have a fascinating tale to tell about the different cultures and customs in Asia.
If you want to broaden your knowledge of the four major religions in Singapore—Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity—at one place, Asian Civilisations Museum is your place.
Photo credits CPG Consultants
Location
Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place Singapore 179555
Operating Hour
Mon – Sun (except Fri): 10 am – 7 pm
Fri: 10 am – 9 pm
Admission
Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents
Free
Tourist & Foreign Citizens
Adult: $20
Child (6 yrs and below): Free
Eurasian Heritage Centre
Photo credits The Straits Times
*Currently undergoing undergoing revamp
The Eurasian Heritage Centre showcases the history and culture of Eurasian Singaporeans. The centre is currently undergoing a revamp. It will be renamed Eurasian Heritage Gallery and will be officially opened on 21 Sept 2019. While you might not be able to visit the gallery at the moment, you can bookmark the place to drop by after its opening to learn more about Eurasians who defended Singapore during the World War II, their influence on society and more about their community.
Photo credits Singapore Tourism Board
Location
Eurasian Community House, 139 Ceylon Road Singapore 429744
Operating Hour
Tue – Sun: 9 am – 6 pm (closed: Mon)
Admission
TBU
