The National Museum

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

The National Museum of Singapore (新加坡国家博物院) was formerly known as the Raffles Library and Museum which catered to natural history and ethnography during the colonial days. The history of the museum dates back to 1887 and it is the biggest and the oldest museum in Singapore! The library and the museum were separated in 1960 and Raffles Museum was renamed as the National Museum in 1969.

In 1993, the museum underwent another transformation to become the Singapore History Museum, dedicated to the history and heritage of Singapore.

The building was closed for major renovations and development of an extension block of a 16 metre high and 24 metre wide Glass Rotunda, which is a modern interpretation of the old Rotunda Dome in the historic building.

It reopened in 2006 as the National Museum of Singapore.

The Glass Passage of the Museum

Swinging lights on the ceiling of The National Musuem

OUR TRAVELOGUE:

On 11 January 2008, 2.32pm, we went to the National Museum as requested by our Professor. We were expecting a trip of boredom, a stereotypical misconception of what most people would think of the National Museum. Contrary to what we expected, the National Museum metamorphosized into a treasure trove. The exterior gave us the impression of sleekness and oozed with professionalism. We were dizzy with glee to explore.

Unfortunately, time was seriously running short and we exited feeling regret and immense frustration at having glimpsed briefly at the attractive stories behind the artefacts and the interesting personalities featured.

Crazily, Sin Choon dragged her friend down to the museum the 2nd day, determined to take her own sweet time to stroll around and listen to the brimming stories of the companion. Joyce went back for a second time as well, enjoying her trip to the fullest.

Sin Choon's treasures from the museum shop

What really left a deep impression were prostitution, opium smoking, secret societies and the chinese maids also known as "Ah Mas" or "Ma-jies". We felt sympathetic for the plight of the poor Japanese prostitutes and women who lived in days whereby prospects of a stable matrimonial life was distant and impossible. History and Living section is really too big to comb in one full day if you want detailed information on every station.

Time really flies, in the end, Sin Choon still missed the part on Singapore's independence. Maybe she would revisit the museum soon. The exhibitions on Food, Fashion, Photography, Film and Wayang were really eye openers.

5 thumbs up for the National Museum!