SINGAPORE – After a 10-month closure for renovation, the National Museum of Singapore is set to reopen its first revamped permanent gallery on August 8, 2025, with a spectacular new exhibition titled Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time.
This multi-sensory showcase marks a significant milestone in the museum’s ongoing transformation, offering visitors an immersive exploration of 700 years of Singapore’s history through innovative storytelling, animation, and interactive technology.
A New Chapter for the Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda
The exhibition will be housed in the Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda, now reimagined as a dynamic space for interactive cultural experiences. This marks the next evolution of the space that previously hosted Story of the Forest, an exhibition inspired by the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings.
According to Ms Chung May Khuen, director of the National Museum of Singapore, the new showcase continues the museum’s mission of presenting history in engaging and relevant ways.
“With Singapore Odyssea, we wanted to continue drawing on our collection and rich stories to present Singapore’s history in an engaging and relevant way. It creates an accessible entry point while honoring the depth and significance of our history,” she explained.
Building on the museum’s earlier experiment with immersive storytelling, Singapore Odyssea pushes the boundaries of digital technology and sensory engagement, making it an experience designed for both families and history enthusiasts.
A Journey Through 700 Years of History
Singapore Odyssea unfolds as an immersive time-travel experience, guiding visitors through four captivating episodes that trace the island’s journey from pre-colonial Singapore to the modern nation-state.
Scenes include:
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Local myths and folklore that shaped early perceptions of Singapore’s origins.
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Depictions of ancient maritime trade routes, reflecting Singapore’s critical role as a regional hub.
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Highlights of the first National Day Parade and wartime evacuations, providing emotional context to the nation’s modern history.
One of the key attractions is a two-minute light show projected from a suspended LED globe — the first of its kind in any Singapore museum. This visual spectacle maps the evolution of Singapore’s maritime trade routes, a vital chapter in its rise as a global port city.
Interactive Features That Bring History to Life
The exhibition’s interactive design ensures visitors are not just observers but participants. Highlights include:
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Animated wall projections and immersive soundscapes, recreating key historical moments.
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A digital waterfall curtain at the base of the rotunda, responding to the movement of visitors and creating ripples that interact with one another.
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RFID-enabled wristbands, which introduce nine animated companions inspired by Singapore’s wildlife, including an otter, a crab, and a hornbill. These companions light up pathways, trigger hidden animations, and can be digitally released into a virtual well as a symbolic gesture of returning borrowed elements to nature.
The experience also incorporates reinterpretations of local legends, such as the giant tide-moving crab and Pauh Janggi, the mythical tree of life, blending myth with modern environmental messaging.
Complementary Programmes and National Day Celebrations
Singapore Odyssea is part of a larger initiative to enhance the museum’s visitor experience. Alongside the main installation, visitors can explore:
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Once Upon A Tide, a complementary showcase that examines Singapore’s maritime evolution.
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Special National Day programmes on August 9, featuring family-friendly activities and heritage workshops.
According to Mr Mark Shaw, executive vice president and director of Shaw Foundation, the goal of this transformation is to inspire pride in Singapore’s heritage.
“We hope that the bold and innovative storytelling in Singapore Odyssea will captivate and inspire visitors to take pride in our heritage and develop a deeper interest in Singapore’s remarkable history,” he said.
Admission and Visitor Information
Admission to Singapore Odyssea is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, making it an accessible experience for all. Visitors are encouraged to check the National Museum of Singapore’s website for opening hours, special programmes, and additional updates related to the museum’s phased reopening.
With its blend of history, art, and technology, Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time promises to redefine what it means to explore the nation’s heritage — transforming a simple museum visit into an interactive cultural adventure.
