Singapore’s past is being told in a refreshingly personal way — through the eyes and belongings of its people. From now until December 14, the National Heritage Board (NHB) invites the public to experience Museum of U & Me, a unique pop-up museum that celebrates Singapore’s history through everyday objects contributed by Singaporeans.
This open-air exhibition, located at the lawn of the National Museum of Singapore, offers free entry and aims to make heritage accessible and relatable for everyone — from families and students to curious tourists.
A Museum Built by Singaporeans, for Singaporeans
Unlike traditional museums, Museum of U & Me shines a spotlight on the personal stories behind objects that once lived in the homes, offices, and memories of everyday people.
The pop-up’s eclectic collection includes a range of fascinating artefacts — from the measurements of Princess Diana taken by Singaporean fashion designer Benny Ong, to a Setron television made in Singapore in the 1970s, and the watch awarded to national runner C. Kunalan when he was named Sportsman of the Year.
Each piece tells a uniquely Singaporean story, weaving together themes of family, labour, culture, and national identity.
While some items are part of the National Collection, others are on loan from private owners and the popular documentary series On The Red Dot, further highlighting how collective memory is built through shared contributions.
What to Expect at Museum of U & Me
The Museum of U & Me features three industrial-style containers, divided into five thematic zones — pre-independence Singapore, labour, food, leisure, and national development.
Each zone is designed to transport visitors back in time, recreating fragments of daily life that have shaped Singapore’s evolution. Visitors can expect to see:
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Models and replicas of iconic historical artefacts like the Singapore Stone, a mysterious sandstone fragment from the 13th century bearing undeciphered inscriptions.
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A 1919 Centenary Medal, commemorating 100 years since the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles.
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Interactive digital experiences, including a game where players search for hidden objects in archival photos. Successful participants can win collectible cards featuring artefacts from the exhibition, including five limited-edition holofoil designs released throughout the event period.
This blend of tangible artefacts and interactive storytelling ensures that the experience is not only educational but also engaging and fun for visitors of all ages.
Making Heritage Accessible and Personal
According to Loh Heng Noi, Director of NHB’s National Collection Division, the Museum of U & Me aims to act as a gateway to Singapore’s wider museum ecosystem.
“We view the Museum of U & Me, and the very concept of a pop-up museum, as a ‘first-touch’; an accessible entry point for Singaporeans and visitors who might not yet have had a chance to visit our museums,” Loh shared.
The exhibition’s design — from the industrial containers to the layouts resembling familiar Singaporean home interiors — was intentionally created to feel approachable and relatable.
“Everything in the pop-up museum serves to offer visitors something they can easily consume and enjoy,” Loh added. “We hope this encourages them to take the next step to visit our permanent museums, such as the National Museum of Singapore, just a stone’s throw away.”
Why Pop-Up Museums Matter
The Museum of U & Me is part of a growing global trend of pop-up cultural spaces designed to make art and history more accessible. Unlike permanent museums, pop-ups are often temporary, mobile, and interactive, allowing them to reach diverse audiences who might not typically engage with heritage institutions.
In Singapore, NHB has been experimenting with such formats to connect people emotionally with their shared past. By featuring items from ordinary citizens — not just well-known historical artefacts — Museum of U & Me reframes history as a living, breathing story that everyone contributes to.
The concept also underscores NHB’s mission to democratize access to heritage, reminding visitors that history is not only about grand events but also about small moments and personal experiences that define the nation’s identity.
Visit the Museum of U & Me
Whether you’re a history lover, a nostalgic local, or a visitor curious about Singapore’s evolving culture, Museum of U & Me offers a refreshing and heartwarming experience.
Location: Lawn of the National Museum of Singapore
Dates: Now until December 14, 2025
Admission: Free
More details about the pop-up and its activities can be found on the National Heritage Board’s official website.
A Celebration of Shared Memories
The Museum of U & Me proves that history doesn’t just belong in textbooks or glass displays — it lives in the memories, stories, and objects we hold dear. Through this creative pop-up experience, NHB invites everyone to see Singapore’s journey through the lens of its people, where every artefact tells a story, and every visitor becomes part of the nation’s collective memory.
From vintage televisions to cherished medals, from designer sketches to childhood toys, Museum of U & Me celebrates what makes Singapore, Singapore — its people, their stories, and the things they treasure most.
