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Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time. Image courtesy National Museum of Singapore.
Celebrating 60: the evolution of Singapore
By Emily Clarke
Briefly …
Marking 60 years of independence, the National Museum of Singapore presents two immersive experiences tracing Singapore’s journey from early settlement to global hub. Through multimedia, artefacts, and interactive storytelling, visitors are invited to explore Singapore’s past and reflect on its evolving identity.
In celebration of Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence, the National Museum of Singapore is presenting two commemorative experiences chronicling Singapore’s transformation from settlement to global city and its major milestones over the past 700 years.
Visitors can start their experience with ‘Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time’, an immersive multimedia experience takes visitors back in time to witness formative moments in the nation’s history. Through a wristband enabled by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) – a contactless technology using radio waves to transmit data between a tiny chip/antenna and the wristband – visitors can ‘adopt’ one of nine Magical Companions inspired by Singapore’s native fauna to guide them through the showcase and activate hidden layers of content on Singapore’s history.
Visitors are first greeted with a suspended globe that anchors a two-minute light show that maps the evolution of the maritime routes that have connected Singapore to the world throughout its history. As visitors move through the gallery and descend the spiral ramp, they ‘time-travel’ in reverse chronology through pivotal chapters of Singapore’s history via visual wall projections that come alive with animated scenes and soundscapes. The journey culminates at the base of the Glass Rotunda, which features a digital waterfall curtain that reveals historical moments of Singapore’s past, and an immersive media show featuring various myths associated with the origins of Singapore.
Once Upon a Tide: Singapore's Journey from Settlement to Global City. Image courtesy National Museum of Singapore.
To continue their exploration of Singapore’s history, visitors can visit the exhibition ‘Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City’ – which runs till 9 October 2026 – to discover how the sea and river have shaped Singapore’s evolution from a bustling 14th-century port to a global powerhouse today.
Featuring over 350 artefacts from Singapore’s National Collection, the exhibition is spread over five thematic sections, each representing different aspects of Singapore’s evolution and brought to life through experiential storytelling. Visitors can discover the island’s deep historical roots and its early prominence through maps, early trading activities along the Singapore River (which once served as the lifeblood of the early settlement), and take on the Sampan Challenge to ferry passengers across the river. Through first-person accounts, photographs, personal artefacts, and a digital Singlish quiz, the final section concludes with a tribute to Singaporeans and homegrown organisations that have made an impact globally.
In each section, visitors are prompted to reflect on the evolution of Singapore’s identity by engaging with questions through their RFID-wristband. Their responses reveal one of four avatars that reflect their own values and aspirations, allowing them to contribute to the collective vision of Singapore’s tomorrow.
Together, these two experiences form a continuous journey for visitors to explore, experience, and reflect on Singapore’s history across centuries.
To learn more, visit the National Museum of Singapore’s website here.
Emily Clarke is a passionate solo traveller and The Solo Traveller’s Tourism Collaborations Lead.