Singapore’s 61st birthday deserves a celebration as layered as the island’s history itself. This National Day, the National Museum of Singapore invites everyone to journey through Myths, Legends & the Stories That Made Us — a multi-week programme that weaves together founding legends, living cultural traditions, and bold artistic vision from 1 August to 9 August 2026.
From immersive storytelling and hands-on workshops to a dazzling nightly projection show on the museum’s iconic façade, here is everything you need to plan your visit.
Voyage of Icons — Nightly Projection Mapping on the Façade
From 1 to 12 August, every evening, the National Museum’s colonial façade becomes a canvas for Voyage of Icons, a multisensory projection mapping work by visual artist Howie Kim. The show traces a sweeping journey — from the founding legend of Sang Nila Utama to a dazzling vision of hyper-modern Singapore — transforming the building into a living, breathing portrait of the nation. Free and open to all, it is best viewed from the museum’s Front Lawn.
Our Favourite Haunts: Migrant Workers Photography Festival (4th Edition) at NMS
For the first time, the Migrant Workers Photography Festival (MWPF) — now in its fourth edition — takes up residency at the National Museum of Singapore. The exhibition, titled Our Favourite Haunts: Through the Lens of Migrant Workers, brings together the winning entries and finalists from the 2026 edition of the festival, inviting visitors to experience Singapore’s familiar spaces — hawker centres, dormitories, parks, void decks — as seen through the eyes of the migrant community that helps build and sustain the city.
The exhibition runs from 2 August to 13 September 2026 at the National Museum — a rare opportunity to see this acclaimed photography festival in a major heritage institution for the very first time.
National Day on 9 August — A Full Day of Programmes
On National Day itself (9 August), the museum opens its doors for free to all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, with a packed schedule of activities across multiple levels:
- Heritage Hunt (@NMS) — Follow clues through the galleries, spot artefacts, and uncover stories of Singapore’s past in this scavenger hunt. Register at the Glass Atrium (Level 2) from 10am; last registration at 5pm.
- Workshops & Drop-In Craft Activities — Batik colouring, wooden star craft, headband decoration, and more across Levels 2 and 3, from 10am.
- Community Mural Painting — Leave your mark on the Front Lawn hoarding panels, 10am–12pm and 3–5pm, free of charge.
- Live Performances — Percussion performance and other live acts on the Front Lawn in the late afternoon.
- Live NDP 2026 Telecast — Round off the day on the museum’s Front Lawn with a giant-screen broadcast of the National Day Parade 2026, framed by the iconic façade and the setting sun. Seating begins at 5.15pm.
Stories of Singapore: Immersive Installations (From 1 August)
From 1 August, step into an expanding series of immersive storytelling experiences and installations across the museum’s galleries. Journey through founding myths and cultural traditions, explore the mosaic of communities that call Singapore home, and discover the living heritage — from kopi culture to Singlish — that makes this nation distinctively itself.
Admission & Practical Information
- Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am–7pm (last admission 6.30pm)
- Admission: Free for Singapore Citizens & PRs to permanent galleries; ticket required for some special experiences. Free for all on 9 August (National Day).
- Getting There: 5-minute walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT (Circle, North-East, North-South Lines)
- More Info: nationalmuseum.nhb.gov.sg
Whether you are catching the Voyage of Icons light show on a weeknight stroll or spending all of National Day at the museum, the National Museum’s SG61 programme offers something for every generation. Mark your calendars — festivities begin 1 August 2026.
