Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore

With the resemblance of a grand old neighbour watching the city, the former Empress Place Building has been in place—at the mouth of the Singapore River—since 1867. It’s the kind of structure that looks like it was sketched with a ruler in one hand and a fan in the other—perfectly balanced, elegantly decorated, and proudly Neoclassical. The Palladian exterior still shows off its original Roman Doric façade, pitched clay roofs, and long arcaded verandahs. Add in those timber-louvered French windows—Singapore’s early, natural version of “air-conditioning”—, and you can imagine how many migrants arriving by boat must have stared up at it, thinking, “So, this is Singapore...”

Today, the building has swapped colonial administration for cultural exploration as the home of the Asian Civilisations Museum. Its mission is to connect the dots between Asian cultures—from the Middle East to China—and show how their stories blend into Singapore’s multicultural identity. It’s a tall order, but the museum pulls it off with confidence.

Inside, the galleries shine in more ways than one. The Hindu-Buddhist section glows with beautifully lit displays, including an impressive 18th-century Burmese Buddha head and a massive bronze drum. The Chinese galleries are equally rich, especially the collection of ceramics recovered from a 1998 shipwreck—over 60,000 pieces in total, some dating back to the Tang dynasty. In the Malay World section, keep an eye out for the Kelantan Makara, a wide-eyed mythical creature that once starred in ritual ceremonies. And scattered throughout the museum are striking examples of textiles, lacquerware, porcelain, costumes, and towering processional figures.

When you’re ready for a break, the building has you covered. “Empress” restaurant offers Chinese cuisine with waterfront views, while “Privé ACM” cafe lets you unwind alfresco-style beside the river, with Singapore’s business district rising in the background. The museum shop is also worth a browse, with books and souvenirs that match the quality of the exhibits.

If you want a deeper dive, free English tours are offered daily, usually at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm. And for anyone planning to explore more local museums, a multi-museum pass is a smart way to make the most of your visit.