About Asian Civilisations Museum
In the Empress Place Building beside the Singapore River, the ACM explores the cultural heritages of Singapore's ancestral cultures across maritime Asia.
Founded in 1997, Asian Civilisations Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 29 years. Today it draws approximately 800,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited history & civilization museums in the world. Located in Singapore, Singapore, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 6,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Asian Civilisations Museum ranks #121
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #121 in our composite ranking, Asian Civilisations Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through Asian Civilisations Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Tang Shipwreck cargo
- ◆Silk Road galleries
- ◆Faith and Belief galleries
- ◆Trade and Exchange galleries
Recognition & awards
Asian Civilisations Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–19:00 (Fri until 21:00).
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Asian Civilisations Museum is located in Singapore, Singapore at coordinates 1.2872°N, 103.8513°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Asian Civilisations Museum
Asian Civilisations Museum was established in 1997, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Singapore. With 800,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Singapore's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important history & civilization museums in the Asia region.
Other top history & civilization museums
If you enjoy history & civilization museums like Asian Civilisations Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #37Smithsonian National Museum of American HistoryWashington, United States
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureWashington, United States
- #48Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque & MuseumIstanbul, Turkey
- #68National Museum of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
- #87Vasa MuseumStockholm, Sweden
More museums in Singapore
Singapore is home to 4 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Asian Civilisations Museum with these nearby institutions:
- #120Singapore National Gallery🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #122National Museum of Singapore🏛️ History & Civilization
- #213Singapore ArtScience Museum🎨 Modern & Contemporary
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Asian Civilisations Museum?
Daily 10:00–19:00 (Fri until 21:00). We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Asian Civilisations Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Asian Civilisations Museum located?
Asian Civilisations Museum is located in Singapore, Singapore. The exact coordinates are 1.2872°, 103.8513°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Asian Civilisations Museum known for?
Pan-Asian heritage on the Singapore River. Key highlights include Tang Shipwreck cargo, Silk Road galleries, Faith and Belief galleries. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 6,500 reviews.
How many people visit Asian Civilisations Museum each year?
Asian Civilisations Museum receives approximately 800,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Singapore.
When was Asian Civilisations Museum founded?
Asian Civilisations Museum was founded in 1997, making it 29 years old. It is categorised as a history & civilization museum in our directory.
