By The Eye desk · Last verified 7 October 2026
As of October 2026, Singapore Citizens and PRs enter the Asian Civilisations Museum’s permanent galleries free (show your NRIC), or pay S$12 for an all-access ticket that adds the special exhibition. Foreign residents and tourists pay S$25 for all-access, or S$20 concession for seniors aged 60 and above, students, and persons with disabilities with one caregiver. Children six and under are free. The museum at 1 Empress Place, near City Hall MRT, opens daily 10am to 7pm, and to 9pm on Fridays, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. Its star is the Tang Shipwreck: a ninth-century cargo of more than 50,000 Changsha bowls.
The ACM tells the story of how Asia traded, believed and dressed, in a handsome colonial building on the river. Here is how to get in and what to see first.
Quick facts
- Address: 1 Empress Place; nearest MRT is City Hall.
- Hours: daily 10am to 7pm; Fridays 10am to 9pm; galleries close to entry 30 minutes before closing.
- Singaporeans and PRs: permanent galleries free; all-access S$12.
- Foreign adults: S$25 all-access; concession S$20.
- Children six and under: free.
- Tickets are non-refundable; bring ID for free entry or concessions.
Ticket prices
| Visitor | Permanent galleries | All access (with special exhibition) |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizens and PRs | Free | S$12 |
| Foreign residents and tourists, adult | — | S$25 |
| Foreign residents and tourists, concession (seniors 60+, students, persons with disabilities plus one caregiver) | — | S$20 |
| Children six and under | Free | Free |
The National Heritage Board also says students, senior citizens and NSFs receive complimentary access to its special paid exhibitions; check the NHB free admission page for who qualifies and bring proof.
A worked example
A Singaporean couple brings two adult friends from overseas, and everyone wants to see the special exhibition. The couple pay S$12 each and the friends S$25 each: S$12 + S$12 + S$25 + S$25 = S$74. If the group sticks to the permanent galleries, the couple go free, but the friends still need tickets, since foreign visitors are sold the all-access ticket.
What to see
The museum has 11 galleries over three floors. Trade is on the first floor, faith and belief on the second, and decorative arts on the third.
| Floor | Theme | Don’t miss |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Trade | The Tang Shipwreck in the Khoo Teck Puat Gallery: a ship of Persian Gulf construction lost off Belitung around the 830s, with Changsha bowls, gold cups and fine ceramics |
| Level 2 | Faith and belief | Sculpture and objects from Asia’s religions, side by side |
| Level 3 | Decorative arts | The Jewellery gallery, the first permanent gallery in the world to spotlight island Southeast Asian jewellery, and the Fashion and Textiles gallery |
Plan a two-hour visit
- Check the ACM’s What’s On page for the current special exhibition and decide whether all-access is worth it.
- Start with the Tang Shipwreck on Level 1 while you are fresh.
- Walk up to the faith galleries on Level 2.
- Finish on Level 3 with jewellery and textiles.
- Step out to the riverside; the museum sits beside the Singapore River and Cavenagh Bridge.
The WahLiao Verdict
If you are Singaporean or PR, there is no excuse: the permanent galleries are free, and the Tang Shipwreck alone is worth the trip. Pay the S$12 only when the special exhibition interests you. Visitors from overseas get fine value at S$25 for a museum of this calibre; go on a Friday evening for cooler, quieter galleries and a riverside dinner after.
Questions people ask
Is the Asian Civilisations Museum free?
For Singapore Citizens and PRs, the permanent galleries are free all year with NRIC. Children six and under are free. Foreign visitors pay.
How long do I need?
Two hours covers the highlights comfortably; allow half a day if you add a special exhibition.
What is the Tang Shipwreck?
A ninth-century ship found in 1998 off Belitung Island, Indonesia, about 600 km south-east of Singapore. Its cargo shows how goods moved between China and the Middle East along the maritime Silk Route.
Can I get a refund on my ticket?
No. The museum states that all tickets are non-refundable and cannot be resold or exchanged.
Sources: Asian Civilisations Museum, admissions and opening hours; National Heritage Board, free admission for citizens and PRs; Asian Civilisations Museum, Tang Shipwreck; Time Out Singapore, gallery layout and new galleries. The Eye explains; it does not endorse.
Read next: Free Museum Entry in Singapore: Who Gets In Free, and When · The National Gallery Singapore: What’s Free, Ticket Prices and What to See · Back to The Eye
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
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