Once Upon a Tide: Port To Powerhouse Story At National Museum

Singapore’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a global economic force is nothing short of extraordinary—and this SG60, you’re invited to relive that journey. Opening 24 May 2025 at the National Museum of Singapore, Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City is a powerful new exhibition that takes you on an immersive voyage through 700 years of history. Designed to commemorate the nation’s 60th year of independence, this must-visit showcase offers something for every generation to reflect, discover and reimagine the Singapore story.

From the Sea to the Singapore River

The exhibition is presented in five thematic sections, each delving into a different facet of Singapore’s evolution—socially, economically, and culturally. More than 350 artefacts from the National Collection form the beating heart of this exhibition, paired with storytelling, digital interactivity, and community voices to paint a multi-layered portrait of our island nation. From early trade and seafaring routes to innovation and soft power in the global era, every moment is captured in vibrant, experiential detail.

This exhibition isn’t just a walk through the past—it’s a conversation about the future. Visitors will receive an RFID wristband to interact with prompts throughout the exhibition. Your responses will determine one of four avatar identities that represent your values and vision for Singapore. These avatars collectively form a digital cityscape mural—a crowdsourced tapestry of dreams for the next chapter of the Singapore story.

Always on the Map

Step into a digital wave tunnel and witness how Singapore, even before 1819, was already a key maritime hub. Always on the Map traces Singapore’s regional significance across centuries—visible through historic maps, artefacts, and a digital experience that lets you locate Singapore on various world maps. This opening chapter sets the tone for understanding our geographical destiny and deep roots in global flows.

The River Road and Sampan Challenge

Explore the Singapore River’s transformation from a lifeline of early trade to a symbol of economic power. In The River Road, you can view tools of the river trade and industries like coaling and shipbuilding that once fuelled the port’s rise. Want to test your agility? Try the Sampan Challenge—an interactive activity where you row across a digital river, dodging vessels and navigating rough waters to deliver passengers safely to shore.

Expanding Horizons

Singapore’s land scarcity has never stopped it from growing. Expanding Horizons explores how urban planning and land reclamation helped shape the cityscape. Standout exhibits include a letter from Sir Stamford Raffles and a panoramic 1976 painting of the city. You can also interact with a digital map slider that traces coastline changes over time—from colonial expansion to modern-day planning marvels.

Flows of People

Multiculturalism lies at the core of Singapore’s DNA. Flows of People honours the diverse communities that built and cared for the city. From construction workers and public defenders to caregivers and drivers, this section connects the stories of early migrants to modern-day Singaporeans. Through photographs, interviews, and mementos, this chapter offers a heartfelt tribute to those who shaped our collective identity.

Making Waves: Singapore on the Global Stage

Singapore’s global footprint is celebrated in Making Waves, spotlighting trailblazers in diplomacy, humanitarian work, sports, and innovation. Meet inspiring icons like Margaret Leng Tan, Eric Khoo, Joseph Schooling, Shanti Pereira, and many others. An interactive Singlish Quiz lets you test your local lingo skills while artefacts trace how our culture—from food to language—has gained international recognition. Feeling inspired? Contribute your own story to the Collecting Contemporary Singapore initiative and become part of our shared narrative.

Family Fun with Children’s Season 2025

Running alongside the main exhibition is Children’s Season 2025: Get Curious! Building Our Singapore. Young visitors can explore 11 Waves of Wonder—family-friendly captions co-created with educators, hands-on activities from a Programmes Cart, and themed resources for children with additional needs. Highlights include:

• The River Hunt: A mission-based treasure trail through Singapore’s historical waters.
• Our Mama Shop: An art showcase by pre-schoolers and seniors that celebrates everyday heritage.
• Dress-up Play: Try on traditional migrant worker outfits and take archival-style photos.
• Thank You Cards: Write notes to today’s migrant workers in collaboration with Migrant & Me.

From film screenings and storytelling to meet-and-greets and interactive installations, the Children’s Season offers multi-sensory fun that also imparts meaningful lessons on heritage, gratitude, and nation-building.

Visit and Be Part of the Story

Entry to Once Upon a Tide is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. The exhibition runs from 24 May 2025 to 9 October 2026. Admission to Get Curious! Building Our Singapore is free for all, while some Children’s Season programmes are ticketed.

For full details, visit: Once Upon a Tide, Children’s Season 2025, @natmuseum_sg on Instagram andNational Museum of Singapore on Facebook.