Asian Civilisations Museum | ACM
Singapore Learn more about what's on at ACM and the artists shaping its programme.Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is a cross-cultural museum of Asian art and ideas situated in Singapore‘s historic civic district.
Overview
Housed in the neoclassical Empress Place Building on the Singapore River, ACM’s programme explores Asia’s rich artistic heritage, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans, positioning the city as a historic hub of maritime trade and cultural exchange.
ACM’s permanent galleries are organised thematically around trade, faith and belief, and materials and design, rather than by nation-state. Visitors encounter artworks, design objects, and archaeological material from China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia, spanning from early Buddhist sculpture to Islamic metalwork and Peranakan gold.
Within Singapore’s cultural landscape, ACM bridges heritage and contemporary conversations around Asia, complementing institutions focused on modern and contemporary art. For international visitors and art-world professionals, it offers a focused perspective on Asian material culture, making it a key reference point in any Singapore art museum guide.
Asian Civilisations Museum Art and exhibitions
ACM’s 13 permanent galleries highlight cross-cultural flows: maritime trade routes, the spread of religions, and the circulation of materials and design across Asia. Signature spaces include the Tang Shipwreck Gallery, Singapore Archaeology Gallery, Faith and Belief galleries, and third-floor Fashion and Textiles, Jewellery, and Chinese Ceramics galleries.
Alongside historical displays, ACM’s contemporary gallery invites artists to respond to the collection, situating current practice in dialogue with older objects. Programmes such as the #SGFASHIONNOW series—co-curated with LASALLE’s School of Fashion and the Textile and Fashion Federation—foreground contemporary Singapore fashion within a broader Asian design context.
ACM Visiting information
The museum is located at 1 Empress Place, a short walk from Raffles Place and City Hall MRT stations, in Singapore’s Civic District. Opening hours are daily 10am–7pm, with extended hours until 9pm on Fridays; admission to galleries ends 30 minutes before closing.
Admission policies distinguish between permanent and special exhibitions, with free entry to permanent galleries for Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and children six and under, and ticketed access for most other visitors. Concession tickets are available for students and other eligible groups with valid identification, and online platforms list current prices and Singapore art museum ticket deals.
Asian Civilisations Museum | ACM FAQs
What is the Asian Civilisations Museum known for?
Asian Civilisations Museum is known for its focus on the artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singapore’s Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other communities. Its thematic galleries on trade, faith, and design present Asia as an interconnected region, making it a key reference point for understanding Singapore’s cultural history.
What kind of art is on view at ACM?
ACM presents sculptures, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, paintings, ritual objects, and design pieces from China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia. Visitors see works ranging from Khmer and Javanese temple sculpture to Peranakan gold and contemporary fashion and design projects like #SGFASHIONNOW.
What are Asian Civilisations Museum opening hours?
Asian Civilisations Museum opening hours are daily from 10am to 7pm, with extended hours to 9pm on Fridays. Admission to all galleries closes 30 minutes before the posted closing time, so visitors are advised to plan Singapore art museum visits accordingly.
How much are Asian Civilisations Museum tickets?
Ticket prices vary by visitor category and exhibition, with separate admission for special exhibitions and concessions for students and other eligible visitors. Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and children six years and below enjoy free admission to permanent galleries, while international visitors can purchase ACM tickets online or on-site.
Does Asian Civilisations Museum offer tours or public programmes?
Asian Civilisations Museum offers guided tours, talks, workshops, and family activities linked to its permanent galleries and special exhibitions. Public programmes often accompany major shows and collaborations such as #SGFASHIONNOW, positioning the museum as an active hub for learning about Asian art and culture among Singapore cultural attractions.
More Singapore Museums and Galleries
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services