The National Museum of Singapore has created the first purpose-built dedicated social space for seniors in a local museum, in partnership with Lien Foundation. Named Reunion, the space is an inclusive one for seniors, including those with mild cognitive impairment and dementia, to engage in meaningful activities and conversations inspired by the museum’s collection. It is where the museum organises programmes for seniors. Pre-registration for the programmes is required.
Reunion comprises a café and an activity space. The activity space features a group activity area, an immersive projection cave, a Quiet Room, and music booths, to encourage group activity during the museum’s programmes for seniors and also enhance their museum-visiting experience.
Reunion seeks to provide a space for seniors to build relationships with old and new friends, as well as to relax and be rejuvenated from the day-to-day routine, through the museum’s programmes. Seniors can look forward to reconnecting with the past and relating their own stories and experiences with each other through programmes organised in the activity space. They can also enjoy wholesome meals and conversations in the adjacent café space, Café Brera at Reunion. To participate in the museum’s programmes, seniors and their caregivers may refer to the museum’s website for information and to register for the programmes.
While Reunion is developed for seniors, the café is open to all visitors. Seniors, and all other visitors, can also walk in and enjoy the music booths or virtual exhibitions in the space before continuing their exploration of the museum, especially on days when there are no programmes being held in the activity space.
This initiative is made possible with the support of Lien Foundation and RSP Architects Planners and Engineers.
Photographed by Madeni Jais
Important: Check the calendar* below before visiting Reunion. When there is a programme taking place in Reunion, it will remain accessible for visitors to get through the space to the café with little disruption.
*Reunion's Quiet Room will be closed every Monday for maintenance.
Visiting Reunion – Can I visit Reunion?
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Yes, you can. The space is open from 9am to 6pm daily. Visitors are welcome to walk in and enjoy a selection of music at the music booths and the virtual exhibitions. The cafe is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
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Do note that the museum will be holding programmes in Reunion from time to time, and we seek all visitors’ understanding to move around quietly if there are programmes taking place.
For groups of seniors (more than 5 pax) intending to use the space for an activity, please write in to nhb_nm_programmes@nhb.gov.sgat least 21 days prior. Groups may be liable to a fee that includes the use of the museum’s resources and Reunion.
What are some of the programmes that are held in Reunion?
The museum organises programmes for seniors, including persons living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and their accompanying caregivers. Please see below for our list of programmes held in Reunion.
Should you be interested in organising a self-facilitated group activity for seniors in Reunion, please check out Gather at Reunion below and write in to nhb_nm_programmes@nhb.gov.sg, at least 21 days prior. Groups will be liable to a fee that includes the use of the museum’s resources and Reunion.
How do I go about signing up for a museum programme for seniors?
Check out our list of programmes below or visit our senior programmes webpage to find out about the available programmes and follow the sign-up instructions on the respective webpages.
What do I need to take note of when visiting Reunion?
Look out for others in need
- This space is designed for seniors, including those with additional needs
- Caregivers should always accompany visitors with additional needs.
Handle all items with care
- Return the items where they belong so that future users can use them too
- Do not remove any items from this space
Keep this space a peaceful space
- Activities such as gambling or any politically-related actions are not permitted
- The museum reserves the right to remove and/or report individuals who are involved in such activities in Reunion
- Should you notice or suspect any visitor engaging in such activities, please call our security team at 6332 0110.
Be kind and considerate to others
- If you notice other visitors waiting to use any of the stations in this space, please limit your usage time and allow others to use the stations.
Keep this space clean and spill-free
- No food and drinks other than water are allowed
- Smoking is not permitted
- Dispose your rubbish in the designated bins
Respect all other social etiquette
- No pets allowed, except for guide dogs
- Please switch your mobile phones to silent mode and take your calls outside Reunion
- No loud music outside the Music Booths
- Sleeping or studying is not allowed here
How do I get to Reunion?
Click here to our photo story for directions on how to get to Reunion.
