First aired on 16 January 2020 as part of our HistoriaSG lecture series Daniel Tham Curatorial Lead, National Museum of Singapore
The idea of the “East Indies” was a largely European construct, shaped by the European exploration of and commercial interest in Southeast Asia. This gave rise to the charting and imaging of the region and its peoples, with the resulting images of the East Indies disseminated and popularised through print.
This talk by Daniel Tham explores some of the artwork currently on display in the special exhibition An Old New World: From the East Indies to the Founding of Singapore, 1600s−1819, and demonstrates how these images reveal, more than anything, the European imagination of the East Indies.
Sections
02 May 2025
Enjoy free admission for all to all galleries on 24–25 May for the opening weekend of our special SG60 exhibition, Once Upon a Tide!
19 May 2025
Our L1 lobby is once more available for vehicular pick ups and drop offs. The carpark is still closed due to restoration works. Escalators connecting Basement, Level 1, and Level 2 are being replaced from Feb to July 2025 and cannot be used during this time. Lifts and stairs are available as alternative access. Kindly plan and allow for extra time during your visit. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
01 January 2025
Parts of the National Museum of Singapore are undergoing restoration and upgrading works. We remain open with exhibitions, programmes as well as dining and retail offerings.