Collections

The Singapore Story through 60 objects

Discover 60 objects from Singapore's various National Collections that provide a sweeping overview of the story of Singapore from the late first millennium, through the colonial period to the present. Learn more.

Singapore’s Hawker Culture

“There is probably no city in the world with such a motley crowd of itinerant vendors of wares, fruits, cakes, vegetables…” wrote author John Cameron of Singapore in the 1860s. Indeed, Singapore is home to diverse hawkers and hawking practices accompanied by a vast material culture. Learn more.

Heritage Conservation Centre

Meet a dedicated team of cataloguers, collections managers, conservators, estates and support staff, photographers and scientists who strive to manage and care for the National Collection to the highest professional standards. Learn more.

1166221

Shopping bag from Yaohan departmental store

mid 20th century
National Museum of Singapore

1146199

Paper bag for CK Tang Pte Ltd

1960s
National Museum of Singapore

1149915

Paper bag for Metro 24th Anniversary (1957–1981)

1981
National Museum of Singapore

1038564

Klasse Department Store paper carrier bag

1970s
National Museum of Singapore

1168792

shopping bag from Yu Yi Departmental Store

mid 20th century
National Museum of Singapore

1046539

Robinsons Department Store

1950s-1970s
National Museum of Singapore

1193768

The Dynasty Hotel and Tangs Department Store at Orchard Road

Mid-late 1980s
National Museum of Singapore

1203987

Emporium Holdings Group plastic bag

1980s
National Museum of Singapore

1210310

Plaza Singapore shopping complex at Orchard Road

c. 1980s
National Museum of Singapore

1096213

A Tangs paper bag

2007
National Museum of Singapore

1130718

C.K. Tang calendar with a colour photo of the C.K. Tang Building at Orchard Road

1971
National Museum of Singapore

1148302

Advertisement of Cutex nail polish

1940s – 1950s
National Museum of Singapore

1149460

Paper carrier bag for Nestlé with Lactogen advertisement

1960s-1970s
National Museum of Singapore

1148729

Paper carrier bag for Bata Shoe Company

1960s
National Museum of Singapore

1190275

Ngee Ann City shopping and office complex at Orchard Road

c. 1993
National Museum of Singapore

1401812

Yaohan newsletter

1982
National Museum of Singapore

1061269

Jilishi Departmental Shop paper bag

c. 1970s
National Museum of Singapore

1124761

Advertisement for Poehoen Kelapa (Coconut Brand cigarettes)

c. 1920s – 1930s
National Museum of Singapore

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National Gallery Singapore

Former Tao Nan School

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Singapore Art Museum

Former Sun Yat Sen Villa

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