Have you been to the National Museum of Singapore?
I was there during one of the weekends for the first time. I love museums, especially one that is interactive. When I was in Australia, I visited the National Museum many times and was always fascinated by the change in exhibits.
At the entrance, you'll enter into this magnificent white-grey building with a dome that is really beautiful from the inside.
Wandered around, embracing the architecture of the past.
The first stop was actually to the exhibition about the food and spices of Singapore. The above picture actually show the beverages that was once sold in Singapore. I remember one uncle who was also visiting was proudly telling his daughter that Sinalco was once a popular drink which costs 20 cents. It must have been an amazing feeling for him to walk down his memory lane seeing all these glass bottles.
Of course, you'll also see how in the old days, you don't get to dapao (take away) in plastic bags but people will bring their tiffin carrier along. It reminds me of a friend who has a sister who loves these tiffin carriers.
The National Museum of Singapore also showcase some of the commonly used spices in Singapore. Visitors can pull the ring to sniff the smell.
Of course, if you're interested, there will also be some kitchen curiosities games around where people will be introduced to the olden days kitchen utensils.
This is perhaps one of the oldest kitchen utensils which is put on exhibition.
My grandma used to own one of these mortar bowls when she make her own chilli paste.
And the various kuih moulds, some of which I saw when I was a kid - the ang ku kuih mould, kuih kapit mould and mooncake moulds.
Coffee is an integral part of the life of Singaporean. If you noticed, there are many local coffee shops known as kopitiams springing out like mushrooms all over the city. Typically, they serve their coffee and tea in cups like the above.
After that, we went to the art and culture gallery where I see for myself what Bujang Lapok poster is like I read about it when I was a kid, and stories like Pak Pandir and Hang Tuah were some familiar hits.
There were also the Chinese art culture and the above are some of the props used by a hua dan (performer of the show)
The costumes used in Chinese opera shows are also very pretty. They're all meticulous handiwork with beads and sewing and embroidery sewn onto it.
This is a stage of the Chinese puppetry show. The bottom of the stage is actually the summary of each episode.
Cover of all Malay magazines were also exhibited.
After that, we visited the fashion gallery where I was welcomed by this "Souper Dress". I thought it was a very interesting concept - using Campbell soup as the motif!
The cosmetics used in the older days by the Chinese communities are also put on exhibition. The "Girl Powder" (bottom of the picture above) is something my mum used to have.
There were also many types of fabrics and prints put on display.
As well as sewing machines from the different times - reminds me of my mum's wedding gift, which is a sewing machine.
As we move on with the map, we reached the main gallery which showcase the story of Singapore. Every visitor will be given this electronic guide for free to help you understand every exhibit in the gallery.
The early settlements found this stone which should mark the story when Singapore was founded but it was not understood up to today. There were also exhibits of some jewellery and currency from centuries ago.
Literatures and hikayats (stories) from the past were also put on display. One of which was a letter from Munshi Abdullah, a character I once learned in my History textbook.
Map of the early days of Singapore as well as the woven basket and hats which represent the early economy activity in Singapore.
There were also bricks made by the prisoners which were jailed in Singapore.
And as Singapore transforms, there are also some other cultural and artistic development in pottery.
At one point during the colonisation period, opium addiction is a chronic problem. Some of the instruments used in opium smoking were also put on display. Stories of those who got hooked on opium were also retold in the museum.
Japanese invaded South East Asia in the 1940s and they came in bicycles.
Stories of the lives of the Japanese soldiers who came to fight for their country were also shared.
During the time of Japanese occupation, residents are also asked to learn the Japanese language.
The names of the streets in the past, some of which were retained and used even today.
As Singapore developes, public transport was made available. The early bus tickets, bus routes and schedules as well as ticket counter were shared with the visitors.
Popular biscuit makers, Khong Guan, have also started their business back then.
But food scarcity was common in the past and every family were given a food rationing card.
Duplicate documents of the birth certificate were also shared.
Letters of the early migrants to Singapore were also put on display.
As Singapore seeks its freedom, more technologies were introduced in the form of intercom, walkie talkies and so on.
One of the few early momentos of Singapore Self-Governance.
Subsequent merger with Malaya which brings about a new momento for Merdeka (independence).
In the olden days, there are no running taps in homes. This is what a water supply looks like.
Since I learned the history of the other side of the Causeway, it was very intriguing experience for me to learn about the merger from another perspective. There were loads of effort put in by both leaderships to ensure that the merger becomes a success. Nevertheless, the ideologies were too different and thus, the merger did not end in a sweet marriage.
However, Singapore progressed rapidly with many organised ministries set up to take care of the welfare of its fellow countrymen.
Notes from the olden days can be as large as $10000 in denomination.
Kitchen and electrical appliances from the past were also put on exhibition.
The score of Singapore's national anthem was also put on display.
This is part of the interior of the building. I love how the building is maintained so well and some modern interior design was put in without jeopardising the original design for the building/
When I was there, there was an exhibition on the Biennale Festival. Outside the hall, a sculpture of the churning of the sea of milk which I first learnt in Cambodia was put on display.
Together with the progress of the country, the art scene in Singapore has also progressed over time.
These are some of the artworks put on display. The picture at the bottom left was very familiar since I just recently visited Myanmar.
Remember to grab a visitor book to find out what's happening at the museum!
After a few hours, it's time to fill our growling stomach so we head to Food For Thought for a simple brunch. It's a perfect, relaxing weekend for me. Hope you had a similar one too!
