What’s On: The National Museum’s SG60 Bash is Bringing Back All the Feels (and Bricks)

If you’re looking for something meaningful (and fun) to do this National Day season, the National Museum of Singapore is about to become your go-to hangout spot.

From 18 July to 9 August, the museum is pulling out all the stops for Singapore’s 60th birthday, with its biggest-ever National Day celebration. Think giant LEGO builds, nostalgic light projections, Singlish tributes, and even a record-breaking community mural.

The Return of the National Day Light-Up

After a year off, the museum’s National Day Light-Up is back, this time with a fresh twist. From now till 9 August, Canvas of Light: Our Nation’s Journey will transform the museum’s facade into a giant art piece. Expect an epic visual retelling of Singapore’s journey, all projected in dazzling light and colour. Perfect for your next Instagram Story moment.

Build Your Own Singapore Story

Inside, you’ll find Stories of Singapore: Building Our Heritage, Brick by Brick, a playful showcase that combines Singaporean culture with LEGO magic. There’s a massive diorama featuring iconic local scenes, mouth-watering LEGO food models (yes, even the hawker staples), and quirky artworks by students depicting life along the Singapore River.

Got itchy hands? Join a LEGO Make & Take session and build your own mini LEGO Orchid to bring home as an SG60 keepsake. Plus, here’s your chance to be part of the largest LEGO mural ever created in Singapore. Each brick you add contributes to a new Singapore Book of Records entry. Not bad for a day out at the museum.

Get Creative with Digital River Stories

Digital River Stories is an interactive activity that lets you colour and submit your own digital artwork straight from your device. Your masterpiece will pop up on a massive digital wall inside the museum, where everyone’s creations come together to paint the future of Singapore.

All-Out National Day Party on 9 August

The celebrations don’t stop there. On 9 August, the museum is hosting a full-day National Day bash across all four floors. Expect themed activities like:

• Basement level: Dive into our maritime history and discover how Singapore went from “small fishing village” to global hub.
• Level one: Celebrate the Singaporean everyday. Think Singlish, kopi breaks, and kaya toast culture.
• Levels two and three: Go on a heritage hunt, try your hand at batik art, and explore key moments from Singapore’s road to independence.

And if you’re in it for the fireworks? Pack a picnic and chill out on the museum’s Front Lawn for a live screening of the National Day Parade from 5.30pm.

Free Entry & More

The best part? Admission is free on 9 August, including access to the brand-new Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time installation in the Glass Rotunda. And don’t miss the chance to visit the Singapore History Gallery before it closes on 17 November.