Set Sail on a Time-Travelling Voyage at the National Museum’s New ‘Singapore Odyssea’

After a 10-month transformation, the National Museum of Singapore reopens the newly revamped Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda on 8 August with Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time—a multi-sensorial, immersive voyage across 700 years of Singapore’s history.

As a gift to the nation for SG60, Singapore Odyssea replaces the beloved Story of the Forest installation. This new permanent gallery invites you to step aboard a futuristic time-travelling vessel and journey through four captivating historical episodes—starting from a glimpse into Singapore’s green and connected future, then sailing back in time through scenes of independence, war, colonisation, and the island’s pre-colonial roots.

Designed by local creatives, the experience unfolds along a dramatic spiral ramp filled with animated projections, soundscapes, and interactive visuals—including a stunning suspended LED globe that maps Singapore’s global maritime connections. Visitors will encounter pivotal moments like the first National Day Parade, wartime evacuations, and ancient coastal life, culminating in a breathtaking waterfall curtain that parts to reveal key turning points in the nation’s story. Each step triggers ripple effects on the dynamic floor, drawing you deeper into the journey.

Environmental awareness flows through the entire installation, highlighting how Singapore’s past, present, and future are intimately tied to nature and the sea. Visitors are invited to adopt an RFID-enabled animal companion—like a hornbill or pangolin—that guides them through the showcase, triggering hidden animations and interactions. At the end, companions are symbolically returned to nature in a digital well, reinforcing a message of sustainability and stewardship.

Admission is free for Singaporeans and PRs. The launch of Singapore Odyssea kicks off a series of National Day highlights at the museum, including the maritime-themed Once Upon A Tide exhibition and the Canvas of Light: Our Nation’s Journey projection show on 9 August. Expect hands-on art activities, LEGO installations, and live performances for the whole family.