Journey Through Singapore’s Story at National Heritage Board’s SG60 Pop-Up Museum

National Heritage Board (NHB) is inviting the public to rediscover Singapore’s history through the objects that shaped it. From 9 October to 14 December, the “Museum of U & Me” pop-up will take over the lawn of National Museum of Singapore, offering a fresh and personal retelling of the nation’s story in celebration of SG60.

Housed in three shipping containers, this unique showcase features everyday objects that hold extraordinary memories, from a retro 1970s Setron television and Princess Diana’s fashion measurements taken by designer Benny Ong, to a brick from Alexandra Brickworks. These objects, contributed by Singaporeans from all walks of life, highlight how personal stories form the fabric of a nation’s heritage.

A Living National Collection

Supported by Infocomm Media Development Authority and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and presented with Mediacorp’s CNA docuseries On The Red Dot, the pop-up brings artefacts from the National Collection and loaned pieces from the show to life. Visitors can get up close to meaningful objects such as Mr C. Kunalan’s Sportsman of the Year watch and Dr Ong Pang Yeow’s Singapore Airlines Plaque.

Through interactive digital displays, handling artefacts, and 3D-printed reproductions, the museum aims to make heritage tangible and relatable. A highlight includes a 3D-printed Singapore Stone and a working 1970s TV set playing archival public housing footage.

Five Thematic Sections

• From Shores to Singapore: Discover pre-independence artefacts like a 3D-printed Singapore Stone and a 1919 Centenary medal, telling the story of early communities that shaped the island’s cultural tapestry.
• Hands That Built a Nation: Celebrate Singapore’s workforce and spirit of resilience through objects such as the Fairchild Employee Handbook and Princess Diana’s measurements taken by Benny Ong.
• Kitchen Conversations: Explore the evolution of local culinary culture with hawker licences, tiffin carriers, and traditional tombok mortars, everyday tools that built a national food identity.
• Time-off!: Relive moments of leisure with artefacts like the Atari 2600, Singapore Girl perfume, and childhood toys, capturing the nation’s love for play and creativity.
• The Shape of Home: Step inside a familiar domestic landscape with Rediffusion radios, 1970s TVs, and HDB posters, objects that reflect how Singaporeans shaped their shared spaces and aspirations.

Interactive Collectibles

Visitors can also play a digital game to spot artefacts hidden in archival photographs and collect one of 20 special cards, including five limited-edition holofoil designs.

Museum of U & Me is open daily from 10am to 7pm at the National Museum of Singapore’s Lawn. Admission is free. For more details, visit here.