Celebrate 138 Years of Stories & Play at the National Museum of Singapore

This October, there’s a whale of a reason to visit the National Museum of Singapore.

From 11 to 26 October 2025, the museum celebrates its 138th anniversary with an exciting lineup of activities that combine heritage, play and a little spooky fun! Whether you’re a parent looking for a meaningful weekend with the kids, a millennial nostalgic for Singapore’s old-school playgrounds, or simply someone who loves a good story, this is one event you don’t want to miss.

The Star of the Show: A Whale of a Tale, A Magical Bridge Design

Get ready for Singapore’s first intergenerational playground at a museum!

Located near the museum’s Front Lawn, A Whale of a Tale reimagines the iconic blue whale skeleton once displayed in the museum from the early 1900s to the 1970s and transforms it into a place where everyone can play and connect.

Why you’ll love it:

• Nostalgic design – Look out for the mosaic tiles inspired by Singapore’s beloved old playgrounds.
• For all ages and abilities – The playground features sensory zones, senior-friendly workout stations, and inclusive play areas.
• Whimsical storytelling – Discover the whale’s tale through a children’s flipbook that bridges generations and sparks conversations.
• Social spaces for bonding – Shaded swings, picnic benches, and even a Kindness Corner designed to inspire reflection and connection.

This one-of-a-kind playground is designed by the Magical Bridge Foundation and made possible through the generosity of Amanda Toh-Steckler and the late Vince Steckler (Steckler Charitable Fund), with support from RSP Architects Planners & Engineers and Pan-United Corporation.

Spooky Cute Fun: Stamp Rally & Pop-up Activities

In the spirit of the season, the museum adds a spooky-cute twist to its anniversary festivities!

Local artist Ven has reimagined four quirky animals from the museum’s William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings. The koel, moonrat, mangrove snake, and grey-cheeked squirrel have magically turned into adorably whimsical characters you’ll spot throughout the museum.

Join the Stamp Rally and collect all four stamps to redeem an exclusive Koel plush bag charm!

📍 Stamp Rally Locations:

• A Whale of a Tale playground
• Singapore Odyssea
• Once Upon a Tide
• Singapore History Gallery

🕐 Dates to note:

• Stamp Rally: 11–18 Oct (Daytime design) | 19–26 Oct (Nighttime design)
• Koel Plush Redemption: Saturdays & Sundays — 11–12, 18–19, 25–26 Oct, from 10am to 7pm

Don’t forget to snap a photo at the Level 2 photo wall when you collect your plush, it’s Insta-worthy and makes a cute keepsake of your day out.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

If you haven’t visited the National Museum recently, this anniversary celebration is the perfect reason to return.
Here’s what makes it special:

• It brings together Singapore’s history, creativity, and community spirit in one playful experience.
• It’s inclusive for all ages — toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents can enjoy it together.
• It’s free, fun and full of Instagram moments!

From nostalgic design details to adorable creatures and hands-on play, the National Museum’s 138th anniversary is shaping up to be the feel-good event of the season.

Plan Your Visit

🗓️ When: 11 – 26 October 2025
📍 Where: National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road
🎟️ Admission: Free for most activities

Whether you come for the playground, the art, or just a stroll down memory lane, this is your chance to see Singapore’s oldest museum come alive in new, unexpected ways.

So grab your family, pack a picnic, and get ready to make some whale-sized memories this October!