Indian Heritage Centre Singapore

Weather :

Tags : Museum

Timings : Tuesday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM,
Friday, Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM,
Sunday, Public Holidays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM,
Last admission 30 mins before closing

Time Required : 1 - 2 hours

Entry Fee : Adults: SGD 6
Seniors, Students, Disabled persons (with 1 caregiver): SGD 4
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): SGD 18
Singaporeans, children below 6 years: No Entry Fee

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Indian Heritage Centre, Singapore Overview

Situated in Little India, the Indian Heritage Centre is a cultural centre and museum showcasing the culture, heritage and history of Singapore's Indian community. Modelled like a traditional Indian stepwell or Baoli, this four-storey building is home to five permanent galleries.

The second floor of Indian Heritage Centre houses the special exhibition gallery which features exhibitions that keeps changing, showing visitors different facets of Indian culture all year long. The 3rd and 4th level are the sites of the permanent galleries. There are additional spaces in the structure meant for special exhibitions, workshops, activities and other programmes organised by the heritage centre. 

The Indian Heritage Centre represents the Indian style of architecture and design, from the entrance to the structure to the ornate Chettinad doors. The translucent shimmering outer layer of the building is a tribute to the vibrant nature of Indian culture, giving the appearance of a shining jewel during the day and a glowing lantern at night.

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Indian Heritage Centre Guided Tours

The guided tours at the Indian Heritage Centre are free.

Permanent Gallery Guided Tours:
English: Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 AM, Saturday - Sunday: 2:00 PM,
Tamil: First Saturday of the month: 3:00 PM,
Mandarin: Second Saturday of the month: 2:30 PM,

Special Exhibition Guided Tours:
English: Wednesday, Friday: 3:00 PM, First and Third Saturday of the month: 3:30 PM,
Tamil: First Saturday of the month: 4:00 PM

Permanent Exhibitions

There are five permanent galleries at the Indian Heritage Centre, found on level 3 and 4 of the building, arranged in a chronological order to cover the Indian heritage and culture from the 1st century to the 21st century. These exhibitions present the historical and cultural stories through artefacts and interactive displays. They explore the subject of Indians in Singapore: Past & Present, through the following themes:

Early Contact - Interactions Between South and Southeast Asia: This section explores the origins of interactions of India with other regions of South and Southeast Asia starting from the 1st century CE. Religious expansion and connection, as well as maritime trade, can be understood in this area.

Roots and Routes: Origins and Migration: This section traces the history of migration of Indians to Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia, starting from pre-colonial times and progressing to the colonial era and post-colonial period. One can comprehend how the waves of migrants of the Indian community arrived in this region and adapted to the local cultures, with exhibits showing the variation of rituals, attire, language, religion and festivals as a result of this integration. The journey of the migrants taken to arrive in Singapore is also displayed here.

Pioneers: Early Indians in Singapore and Malaya: This section starts off with the story of the early Indian migrants to Singapore and Malaya, establishing themselves in the fields of trade and business. It explores the various roles that the early Indian community of Singapore played in society along with their contributions to the development of institutions seen in modern Singapore.

Social and Political Awakening of Indians in Singapore and Malaya: This section explores the role of the Indian community in Singapore and Malaya during the anti-colonial and nationalist movements that occurred in the region during British Rule, as well as the impact of World War 2 on the community.

Making of the Nation: Contributions of Indians in Singapore: The final gallery explores how the Indian community has contributed to the development of present-day Singapore, and how these contributions have helped mould the multi-cultural society of Singapore.

How to Reach Indian Heritage Centre Singapore

Bus: Bus Stop #07031 is located at Serangoon Road, in front of Tekka Centre. Bus numbers 23, 64, 65, 66, 131, 139, 147, 857 can be taken from this bus stop to Sungei Road. One needs to get down at Bus Stop #07539 at Sungei Road. From here, board bus numbers 48, 56, 57, 131, 166, 170, 640, 960, or 980 to reach Indian Heritage Centre.

MRT: Get to Little India MRT Station and exit through E Exit. This exit is only 500 meters away from the Indian Heritage Centre.

Taxi/Car: Drop off at the point located at Clive Street. Know that parking facility are available in the area around the Upper Dickson Road, Tekka Centre basement.

Tips

  • Do not touch the exhibits. Exhibits that can be touched will have signs that expressly mention the same.
  • Eating and drinking in the centre are prohibited.
  • Please maintain silence in the galleries.
  • Flash photography and the use of tripods is prohibited. Tourists may take pictures for non-commercial use.
  • Videography is permitted after approval from the Indian Heritage Centre.
  • Wheelchair Access ramps for physically challenged people is located in front of the building on Campbell Lane and also on the side of the building situated next to Clive Street. Bathrooms for wheelchair access is located on levels 2, 3, and 4.

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