# Asian Civilisations Museum — Singapore, Singapore

> The Asian Civilisations Museum sits in the Empress Place Building, a 19th-century neoclassical landmark on the north bank of the Singapore River. Founded in 1997, it is the only museum in the region devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans.

## Visitor facts
- Opening hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Friday until 9:00 PM)
- Admission: ✓ S$20 standard adult admission; free for Singapore citizens and PRs
- Address: 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
- Time needed: 2 hours
- Official website: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/acm
- Facts verified: 2026-06-30

## Highlights
- Tang Shipwreck Gold Cup — Tang dynasty · c. 826 CE
- Tang Shipwreck Ceramics — Changsha kilns · c. 826 CE
- Khmer Vishnu — Khmer · c. 11th century
- Empress Place Building — Colonial architecture · 1865

## FAQ
**What is the Tang Shipwreck?**
It is the cargo of a 9th-century Arab dhow recovered off Belitung Island, including some 60,000 ceramics — the most important early Chinese trade ceramics ever found.

**Is it walkable from National Gallery Singapore?**
Yes, it is a five-minute walk across the Padang and Cavenagh Bridge.

**How long should I spend at Asian Civilisations Museum?**
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.

**What is Asian Civilisations Museum best known for?**
The Asian Civilisations Museum sits in the Empress Place Building, a 19th-century neoclassical landmark on the north bank of the Singapore River. Key highlights include Tang Shipwreck cargo from a 9th-century vessel, Khmer and Hindu-Buddhist sculpture, Chinese export porcelain galleries.

**How do I get tickets for Asian Civilisations Museum?**
✓ S$20 standard adult admission; free for Singapore citizens and PRs Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/acm

**How was the Tang Shipwreck discovered?**
In 1998, Indonesian sea cucumber divers found the wreck off Belitung Island. The cargo of an Arab dhow included 60,000 Changsha ceramics, gold and silver vessels, and bronze mirrors — all dated to approximately 826 CE, proving early trade between China and the Middle East.

**Is ACM the same as the Asian Art Museum?**
The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is Singapore's national museum for pan-Asian art and archaeology. It is distinct from the National Gallery (Southeast Asian and Singapore art) and the ArtScience Museum (temporary exhibitions).

**Can I walk from ACM to the Merlion?**
Yes — a 10-minute walk along the Singapore River from Empress Place to Merlion Park, passing the Fullerton Hotel and the Cavenagh Bridge.


Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/asian-civilisations-museum/ — World Museum Guide, independent and ad-free.