Asian Civilisations Museum

The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) occupies the historic Empress Place Building, a neoclassical structure built in 1865 that originally served as a courthouse and government offices. The museum, established in 1997, focuses on the diverse civilizations of Asia, with particular emphasis on the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. The building itself represents an important piece of Singapore's colonial architecture and has been meticulously restored to house one of Southeast Asia's premier museums dedicated to Asian art and culture.

The museum's collection spans thousands of years and includes artifacts from China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia. The galleries are organized thematically and geographically, featuring exquisite ceramics, textiles, religious sculptures, jewelry, and everyday objects that tell the stories of Asian civilizations. The Chinese gallery showcases imperial treasures and scholar's objects, while the Southeast Asian galleries highlight the region's maritime trade connections and cultural exchanges. The museum's Islamic art collection and South Asian galleries provide comprehensive coverage of Asia's diverse cultural traditions.

ACM serves as more than just a repository of artifacts; it functions as a cultural bridge that helps visitors understand the interconnections between different Asian cultures and their influence on Singapore's development. The museum's research programs, educational initiatives, and temporary exhibitions continue to advance scholarship in Asian art and culture while making these rich traditions accessible to contemporary audiences. Its location along the Singapore River, combined with its architectural significance and world-class collections, makes it an essential destination for understanding Asia's cultural heritage.