The Straits Chinese Collection is housed within the Baba House, a restored Peranakan shophouse located off-campus that operates under the museum's management.
The Ng Eng Teng Collection consists of hundreds of sculptures, paintings, and drawings donated by the prominent Singaporean sculptor himself.
The museum holds significant collections of early modern Chinese paintings and classical ceramics that highlight the trade history of the region.
The permanent collection includes an extensive archive of materials related to the history of the university itself.
The museum regularly commissions contemporary artists to create site-specific installations that respond to its archival holdings.
The NUS Museum serves as the premier research museum at the National University of Singapore, focusing on the preservation and study of Asian art and material culture. The institution manages a collection of over 8,000 artifacts across four permanent collections: the Lee Kong Chian Collection, the Ng Eng Teng Collection, the South and Southeast Asian Collection, and the Straits Chinese Collection. The museum integrates academic research with curatorial practice to explore the historical and cultural narratives of the region. It functions as a laboratory for intellectual exchange, frequently hosting exhibitions that address contemporary issues through a historical lens. Visitors can explore diverse media ranging from classical Southeast Asian sculpture to modern Singaporean figurative art. The facility is situated within the Kent Ridge campus, functioning as an educational bridge between the university community and the general public.
The minimalist, light-filled central atrium serves as an ideal backdrop for architectural photography.
Check the museum's official website for current exhibitions, as they rotate frequently to reflect ongoing academic research.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Baba House for a comprehensive look at Straits Chinese heritage.
Allocate time to explore the surrounding Kent Ridge campus, as the museum often hosts outdoor displays.
Do not confuse the main campus museum with the separate Baba House location when planning your travel route.
Closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Maintain a quiet volume and refrain from touching artifacts; photography is permitted without flash unless otherwise noted.
