The National Museum of Singapore Holds Its Biggest National Day Celebrations With Exciting Line-Up Of Activities

Celebrate SG60 at the National Museum of Singapore with the return of the iconic facade projection and a special LEGO showcase from 18 July to 9 August 2025, culminating in a full day of festivities on National Day.

Venue: National Museum of Singapore
Date: 18 Jul to 9 Aug 2025 (Full celebrations on 9 Aug)
Time: Various timings; full-day programme on 9 Aug from 10am
Fee: Free admission (selected activities may require registration or refundable deposit)

National Day Celebrations At The National Museum Of Singapore

In commemoration of Singapore’s 60th year of independence, the National Museum of Singapore (NMS) is proud to present its largest National Day celebrations to date. From 18 July to 9 August 2025, families can immerse themselves in a series of interactive experiences that reflect on our past, celebrate the present and imagine the future, including a full day of vibrant programmes held across four floors of the museum on National Day. Inspired by the lyrics of the beloved 1987 National Day theme song, “We Are Singapore”, this year’s programmes are thematically curated to honour the people, values and stories that have shaped our nation over the years. 

Canvas of Light: Our Nation’s Journey

Venue: Front Lawn, Level 1
Time: 7.30pm to 12am, Daily
Fee: Free Admission
 
The popular light projection show returns to illuminate the façade of the museum! Through a mesmerising dance of light and colour,  watch Singapore’s remarkable journey unfold across our historic building. 
 
Note:
The show is highly multi-sensory and features bright lights. Visitors are advised to be careful at all times and to heed all warning signs onsite. Barriers are erected for safety and must not be removed or crossed. The museum is not responsible for any injuries or accidents resulting from visitors’ non-compliance to safety measures. Please note that the show may be delayed or cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Stories of Singapore: Building Our Heritage, Brick by Brick

Venue: Stamford Gallery, Level 1
Time: 10am to 7pm, Daily
Fee: Free Admission (Entry may be restricted when the gallery is at capacity)

Installations

Step into a vibrant showcase where Singapore’s heritage comes alive through innovative digital technology and well-loved LEGO bricks. Presented in collaboration with the LEGO Group, the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) and MJD Pro Group, the installations in this unique exhibition invite visitors of all ages to learn about our nation’s story in creative and engaging  ways. 

LEGO Play Box

In addition to the installations, young builders can engage in free play to create items inspired by the exhibition. 

Note:
Recommended for ages 4 and above (adult accompaniment required), to learn with a playtime of up to 10 minutes. Please do not take home the items in the Play Box.

Mini LEGO Orchid Workshop 

Drop by during the following time slots to craft your very own LEGO orchid as a memento of your visit: 

• 19 to 20 Jul, 26 to 27 Jul & 2 to 3 Aug 2025: 2pm to 5pm
• 9 Aug 2025: 10am to 12pm & 1pm to 5pm 
  

Note:
Recommended for ages 8 and above (adult accompaniment required). Materials for each slot are limited, on a first-come, first-served basis.

[Special Promo] Kaya-mazing Deal @ Café Brera

Date: 4 to 10 Aug 2025 

Experience a taste of local heritage at Café Brera at Reunion! Savour buttery, flaky cruffins filled with fragrant kaya, perfectly paired  with your choice of black coffee, latte or cappuccino, at a special price of $10. Limited sets daily.

National Day Celebrations at the National Museum of Singapore 

Date: 9 Aug 2025 
Time: From 10am  
Fee: Free admission 
 
Join us this National Day as the museum opens its doors for a day of celebration, where together we will discover what makes us uniquely Singaporean! 
 
Experience the spirit of our nation through more than 20 exciting programmes that showcase our journey and transformation to become a nation, strong and free. 

Note:
Photographs taken during the programmes may be used in the museum’s publicity materials. 

Basement Level Programmes — There Was A Time When People Said That Singapore Won’t Make It…

Begin at the Basement Level, where Singapore’s early history as the capital of the Straits Settlements unfolds. Discover tales of enterprising merchants who recognised Singapore’s potential. Participate in our colouring competition to express your vision for Singapore, or craft a boat reminiscent of those that ferried goods within our port. 

• National Day Colouring Competition 2025

Venue: Gallery Theatre, Basement Level 
Time: 10am to 1pm* 
Fee: Free of charge (subject to a refundable deposit of $10 per child)

Get creative with our National Day Colouring Competition! Using a template by the students from Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) as your base, let your imagination soar and make your artwork truly special as you add on your own unique touches, doodles and designs. Submitted pieces will stand to win fantastic prizes courtesy of Staedtler! 
 
Register at: https://ndoh25colouringcomp.peatix.com
 
*The competition will be held from 10.30am to 12pm, followed by a prize ceremony at 12.45pm.

Note:
Recommended for ages 6 to 10 (adult accompaniment required)

• Interactive Storytelling: The River Road

Venue: Gallery Theatre, Basement Level 
Time: 3pm to 3.45pm & 4.30pm to 5.15pm
Fee: $12 per adult-child pair (incl. GST) 

Journey through time and meet some of the people who helped to shape Singapore’s identity as a bustling port, including a sepoy and a Bugis trader. Be a part of bringing history to life through role playing, guided movement and sensory exploration! 
 
Register at: https://ndoh25-storytelling.peatix.com

Note:
Recommended for visitors with children aged 5 to 12 years 

• Create & Float: Make Your Own Boat 

Venue: Canyon, Basement Level 
Time: 10am to 11am (priority slot for people with disabilities) | 11am to 12pm & 1pm to 5pm (for public) 
Fee: Free Admission

Set sail into Singapore’s maritime history by building your own miniature tongkang, a traditional cargo boat that once plied our waters! Using cork and other simple materials, visitors will create a floating vessel inspired by these iconic boats that were vital to Singapore’s early trading days. 

Note:
Recommended for ages 5 and above (adult accompaniment required). Materials are limited, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Level 1 Programmes — This Is My Country, This Is My Flag… 

Proceed to Level 1 to immerse yourself in Singapore’s unique cultural tapestry – experience our distinctive heritage through kopi and kaya crackers, embrace our colourful Singlish, and engage with human libraries. Through interactive digital installations and various activities, witness how we have flourished as a unified nation, transcending differences in race, language and religion.

• Waves of Wisdom: A Human Library Experience 

Venue: Reunion, Level 1 
Time: 10am to 12pm & 2pm to 4pm
Fee: $5 per pax (incl. GST), includes pastry set from Café Brera (consisting of 1 pastry & one beverage) 

In celebration of SG60, Waves of Wisdom invites you to step into an intimate storytelling experience, where seniors are celebrated as living “books”, sharing their powerful stories of resilience, re-invention and quiet courage. From urban beekeepers to late-blooming entrepreneurs and digital-savvy gamers, each session offers a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and uncover wisdom shaped by time. 

Join us as Reunion Social Space is transformed into a library to host this special event organised in collaboration with the Singapore University of Social Sciences and Ageless Online. Come listen to and honour the voices that have shaped our past and continue to inspire our future. 

Note:
Recommended for ages 12 and above

• Heritage in a Cup: The Art of Kopi and Kaya

Venue: The Salon, Level 1 
Time: 10am to 12pm
Fee: $32 per pax or $60 per pair 

Take a moment to pause, and inhale the comforting aroma of freshly brewed kopi (coffee) and the sweet fragrance of kaya. Learn more about Singapore’s breakfast heritage through a sharing by The Idea Co., followed by a kopi-tasting session and assembling your own cream crackers with pandan-infused coconut jam and butter – a classic pairing for the first meal of the day. 

Note:
Recommended for ages 13 and above 

• Can Draw Anot? 

Venue: The Salon, Level 1 
Time: 3pm to 4pm
Fee: Free Admission (subject to a refundable deposit of $20 per group of 4)

Eh, you got family or friends good at drawing anot?  
 
Come join our hilarious Singlish-themed game where teams compete to sketch and guess uniquely Singaporean phrases and expressions! 
 
Get ready to struggle with drawing out familiar Singlish terms, such as “blur like sotong” and “kiasu”, while teammates try to make sense of each other’s doodles. Our entertaining host will keep the energy high and the laughter flowing! 
 
The top two winning teams will walk away with shiok prizes. Confirm plus chop will be fun! 
 
Register at: https://ndoh2025-cda.peatix.com

Note:
Recommended for ages 10 and above 

• Mirror, Mirror: Interactive Photo Booth 
  

Venue: Longer Concourse, Level 1 
Time: 10am to 5.30pm
Fee: Free Admission 
 
Capture your memories in style with our Mirror Me Booth, and take home a special memento of your celebration at the museum! Watch as the magical mirror comes alive, adding fun digital elements and animations to your photographs. 
 
Note:
Waiting time may be longer during peak hours of 10.30am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.

• Writings on the Wall 
  

Venue: LED Wall, Level 1 
Time: 10am to 7pm
Fee: Free Admission 
 
Be a part of our spectacular LED display! Send your photographs and messages through a QR code and watch them appear on our interactive wall. Join fellow Singaporeans in creating a mosaic of memories and wishes for our nation. 

• Our Singapore, Our Canvas – A Community Artwork

Venue: Front Lawn, Level 1 
Time: 10am to 12pm & 3pm to 5pm
Fee: Free Admission

Leave your mark on our community mural and transform our outdoor hoarding panels into a vibrant celebration of Singapore. No prior experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm and creativity! 
 
Register at: https://ndoh25-commural.peatix.com

Note:
Walk-ins are subject to availability. Activity may be postponed or cancelled in the event of inclement weather. 

• Percussion Performance by Green Drumming

Venue: Front Lawn, Level 1 
Time: 5pm to 5.15pm (arrive by 4.50pm)
Fee: Free Admission
 
Watch Green Drumming create infectious beats using recycled containers and repurposed materials, proving that music can be made with the most unexpected things. Come discover how sustainability meets rhythm in this unique musical showcase.

• Live Telecast of NDP

Venue: Front Lawn, Level 1
Time: 5.30pm to 8.30pm (seated by 5.15pm)
Fee: Free Admission
 
Spread your picnic blanket on our museum lawn and catch the National Day Parade live on our giant screen as we celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday together. Bring your favourite snacks, gather your loved ones and soak in the festivities outdoors! 
 
Please keep the area clean and do not leave anything behind. All food items and waste are to be disposed of in the bins.

Level 2 & 3 Programmes — We Are Singapore, Singaporeans

Your journey continues on Levels 2 and 3, where a heritage hunt guides you through pivotal moments in Singapore’s path to independence. Express your creativity by colouring your own batik piece featuring iconic Singaporean elements, or create a memorable piece of craft to take home. 

• The Hunt @ NMS
  

Venue: Glass Atrium (near the Donor Wall), Level 2
Time: 10am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 6pm (final registration at 5pm, and redemption counter closes at 6pm)  
Fee: Free Admission

Follow the clues, spot artefacts and uncover fascinating stories of Singapore’s past in this scavenger hunt, with each discovery bringing you closer to understanding our island’s remarkable journey. 
 
Register at: https://ndoh25-hunt.peatix.com 

Note:
Recommended for ages 13 and above. Limited slots available. Walk-ins are subject to availability.  

• Reach Out for the Stars: Craft Activity

Venue: The Platform, Level 2 
Time: 10am to 11am (priority slot for people with disabilities) | 11am to 12pm & 1pm to 5pm (for public)
Fee: Free Admission

Create wooden stars inspired by Singapore’s five ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. Using ice-cream sticks 
and your creativity, design these meaningful symbols that shine bright on our national flag. 

Note:
Recommended for ages 5 and above (adult accompaniment required). Craft materials are limited, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

• Drop-in Batik Activity
  

Venue: Glass Atrium (near the Glass Rotunda), Level 2
Time: 10am to 11am (priority slot for people with disabilities) | 11am to 12pm & 1pm to 5.30pm (for public)
Fee: Free Admission

Choose from pre-drawn patterns featuring unique Singaporean icons. Simply pick your desired colours and bring these beautiful batik artworks to life. 

Note:
Recommended for ages 8 and above (adult accompaniment required). Materials are limited, on a first-come, first-served basis 

• Hats off to SG! Craft Station

Venue: Outside Explore Room, Level 3 
Time: 10am to 11am (priority slot for people with disabilities) | 11am to 12pm & 1.30pm to 5pm
Fee: Free Admission

Decorate your own headband with well-known local icons such as the Merlion, the Esplanade and the Dragon Playground. Drop in anytime during the operating hours to craft a piece that is uniquely yours! 
 
Note:
Recommended for ages 5 and above (adult accompaniment required). Materials are limited, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For more information, please visit the National Museum of Singapore’s Facebook and Instagram pages.