A Whale of a Tale - Intergenerational Playground at the National Museum of Singapore.

Take your children and grandparents to play at the first intergenerational playground at a museum in Singapore at the National Museum of Singapore.

Venue: National Museum of Singapore, Front Lawn
Admission: Free

The National Museum of Singapore (NMS) has unveiled a remarkable new outdoor playground: A Whale of a Tale. This isn't just another playground; it is Singapore's very first intergenerational playground located within a museum space, offering families a unique way to bond, interact, and engage with history and culture together.

For parents seeking enriching and easily accessible outings, this playground near the museum's Front Lawn provides the perfect spot to spend a meaningful afternoon. Built for people of all ages and abilities, the design beautifully marries nostalgic elements with modern inclusive features, ensuring fun for your toddlers, tweens, and older parents alike.

History and Heritage Come to Life Through Play

The design of the playground is deeply rooted in Singapore’s heritage, making it a fantastic, subtle history lesson for your children:

• The Whalebone Centrepiece: The main feature is inspired by a towering blue whale skeleton that was proudly displayed at the museum from the early 1900s to the 1970s. This impressive centrepiece directly links today’s visitors to a fascinating aspect of the museum’s past as a natural history institution.

• Nostalgic Mosaic Tiles: Partially decorating the whalebone centrepiece are mosaic tiles that pay tribute to the beloved, iconic playgrounds of Singapore’s yesteryear. This detail is designed to evoke nostalgia for older generations while sparking curiosity among younger visitors.

• Intergenerational Storytelling: An interpretive panel includes a child-friendly flipbook sharing the story of the NMS whale skeleton. This feature, along with other storytelling elements built into the design, encourages grandparents and parents to share their childhood memories with the young ones, making history personal.

Features for Every Age and Ability

Designed in partnership with the Magical Bridge Foundation, the playground focuses on mobility, accessibility, and fostering social, physical, and emotional well-being across the generations:

• Senior-Friendly Workout Areas: The design thoughtfully incorporates inclusive equipment like gentle balance beams and dedicated workout areas, providing older adults with safe and comfortable ways to participate in play and physical activity alongside their grandchildren.

• Sensory Play Features: To ensure social inclusion for all children, features like percussion instruments and a hideaway hut offer sensory play and a calming retreat for visitors who may need a quiet space.

• Social and Seating Areas: Shaded swings and picnic benches are strategically placed to encourage relaxation, conversation, and bonding, allowing parents and families to comfortably enjoy the space together.

• Kindness Corner: A signature element of Magical Bridge playgrounds, this corner encourages reflection and thoughtful conversation among visitors, promoting positive social values.

A Seamless Museum Experience

Visiting A Whale of a Tale complements the National Museum of Singapore’s broader vision to be an accessible social hub. It runs alongside other family-friendly initiatives, such as the museum’s annual Children’s Season offering, Get Curious, and Reunion, a dedicated senior-friendly space.

This new playground offers a fresh, engaging, and highly inclusive space where history and play coexist. It provides a unique opportunity for families to create new memories while reflecting on the old, ensuring an enriching and fun visit for everyone.

Parents, grab your sunblock, pack a picnic, and prepare for a unique outing where fun, history, and family bonding meet!