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SINGAPORE HISTORY MUSEUM
The Singapore History Museum at Stamford Road (tel: 375 2510), traces the eventful history of Singapore from the 14th century to the modern day. It is housed in the historic colonial-style National Museum building, which was built in 1849 after a suggestion by Sir Stamford Raffles.

The museum explores the development and rich heritage of Singapore from its beginnings as a Malay fishing village, to its prosperity as a port under British rule, the successive waves of immigration and the struggle for nationhood in the 1960s.

Visitors can stroll through the impressive recreation of an early 20th century Peranakan house, with its imposing ancestral hall and elaborate bridal chamber. There's also a high-definition 3-D show that presents the history of Singapore through animation, virtual sets and historical footage.

Other permanent displays include an exhibition on the history of the infamous Chinese secret societies in Singapore; the beautiful Haw Par jade collection, donated by the famous Aw brothers of Tiger Balm fame; and a fascinating collection of natural history drawings by William Farquhar, who worked with the East India Company and became the first British Resident and Commandant to the development of Singapore.

The Singapore History Museum is open from 9 am to 5.30 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 9 am to 9 pm on Wednesday. Admission is SGD3 for adults, and SGD1.50 for children and seniors. Admission charges for those who wish to see the 3-D show are SGD4 for adults and SGD2 for children and seniors.

There are free guided tours in English conducted at 11 am and 2 pm daily, with an additional tour at 3.30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Free guided tours in Japanese are conducted at 10.30 am daily.

SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM
The Singapore Art Museum (tel: 3323222) is housed in an elegant and historic building at 71, Bras Basah Road. The building was formerly St Joseph's Institution, a mission school. Now a home to modern and comtemporary Southeast Asian art, the museum is often touted as being beautiful both inside as out.

The Singapore Art Musuem has a permanent exhibition, which featuring paintings, scuplture and installations drawn from its collection of some 4,000 pieces of Southeast Asian art. The museum also showcases temporary exhibits of touring art shows, the most notable in the recent past being Masterpieces from the Guggenheim Museum and Leonardo da Vinci: Scientist, Inventor, Artist.

One temporary exhibition that's expected to come soon is Diobok-Obok Continuities and Contingencies, which will focus on contemporary Southeast Asian artists' engagement with the important issues facing the region today. Life performances and events are also a regular feature at the museum.

On the side of the museum facing Queen Street, there's the handsome Olio Dome caf� -- the perfect place to sip an espresso after your tour of the museum. The Singapore Art Musuem opens from 9 am to 5.30 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It opens from 9 am to 9 pm on Wednesday. Admission is SGD3 for adults and SGD1.50 for children and seniors.

Free guided tours in English are at 11 am and 2 pm daily, with an additional tour at 3.30 pm on weekends. Free guided tours in Japanese are at 10.30 am daily.