iMalay Heritage Centre
Housed in Istana Kampong Glam, the former palace of the Malay royal family built in the 1840s by architect George D. Coleman, the Malay Heritage Centre traces the history and culture of Malay Singaporeans. Reopened in April 2026 after a three-year, $60+ million redevelopment, its six permanent galleries present a new narrative, "Dari Rantau Ke Rumah" (From the Region to Home), tracing Malay identity from 19th-century migration across the Malay Archipelago to present-day Singapore, drawn from 279 artefacts, over 80% never previously displayed.
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What's On
Permanent Collections
Dari Rantau Ke Rumah: From the Region to Home
The Centre's revamped six-gallery permanent exhibition tracing Malay identity in Singapore from 19th-century migration across the Malay Archipelago to the present, via 279 artefacts.
Gallery 3: Journeying to Settling
Permanent gallery on merantau, the Malay tradition of leaving home in search of knowledge and livelihood, and Singapore's role as a cosmopolitan port of arrival.
Gallery 6: We+ Heritage
Permanent gallery looking to the future of Malay identity in Singapore through personality profiles, creative works, and interactive installations.
Gallery 2: An Era of Changing Kings
Permanent gallery examining early 20th-century Malay royalty, British colonial rule, and the rise of an urban Malay middle class in Singapore.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there
Hours
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | 10:00–18:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–18:00 |
| ThuToday | 10:00–18:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–18:00 |
| Sat | 10:00–18:00 |
| Sun | 10:00–18:00 |
Admission
From $6
SGD 4 for seniors 60+ and students; free for children under 6, Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (year-round)
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Visitor Information
- How much does Malay Heritage Centre cost?
- Standard adult admission to Malay Heritage Centre is $6. SGD 4 for seniors 60+ and students; free for children under 6, Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (year-round). Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
- What are the opening hours of Malay Heritage Centre?
- Malay Heritage Centre is open Galleries: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30), closed Mondays. Compound/grounds open later, Tue-Sun 08:00-21:00. Closed for redevelopment Oct 2022-Apr 2026; reopened 25 April 2026.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is Malay Heritage Centre?
- Malay Heritage Centre is located at 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501, in the Kampong Glam area of Singapore. The nearest stations are Bugis MRT and Nicoll Highway MRT.
- What can I see at Malay Heritage Centre?
- A 19th-century royal palace in Kampong Glam telling the story of Singapore's Malay community. Current highlights include Dari Rantau Ke Rumah: From the Region to Home, Gallery 3: Journeying to Settling and Gallery 6: We+ Heritage.
- Do I need to book Malay Heritage Centre in advance?
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
- When is the best time to visit Malay Heritage Centre?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Image credits
5
- Malay Heritage CentreTamanWarisanMelayu, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Indian Heritage CentreSmuconlaw, CC BY-SA 4.0
- National Museum of SingaporeGordonMakryllos / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Peranakan MuseumGoAheadFan95 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- National Gallery SingaporeGordonMakryllos, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0