I’ve always loved how museums have this quiet way of transporting us to different worlds. But this time, the National Museum of Singapore is literally inviting us to time-travel (through 700 years of our nation’s history) with its newly revamped Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda and the all-new Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time installation.
I was lucky to get a sneak peek before it opens to the public on 8 August 2025, and I’m still reeling from the experience. Storytelling magic, immersive lights and sounds, and even a little digital creature companion joined me on the journey. It’s whimsical, emotional, educational and just so beautifully done.
From Forest to Sea: A Whole New Chapter
Once home to the dreamy Story of the Forest (that magical stroll through digital wildlife from the Farquhar Collection), the Glass Rotunda now opens a brand new chapter. Say hello to Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time, which is a stunning multi-sensory installation that invites you to set sail through time, with the sea as your eternal guide. Immersive, interactive, and deeply emotional, this revamped experience is the National Museum’s SG60 gift to all of us, and it’s truly something special to witness.
And what a gift it is. As I stepped into the gallery, I was greeted by a floating LED globe, glowing ocean-blue, surrounded by a 360° light-and-sound show that maps centuries of maritime routes. From there, I walked down the familiar, yet brand-new spiral ramp through four immersive chapters of Singapore’s story - starting from a future vision of our green city, back through independence, wartime struggles, colonial encounters, and all the way to pre-colonial shores.
History That Speaks, Glows, and Moves With You
Each step through the Odyssea felt like flipping through the pages of a living storybook, except this one completely surrounded me in light, sound, and soul-stirring history. Towering wall projections burst into life with breathtaking animation and immersive soundscapes, sweeping me through some of Singapore’s most iconic moments.
I found myself standing amidst the first National Day Parade, feeling the urgency of wartime evacuations, and wandering the bustling coastal kampungs of early Singapore. There were powerful glimpses of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, echoing speeches that once stirred a nation, and beautifully crafted vignettes of early immigrants building a life along the Singapore River with bumboats, trade, dreams, and all.
And then came a moment of mythical magic: Sang Nila Utama setting foot on Temasek, reimagined with cinematic splendour. It added a touch of legend to an already emotional journey and reminded me how fact and folklore are beautifully intertwined in Singapore’s story.
Journeying With a Magical Companion
But what truly made the experience feel personal was the interactive companion element. Right at the start, I picked up an RFID wristband - a fun little detail that instantly made me feel like part of the voyage. There are three colours to choose from:
💙 Blue for Sea
💚 Green for Land
🧡 Orange for Sky
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Each colour randomly unlocks one of nine creature companions, all inspired by Singapore’s native fauna:
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Green: Pangolin, Banded Langur, Otter
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Blue: Hawksbill Turtle, Coastal Crab, Swordfish
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Orange: Common Rose Butterfly, Hornbill, Straw-headed Bulbul
I went with orange (I wanted to soar through the experience!) and was paired with a charming Straw-headed Bulbul. Throughout the journey, my little digital friend fluttered along beside me, lighting up paths, revealing hidden animations, and adding a playful, personal layer to the storytelling. It was such a lovely way to connect emotionally with the exhibition; it felt like history wasn’t just happening around me, but with me.
My Favourite Moment: A Dreamlike Journey’s End
My favourite moment? Pure, goosebump-inducing magic. As I reached the end of the ramp, I stepped into what can only be described as a living dreamscape. The floor beneath me rippled with every step, like walking on water, and the digital waterfall curtain surrounding the space began to part, revealing stunning animated scenes from Singapore’s rich past.
I watched in awe as junk ships sailed into the mouth of Keppel Harbour, Boat Quay buzzed with life, and echoes of wartime Singapore played out in powerful detail. Even the intertidal zone of Changi Beach came alive with gentle waves and nature’s rhythm. It was all so beautifully done, and so deeply moving. This final scene doesn’t just conclude the journey; it wraps you in a warm embrace of pride, history, and wonder for how far Singapore has come.
It’s Also a Quiet Call to Care
What really touched me beyond the stunning visuals and interactive magic was how Singapore Odyssea quietly weaves in an underlying theme of sustainability. From stories of our coastal past to future climate resilience, it gently nudges us to think about how we care for our natural world. And in a poetic gesture, we are asked to return our digital companion to a glowing “well” before exiting, which is a symbolic reminder to give back to nature what we’ve borrowed.
I also loved how they integrated local myths like the giant tide-moving crab and the legendary tree Pauh Janggi, reimagined with dreamy, immersive media. It ties past folklore to present-day environmental challenges in such a thoughtful way.
Here’s a little challenge for you: as you explore, see how many of these fascinating stories and myths you can spot. I promise it’s like uncovering hidden treasures in Singapore’s rich tapestry of history and nature!
The Perfect SG60 Outing
The Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time opens just in time for National Day, and it’s completely free for Singaporeans and PRs. If you’re looking for something meaningful (and air-conditioned) to do with the family, your partner, or even solo, this is a journey well worth taking.
And if you’re planning to go on 9 August, don’t miss the other SG60 happenings at the National Museum. They’ve got everything from LEGO art installations and hands-on craft sessions to a stunning Canvas of Light projection show that’ll light up the museum’s façade in the evening.
I left the museum feeling more connected to our little red dot, not just through the facts of our history, but through the emotions, myths, and dreams that built us. Whether you're 8 or 80, I think you'll walk away feeling a little more inspired, a little more curious, and a lot more proud to call Singapore home. Visit go.gov.sg/singapore-odyssea or the National Museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more info and opening hours.
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