Not Mere Spectators: The Makings of Multicultural Singapore quietly does the latter by inviting visitors to step into the defining decades between the 1950s and 1970s, when the idea of multiculturalism was not yet a given, but something Singapore had to intentionally build.
When Multiculturalism Was Still a Vision
Today, celebrating different cultures feels almost instinctive in Singapore. Festivals fill our calendars, multiple languages flow through daily life, and diverse cuisines sit comfortably side by side.
But it wasn’t always this seamless.
This exhibition brings visitors back to the early nation-building years , back to a period marked by uncertainty, negotiation, and hope; showing how multiculturalism became one of the nation’s strongest foundations. Imagine back then, everyone had their own language, study books had to be published in so many different language and habing to solve algebra in Tamil?
- What does multiculturalism mean today?
- And how do we continue carrying it forward?
Among the highlights are original letters exchanged between Ministers Ong Pang Boon and S. Rajaratnam discussing the National Pledge in 1966, alongside a three-part audio play inspired by Rajaratnam’s A Nation in the Making.
You don’t simply walk past these displays, you pause, reflect, and realise how deliberate the making of modern Singapore truly was.
Highlights from the Exhibition
One story that lingered with me was that of Ms Toshiko Kadir. She discovered at age 27 that she had been adopted from a Chinese family when she was just one year old. Yet growing up in the 1960s, identity in her household was never singular, it was beautifully layered.
Her father was half-Japanese and half-Indian-Muslim. Her mother came from southern Thailand. She studied Chinese in a convent school while Malay was spoken at home. Her family welcomed the Japanese New Year with oden and mochi, observed Buddhist rituals on Vesak Day, and filled their home with both Okinawan music and Bossa Nova.
And through it all, racial differences were never the defining narrative of her childhood. Stories like hers gently remind us that multiculturalism is not merely written into policy, it is lived at dining tables, spoken in shared languages, and expressed through everyday traditions.
Right in the centre of the exhibition sits a painting that feels both contemporary and timeless.
Displayed alongside artefacts from the Merdeka years, the painting acts almost like a bridge, helping younger visitors locate themselves within a much larger national narrative.
It is proof that multiculturalism is not just history. It is still unfolding around us.
A Cultural Scene I Wish We Could Time-Travel Back To
Here’s something I learned that genuinely surprised me though...
They were staged in public spaces including the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the former City Hall which is now part of the National Gallery Singapore.
Just imagine the atmosphere: communities gathering, cultures unfolding on one shared stage, curiosity replacing division. Honestly, I would love to see something like this revived. It feels like the kind of event that would resonate deeply even today, biringing our nation even much closer, as we share our cultures.
Come With Friends — There’s a Reward Waiting
Now, about that insider tip.
Visit the exhibition in a group of five and receive a $60 GrabFood voucher.
History followed by a great meal together? That sounds like a near-perfect Singapore day.
A quick note for the savvy planners:
- Limited to the first 100 groups
- One person can register on behalf of the group
- Registration does not guarantee the voucher, so earlier visits are strongly recommended
It’s the kind of outing that balances reflection with connection, come explore the exhibition, exchange perspectives, then continue the conversation over food... Sometimes the best discussions happen after the museum.
Why This Exhibition Matters More Than We Think
The title draws inspiration from a 1959 speech by Lee Kuan Yew, reminding Singaporeans that we are “not mere spectators” but active participants in nation-building. Walking through the exhibition, that message feels strikingly relevant.
Personally, it made me realise how special it is that many of us introduce ourselves simply as Singaporeans. Our cultures remain vibrant and distinct, yet there is a shared identity that connects us all. In many ways, it feels like having the world gathered in one small, remarkable backyard.
Planning Your Visit
The exhibition runs until 29 March 2026 and serves as the second pilot showcasing how the Founders’ Memorial intends to bring Singapore’s stories to life ahead of its eventual opening in 2028.
Beyond the exhibition itself, you can look forward to guided tours, multicultural performances, giveaways by Project Citizens, and themed activity days - including a friendship-themed crochet flower bouquet giveaway.
Not Mere Spectators is a powerful reminder that the Singapore we know today was built through courage, conviction, and collective choice.
And perhaps the most important takeaway? We are still shaping that story. Still choosing understanding over division. Still building something bigger than ourselves.
⏰ 10am - 7pm (last entry 6pm)
*Admission is free for all visitors. No ticket is required.
🌐For more information, please visit go.gov.sg/notmerespectators
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