National Museum of Singapore National Day Celebrations 2026

NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM: MYTHS, LEGENDS & THE STORIES THAT MADE US From 1 August 2026

This National Day season, we invite you to discover the stories that shaped the Singaporean identity. Unravel the legends surrounding the island’s early beginnings, explore the cultures of the diverse communities that call this country home, and celebrate the living traditions that continue to bind its people together.

National Day Celebrations National Museum

Join us for immersive storytelling, hands-on workshops, and performances designed for all ages. Come and be part of Singapore’s story as it celebrates its 61st birthday.

Remember to tag us on social media @natmuseum_sg with #NationalDayatNMS!

Photographs and videos taken during the programmes may be used in the Museum’s publicity materials.

Voyage of Icons: A Projection Mapping by Howie Kim

Voyage of Icons NMS National Day

Daily, 1 – 12 Aug | Friday to Saturday: 7.30pm – 12am | Sunday to Thursday: 7.30pm – 11pm | Front Lawn, Level 1 | Free of charge

Watch the facade of the National Museum of Singapore come alive in a spectacular projection mapping by artist Howie Kim.

Voyage of Icons is an animated projection mapping installation that transforms the National Museum of Singapore into a joyful visual journey through Singapore’s folklore and heritage. Through a whimsical, graphic illustrative style, audiences are invited to trace Singapore’s story across five worlds – from the founding legend of Sang Nila Utama to tales of resilience and nation-building, and a dazzling vision of a hyper – modern Singapore. The display celebrates the myths and shared stories that have shaped Singapore into what it is today.

This programme is presented in collaboration with HeritageSG. The show is multisensory and features bright lights and vivid imagery. For your safety, please heed all warning signs onsite and do not remove or cross any barriers. The Museum will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents arising from non-compliance with safety measures. The show may be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather.

Our Favourite Haunts: Through the Lens of Migrant Workers

Daily, 2 Aug: 2pm – 6.30pm | 3 Aug – 13 Sep: 10am – 6.30pm |
Longer Concourse, Level 1 | Free of charge

Now in its fourth edition, the Migrant Workers Photography Festival (MWPF) invites you to view Singapore through the eyes of its migrant community. With over 100 submissions, this year’s exhibition is themed Our Favourite Haunts.

Inspired by the dual meaning of “haunt”, the works span a wide emotional range from tender portraits of community, joy and belonging, to atmospheric, dream-like worlds drawn from folklore and childhood memory. Our Favourite Haunts offers a fresh and intimate perspective on the spaces we share, casting seemingly mundane locations in a new light – and reminding us that the stories of Singapore are many, told by those who call this home.

Meet the photographers on 2 and 9 August!

Come and meet the people behind the photographs, and listen to their stories and experiences with the spaces that inspired their works.

● 2 Aug, 2pm – 3pm
● 9 Aug, 4pm – 4.15pm & 4.30pm – 4.45pm

About Migrant Workers Photography Festival (MWPF)

MWPF is a biennial festival that aims to showcase the creative talents of Singapore’s migrant workers through photography, and to amplify the perspectives of the migrant community. It is the first photography festival dedicated to the works of migrant workers in Singapore, and is open to all regardless of gender, age, nationality or occupation.

Through its associate programmes – workshops, photowalks, and Community Diary – the festival hopes to build a diverse community that transcends nationalities, and to bridge the current social divide between the migrant and local communities. The team behind MWPF similarly reflects this ethos – comprising both locals and migrants from different countries, who co-organise this initiative in the spirit of friendship, equality and community.

This exhibition is presented in collaboration with Migrant Workers Photography Festival (MWPF) and supported by AVS Printing. For more information, visit MWPF on Instagram at @mwpf_sg.

9 AUGUST PROGRAMMES (FREE PROGRAMMES)

SG: Decoded

9 Aug | 10am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 6pm (Redemption counter closes at 6pm) | The Platform, Level 2 | Free of charge | Recommended for ages 13 and above

Think you know Singapore’s story? Put it to the test! Make your way through the Museum, track down artefacts, and piece together clues that reveal details about the island’s history. More than just a hunt, this activity offers a whole new way to experience Singapore’s past, present and future. Redeem a special enamel pin* upon completion of the hunt, while stocks last!

On-site registration required. Preferred timing is subject to availability, and participants may be assigned another slot. We appreciate your understanding as we do our best to accommodate all registrants.

*Enamel pin redemptions are limited to one per device upon successful completion of the game.

[Drop-in Craft] Click It Forward

9 Aug | 10am – 6pm | Get Curious, Level 3 | Free of charge, contributions are welcome

Take home a little piece of the Museum – with a satisfying click! Assemble your own keycap keychain that provides a tactile click with every press, making it both a collectible and stress-reliever.

This activity is free of charge, and we warmly welcome contributions – your generosity will go a long way to support the Museum’s programmes and initiatives.

Each participant will receive one keycap keychain, which includes two preset designs (NMS dome and SG keycap) and one design of your choice, while stocks last.

Waiting times may be longer during peak hours (10.30am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm).

[Drop-in Craft] Myth in the Making

9 Aug | 10am – 12pm & 2pm – 5pm | Gallery Theatre Foyer, Basement Level | Free of charge | Recommended for children aged 5 and above

Unleash your creativity and craft your very own Merlion hand puppet to take home as a memento of the National Day celebrations.

Drop by the craft station to colour and cut out your Merlion, and wear it with pride as you enjoy the rest of the festivities at the Museum.

While stocks last. This activity is supported by STAEDTLER. Waiting times may be longer during peak hours (10.30am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm).

Beats of the City: A Mini Concert

9 Aug | 4.50pm – 5.30pm | Front Lawn, Level 1 | Free of charge

Let the music take over as Singapore’s birthday celebrations continue into the evening. Join us for live performances that capture the spirit of Singapore. Groove to the electrifying rhythms of Green Drumming by BEAT’ABOX, Singapore’s pioneer recycled drumming group, who transform everyday waste into powerful percussion. Then, enjoy the warm, witty acoustic pop of homegrown duo Jack & Rai, whose heartfelt lyrics and infectious harmonies express the joys of life in Singapore. Two acts, one unforgettable experience of music, rhythm and national pride.

Live Telecast of NDP

9 Aug | 5.30pm – 8.30pm | Front Lawn, Level 1 | Free of charge

Lay out your picnic blanket, gather your favourite people and snacks, and watch the National Day Parade live on the Museum’s giant screen.

Please bring an umbrella or poncho, as the telecast will continue in the event of light rain. Kindly dispose of all food packaging and waste in the bins provided, and take your belongings as you leave.

Writings on the Wall

8 & 9 Aug | 10am – 7pm | LED Wall, Level 1 | Free of charge

Be a part of Singapore’s story! Scan the QR code on our LED wall to upload your photographs and well wishes, and watch them appear in a mosaic of voices, memories and hopes shared by fellow visitors.

The Snapshot Corner

9 Aug | 10.30am – 5.30pm | Glass Atrium, Level 2 | Free of charge

Capture your museum experience at our photobooth! Strike a pose and create a keepsake to take home after the day’s celebrations.

Waiting times may be longer during peak hours (10.30am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm). Visitors may be asked to return for photo collection at a later time.

9 AUGUST PROGRAMMES (TICKETED PROGRAMMES)

Colouring Competition 2026

9 Aug | 10am – 1pm | Gallery Theatre, Basement Level | $10 per child, to be refunded upon attendance | Recommended for children aged 6 to 10 (adult accompaniment required)

What does the legend of Kusu Island look like through your eyes? This National Day, let your imagination run wild and bring this Singapore tale to life!

Pick up a colouring sheet featuring elements from the Kusu Island legend and create your very own masterpiece. Attractive prizes from STAEDTLER await the most creative entries!

This programme is presented in collaboration with STAEDTLER. The competition will be held from 10.30am to 12pm, followed by a prize ceremony at 12.45pm.

Tickets can be purchased from here.

Colouring Competition 2026

9 Aug | 10am – 1pm | Gallery Theatre, Basement Level | $10 per child, to be refunded upon attendance | Recommended for children aged 6 to 10 (adult accompaniment required)

What does the legend of Kusu Island look like through your eyes? This National Day, let your imagination run wild and bring this Singapore tale to life!

Pick up a colouring sheet featuring elements from the Kusu Island legend and create your very own masterpiece. Attractive prizes from STAEDTLER await the most creative entries!

This programme is presented in collaboration with STAEDTLER. The competition will be held from 10.30am to 12pm, followed by a prize ceremony at 12.45pm.

Tickets can be purchased from here.

Scents of History

9 Aug | 10am – 12pm | The Salon, Level 1 | $35 per pax (incl. GST) | Recommended for 13 years and above

Immerse yourself in the rich aromas of Singapore’s heritage, as you craft a scented candle inspired by the spices that once travelled historical trade routes – as featured in the Museum’s special exhibition, Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City.

Guided by the team from Candle Collective Co., participants will have the opportunity to learn about fragrance notes and scent pairing, explore simple blending techniques, and try their hand at pouring a candle.

Each participant will create and receive a 200ml scented candle with a burn time of approximately 40 hours.

About the facilitator

Candle Collective Co. is a Singapore-based craft studio specialising in candle-making, soap crafting and perfumery using sustainably- and ethically-sourced materials. The team is passionate about the benefits of aromatherapy, a natural practice that helps to promote well-being and uplift moods amid today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Through its workshops and products, Candle Collective encourages individuals to create their own natural alternatives rather than rely solely on store-bought options – using simpler and more environmentally-conscious ingredients that are kinder to both ourselves and the planet.

Tickets can be purchased from here.

Half Lion, Half Fish, Wholly Delicious

9 Aug | 3pm – 5pm | The Salon, Level 1 | $49.50 per pax (incl. GST) | Recommended for 13 years and above. Children aged 10 to 12 years may attend with a parent or guardian.

Celebrate Singapore’s local heritage and discover the story behind its iconic Merlion in this interactive bento-making workshop.

Guided by experienced instructors, participants will learn simple food decoration techniques and assemble a Merlion-themed bento that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

All ingredients used in the programme are halal-certified. Children accompanied by a parent or guardian will only be entitled to one set of ingredients – if the accompanying adult would like to create their own bento, please purchase a separate ticket.

About facilitator

PartyMojo is one of Singapore’s leading events and party specialists, with years of expertise delivering fun, interactive and memorable experiences for schools, corporate functions and community events. Its team of seasoned facilitators have conducted numerous hands-on workshops that bring people together through creativity and play.

From food-based craft sessions to festive celebrations, PartyMojo prides themselves in creating engaging programmes that are both enjoyable and meaningful.

Tickets can be purchased from here.

🎉🇸🇬 SINGAPORE NATIONAL DAY 2026 🇸🇬🎉

Singapore turns 61 this year, and it’s time to celebrate in style! From family-friendly activities to special SG61 events happening across the island, there’s something for everyone this National Day weekend. So, dress in red and white, gather your loved ones, and soak in the festive spirit!

🎆 Didn’t manage to score NDP tickets at the National Stadium? No worries! You can still catch the action, rehearsals, and fireworks at various locations around Singapore. Check out the best viewing spots, dates, and timings here:
👉 National Day Parade Timings & Where to Catch NDP Fireworks

September School Holiday 2026

It is the one-week September school break. Do check out our compilation of exciting September School Holidays Activities 2026 in Singapore.