In commemoration of Singapore’s 60 years of independence, a new permanent exhibition, The Albatross File: Singapore’s Independence Declassified, unveils newly declassified documents from the Albatross File, and oral history accounts from our founding fathers and key players involved in Singapore’s merger and separation.
Based on an upcoming book, The Albatross File: Inside Separation, this SG60 capstone event leverages immersive storytelling to bring these pivotal historical moments to life in an introspective and intimate experience that inspires visitors to feel history. It offers an unprecedented close-up with the thoughts, emotions, and behind-the-scenes decisions that shaped our nation from 1963 to 1965.
Developed by the creative team behind 2019’s The Bicentennial Experience and the ongoing SG60 flagship event, the Heart&Soul Experience, the exhibition invites visitors to uncover the raw narratives and profound choices made by our founding leaders, celebrating the resilience and foresight that forged our nation.
The exhibition comprises four distinct sections, each designed to offer a unique lens into this transformative era of Singapore. Visitors can explore these elements in any order, journeying through time from pre-merger to post-independence. See “About the exhibition” for details on each component.
The Albatross File: Singapore’s Independence Declassified is a permanent exhibition that will open to the public from 8 Dec 2025, at the National Library Building, Victoria Street (Level 10).
a. Operating Hours: 10am – 9pm (daily)
b. Closed at 5.00pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Closed on Public Holidays.
Admission
Admission is free, and access to the exhibition is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are open for booking from 18 Nov 2025. Book your tickets here.
The experience runs for approximately 60 minutes. For an optimal experience, the exhibition is recommended for visitors aged 10 years and above.
Ticketing
When booking tickets, visitors will be asked to provide their particulars (name and email contact) and to select their preferred date and time (subject to availability). Upon confirmation, visitors will receive a confirmation email with their e-tickets.
About the exhibition
The exhibition consists of four standalone sections, which can be experienced in any order.
Exhibit Description
ATLAS (Centerpiece of the exhibition)
Track the Singapore Story with a comprehensive timeline of events from Merger to Separation, anchored by a dynamic Spacetime clock tracing movements and decisions towards Singapore’s independence.
ROOM
Witness a dramatised retelling of what went on behind closed doors in the months leading up to Separation, blending archival footage and oral history interviews with cinematic reenactments to bring these moments to life.
RECORDS
Hear the voices of key players and examine the official documents and handwritten notes, including the declassified Albatross File documents, which offer an intimate perspective into the anxieties and convictions of key players involved in the Separation.
CHATBOOK
Find out more through this Generative AI-powered chat service that draws from The Albatross File: Inside Separation publication as well as the rich resources from NLB’s collections.
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For other upcoming events, visit Events in Singapore.
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