Chronicles of a Discoverer...: Day at the Museum

Day 5 of my leave... Would say that I have somehow managed to slow down a bit from my previously hectic lifestyle, which is good news. Am taking it easy these few days and have been sleeping late and way past 10am every day... But pretty soon, my leave will come an end and then will come another round of stressful lifestyle once again. Maybe next year, I should take it easier...

Today, I will be visiting some museums with my colleagues. I have always taken interest in the history of Singapore, especially history of Singapore during World War 2. There are a few places which I had wanted to visit but somehow just didn't have the time do so, including places such as the old Ford Factory and the Battle Box. Today, we planned to visit the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery at the Central Fire Station, the National Musuem of Singapore and also the Mint Museum of Toys.

First stop was the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery at the Central Fire Station opposite Funan Centre. It is a simple two-storey museum but it was interesting to see how fire fighting has evolved over the years in Singapore and also the tools used by firefighters, paramedics and rescue workers. There were some old fire engines as well and some life size exhibits showing civil defence personnels at work at historical disasters such as the hotel new world disaster, Bukit Ho Swee fire and in the event of disasters such as chemical warfare etc.

After the brief tour of the Civil Defence Gallery, we did make two brief stopovers at the Singapore Philatelic Museum and the Bible Society. Then comes the main highlight of the day... the visit to the new National Museum. The new museum is larger than the old one. Where the National Library once stood now becomes the new annex of the National Museum and the Fort Canning Tunnel. It is interesting how my friend lamented how a building of knowledge gave way to a "gaping hole" :)

The "gaping hole" behind the museum (Source)

Actually the new national museum is awesome and we were quite amazed by the technology used, presenting something historical in a new way. Entry to the exhibition areas are limited by gantries where you have to scan your barcoded ticket. Then, before embarking on your journey, you will be given a gadget to hang around your neck; your companion (see right) who will be providing audio commentary for your visit.

At each exhibition area, you will key in the number and the audio commentary will start. We also heard that there are close to 1000 artifacts in the museum, which you can get explanations on through your companion. There are also rooms where you can sit to listen to stories from the perspective of common folks. But frankly, there were too any artifacts and to really hear all the commentaries, view every video clip, read every panel, it would definitely take more than a day.

After a while of diligently following the trail, I got quite tired and even skipped a few commentaries. But I love the concept where they bring history alive but re-creating the rooms and furnishing it with artifacts to make it feel as if you are within the pages of history e.g. the room where you are invited to sit to listen to a storyteller relate about Seah Eu Chin and in front of you are some artifcacts used by storytellers, an interrogation room where you experience being interrogated (through your companion of course) and learn about the Kreta Ayer Incident and the Special Branch. Anyway, we stayed close to 3 hours there and still couldn't finish the whole thing. The day ended with dinner at Hong Lim Complex.