“The sporting heritage of a country reflects the prevailing culture, history, attitudes, and demographics of that nation.”

That was the first thing I read in the Singapore Sports Museum. Located in the sports hub, the museum aims to educate people about the countries sportings history and future aspirations through information and displays.

This post will:

• Get straight into letting you know some things I learned
• Offer some thoughts about my Singapore Sports Museum experience
• Answer some of the questions you likely have before visiting the Sports Museum in Singapore

9 Facts From The Singapore Sports Museum

1. The Football Association of Singapore was founded in 1892! Originally known as the Singapore Amateur Football Association, the club could justify itself as Asia’s oldest football association.

The Laurel Wreath

2. In ancient Greece and Rome, the laurel wreath symbolised victory. Made from the leaves of a sacred tree the wreath crowned Olympic champions and as a result, the laurel wreath became important as a symbol fame and glory not only for the athlete but their homeland.

3. Weightlifter Tan Howe Liang won Singapore’s first silver medal in Rome on September 9th, 1960. Competing as a lightweight category (67.5kg) Liang lifted 380kg.

4. In 1969 Singapore launched the National Fitness Exercise. Music was broadcast over the radio and people were encouraged to exercise to the music to promote good health.

5. In the 1950’s Singaporean badminton player Wong Peng Soon won some medals in the All England Champions (Men’s Singles). The medals weren’t medals as we’re familiar with, but spoons!

6. At the age of 17 Adelene Wee Chin Suan was named Sportsgirl and Sportswoman of the Year in Singapore (1982). Her (ten-pin) bowling exploits won her the 1982 Singapore Internation Bowling Championship and the Sukhumvit Open in Thailand.

7. Singapore’s National Stadium was opened on July 21st, 1973 by Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

8. Hopscotch is thought to have been founded in Roman Britain early in the Roman Empire. The first hopscotch courts were 100 feet long, designed for Roman Soldiers to complete in full armour to improve their footwork. Kids, feeling inspired, drew small courts to imitate the soliders.

9. the Singapore Sports Hub cost S$1.33 billion (USD$953 million) to develop. Covering 35 hectares the National Stadium is the centrepiece of the hub with its dome the largest in the world. The dome takes 25 minutes to open/close!

2. Thoughts On My Visit

I almost skipped the Museum having spent way more time than expected in Shimano Cycling World next door. Overall, the museum was better than I expected (it’s Singapore, duhh). The tough part is that I can’t say I was familiar with anything about Singapore sports before entering, including knowing zero athletes. So it lacked the usual interest level in many of the sections for me.

Overall it was solid, but with a lack of renown sports history on the world stage it lacked the warm fuzzy feelings I’ve had from other sports museums.

There weredifferent sections in the museum:

• 1. The history of Singapore sports
• 2. An area highlighting the best athletes in Singapore
• 3. Details about traditional games in Singapore
• 4. An Olympic section
• 5. A dedication to teh Kallang Roar

3. Practical Information To Help You Plan Your Visit

How To Get To The Museum

Located in the Singapore Sports Hub, take the MRT (Circle Line) to the Stadium station. When you get off the train, follow the signs to the Singapore Sports Museum.

How Long Do You Suggest Spending At The Museum?

45 minutes is enough to see the majority of the museum. 30 minutes minimum, 75 minutes if you’re crawling and get sidetracked by hopscotch. Totally wouldn’t blame you for that.

Best Time To Visit?

When I went in at 4.20 pm-ish, there was no one else in the museum. I can imagine school groups visit from time to time, but otherwise, it’s not exactly on the list of top things to do in Singapore for most visitors.

Opening Hours*:
10 am to 8 pm weekdays
19 am to 9 pm on the weekend & public holidays

* If there is a large event on at the Sports Hub the museum may be closed.

Are Their Tours Available?

If you look at the website, it says that there are tours available at 11 am and 3 pm during the week. I arrived in time for the 3 pm tour, only to find out there wasn’t a tour running at all. If you’d like to book a guided tour, send them an email at least 24 hours in advance.

How Much Does It Cost?

This image is from the Sports Hub website (as of July 2018).

I hope this article was of some use to you. If you have any questions, email me jubattikitouringkiwidotcom