based on 2,284 reviews[New Special Exhibitions]
Crosscurrents: Masterpieces of Mughal, Safavid, and Ottoman Art from the Musée du Louvre
19 June 2026 to 24 January 2027
Daily, 10am–7pm
Fridays, 10am–9pm
From the 16th to 18th century, three great empires – the Mughals, Safavids, and Ottomans – shaped a vast and interconnected world across Asia. This period marked the height of their influence, even as European expansion reshaped global trade and politics. Within and between these empires, artists produced works of remarkable beauty that projected authority and gave visible form to power.
This exhibition presents one hundred masterpieces from the Louvre, drawn from royal collections and later acquisitions. Southeast Asian objects from ACM's collection are interwoven throughout, bringing these traditions into dialogue and revealing the crosscurrents that connected distant regions.

About The Museum
The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is a cultural institution dedicated to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia. Located along the Singapore River in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, it was the first museum in the region to present a broad yet integrated perspective of pan-Asian cultures and civilisations. An interesting fact: the museum building, known as the Empress Place Building, was once used as a government office during colonial times.
Key Features
The museum's main highlights include its diverse collection spanning Southeast Asia, South Asia, China, and the Islamic world of West Asia. Its unique selling points are its thematic approach to Asian art and culture, and its focus on the interconnections between Asian cultures. Visitors can expect to see exquisite artifacts, including porcelain, textiles, bronze and gold items, as well as interactive exhibits that bring ancient traditions to life. The museum also offers regular special exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours.
Visitor Tips
The best time to visit is on weekday afternoons when it's less crowded, or during one of the museum's special evening events. A recommended duration for a visit is 2-3 hours, though history and culture enthusiasts might want to allocate more time. Visitors should bring comfortable shoes for walking and a curious mind ready to explore. There are no age restrictions, making it suitable for all ages, but some exhibits may be more engaging for older children and adults. Photography is allowed in most areas without flash.
The Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore showcases the diverse and rich cultural heritage of Asia. It houses a vast collection of handicrafts, artworks, and historical artifacts, offering glimpses into the various civilizations that flourished across the Asian continent. With its extensive exhibits, the museum provides a platform for people to explore and understand the beauty of Asian cultures.

▲Explore the Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Asia

▲The museum's collection includes a wide array of Southeast Asian ethnic artifacts, presented in an aesthetic manner to showcase their beauty.
Other visitors' reviews of Asian Civilisations Museum
Show More ReviewsIn short, it's worth a visit. From Tang Dynasty Changsha kiln porcelain salvaged from the Black Stone shipwreck, to statues of Ganesha and Durga, witnessing the localization of Hinduism and Buddhism, to the mystical cosmology and textile handicrafts of the Dayak people of Borneo, each exhibit tells a story of the continuous exchange and integration of Asian civilizations. The exhibition doesn't treat Asia as an isolated entity, but rather vividly outlines the trade networks and artistic dialogues between the three major Islamic empires of Asia and Southeast Asian port cities (such as Aceh and Johor) from the 16th to 18th centuries through masterpieces from the Mughal, Safavid, and Ottoman Empires on loan from the Louvre. The curatorial structure is clear, using small details to reveal larger themes. It's also worth mentioning that the lighting in the exhibition halls is excellent, making it photogenic. The past is never dead. It's not even past.