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Singapore’s Most Iconic Landmarks, Including National Museum and HarbourFront Centre, Set for Jaw-Dropping 2026 Revamps: Don’t Miss the Transformation!
As Singapore continues to position itself as a global tourism hub, the city-state is investing significantly in the renovation and transformation of several of its iconic cultural and tourism sites. These revamps, ranging from comprehensive gallery overhauls to maintenance work and redevelopment projects, are part of a broader strategy to enhance visitor engagement and elevate Singapore’s status as a premier destination for cultural tourism. This article delves into the key sites undergoing major changes, providing an overview of their expected impact on the tourism sector in the coming years.
| Site/Project | Status/Timeline |
|---|---|
| National Museum of Singapore – Singapore History Gallery | Major revamp; reopening in October 2026 |
| Malay Heritage Centre | Under redevelopment; reopening in early 2026 |
| Haw Par Villa | Partial closure for maintenance; reopening post-repair |
| HarbourFront Centre | Major redevelopment beginning mid-2026 |
| Singapore Oceanarium | Major expansion completed July 2025 |
1. National Museum of Singapore – Major Overhaul of the Singapore History Gallery
One of the most significant updates is the Singapore History Gallery at the National Museum of Singapore, which is undergoing a major renovation as part of the museum’s ongoing transformation. The gallery, which has been a cornerstone of the museum’s collection since its inception, is set for a complete rework and will remain closed starting November 2025.
The revamp is part of a phased development to refresh the museum’s permanent galleries, with the updated Singapore History Gallery slated to reopen in October 2026. The gallery will offer visitors a refreshed experience and an updated narrative of Singapore’s rich and diverse historical journey. The restoration will involve modernizing the exhibits, incorporating new technology, and enhancing storytelling formats to engage a broader range of visitors. The revamp aims to deepen the visitor experience and provide new insights into Singapore’s historical evolution, making it a must-visit for those interested in the nation’s past.
2. Malay Heritage Centre – Ongoing Revamp for Cultural Enrichment
The Malay Heritage Centre, located within the historic Istana Kampong Glam, is another cultural institution in Singapore undergoing a significant redevelopment. This project began several years ago, and its revamp is expected to conclude with the reopening of the centre in early 2026.
The upgrade will focus on enhancing the visitor experience through new content, upgraded exhibit spaces, and the expansion of facilities. The Malay Heritage Centre plays a pivotal role in telling the story of the Malay community’s contributions to Singapore’s cultural landscape. With the redevelopment, the centre will continue to highlight this rich heritage while offering an even more engaging and immersive experience for visitors interested in cultural tourism.
3. Haw Par Villa – Essential Maintenance to Preserve Heritage
While not undergoing a complete overhaul, Haw Par Villa, an iconic cultural theme park and heritage site, is entering an essential phase of maintenance and repairs. From December 2025, parts of the park will temporarily close as necessary maintenance works are carried out to ensure the safety of visitors and preserve the integrity of the site’s many heritage elements.
The Hell’s Museum within the park will remain open during this time, offering a fascinating glimpse into one of the more unique and quirky attractions in Singapore. While the broader park remains under maintenance, this revamp is seen as an important step in maintaining the long-term viability of Haw Par Villa as a tourism destination. The park, known for its colourful statues and educational displays about Chinese folklore, will eventually reopen fully once the repairs are completed, ensuring it continues to provide visitors with a memorable experience.
4. HarbourFront Centre – Major Redevelopment to 2031
The HarbourFront Centre, a key retail and transport hub linking passengers to regional ferries, cruises, and tourism travel, will undergo major redevelopment starting in mid-2026. The existing HarbourFront Centre building will be demolished and replaced with a 33-storey mixed-use development that will house retail spaces, office areas, and new residential complexes.
This redevelopment will ensure that the area remains at the forefront of Singapore’s tourism and retail industries, with new facilities that better meet the needs of both local and international visitors. During the construction phase, HarbourFront’s ferry and cruise terminal operations will temporarily relocate to nearby facilities, ensuring that travel connections continue uninterrupted. The revamped HarbourFront Centre is expected to bolster Singapore’s tourism infrastructure, providing enhanced access for tourists arriving via ferry and cruise routes, while also offering additional retail and entertainment options.
5. Singapore Oceanarium – Expansion Completed with New Experiences
The Singapore Oceanarium, formerly known as S.E.A. Aquarium, underwent a major expansion and rebranding that was completed in July 2025. This upgrade has significantly increased the exhibit space and introduced new immersive installations, which enhance the overall visitor experience. Visitors can now explore even more marine ecosystems and interact with a range of new, interactive exhibits.
With the introduction of these upgrades, the Singapore Oceanarium is set to remain one of the key attractions for families, school groups, and tourists alike. As part of Singapore’s growing roster of major attractions, the Oceanarium’s renovation has bolstered its position as a leading destination for those interested in marine life and conservation efforts.
Emerging Tourism Developments in Singapore
In addition to these major renovations, Singapore is also seeing several exciting new developments in the tourism landscape. These are not strictly revamps but are set to shape the future of the city’s tourism offerings:
- NS Square at Marina Bay, a new multi-purpose venue, is under construction and is expected to be completed by 2027. This development will offer a versatile space for events, performances, and exhibitions, adding to Singapore’s already diverse event landscape.
- Super Nintendo World Singapore and Next-Gen themed experiences are emerging attractions set to reshape the city’s tourism offerings between 2026 and 2028, offering immersive and cutting-edge experiences for visitors.
