The Changi Museum, officially the Changi Chapel and Museum, is a historical museum at 1000 Upper Changi Road North in Singapore. It tells the stories of prisoners of war and civilians interned at Changi during the Japanese Occupation, with personal stories, artefacts and reflections on their experiences.
- Location: 1000 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507707
- From Changi Village: about 12 minutes by car from a four-star hotel in Changi Village
- Typical opening pattern: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30am to 5:30pm; closed Mondays except public holidays
- Tickets: an admission ticket is required; book online and check current admission details
What the museum covers
The Changi Museum focuses on the experiences of prisoners of war and civilians held in Changi prison camp during the Japanese Occupation. Its exhibits use personal accounts and artefacts to present those experiences and their lasting legacies.
Highlights include Changi Chapel, Life as Prisoners of War, Resilience in Adversity and Legacies. The chapel is modelled after St George’s Church, one of the churches prisoners of war built during their internment in Changi. The revamped museum reopened in May 2021.
Planning the visit
The museum is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm Tuesday to Sunday, with last admission at 5pm; it closes on Mondays except public holidays. An admission ticket is required, and the museum directs visitors to book online. Ticket costs can vary: entry to some galleries or exhibitions may be free or chargeable.
Free public guided tours need to be booked in advance. Each tour lasts about one hour and is limited to 15 people, excluding the guide. English tours are published for 11am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Mandarin tours are listed for 11:30am on Saturdays and Sundays, subject to at least four participants.
Tour schedules and availability can change. A registration form does not confirm a place; museum staff respond within three working days to confirm or suggest another date.
Groups of more than 10 people must book their visit in advance, whether they plan to explore independently or join a tour. Check the official site before you go for current hours, ticket information and tour arrangements.
How do you get to the Changi Museum?
Buses 2 and 29 stop at Changi Chapel Museum and Opposite Changi Chapel Museum, each described as a five-minute walk from the museum. Bus 5 serves Changi Women’s Prison and Opposite Changi Women’s Prison, both described as a 10-minute walk away.
You can also take the Downtown Line to Upper Changi MRT station, then transfer to bus 2 at Upper Changi Station/Opposite SUTD. Ride seven stops to Opposite Changi Chapel Museum and cross the road to reach the museum.
Limited paid parking is available for cars and motorcycles. There is no public parking in the vicinity, so the museum advises using public transport or a private-hire car.
Visitor access and facilities
The galleries and facilities are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available to borrow from the Visitor Services counter. Standard-size strollers are permitted in the galleries, though space constraints mean they are not recommended; stroller parking is available outside the galleries.
The museum’s mobile interactive platform offers large-font exhibition captions in English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil and Japanese. Food and drinks are not allowed inside. Bags or bulky items larger than 45cm by 20cm by 25cm are prohibited, although certain items may be deposited at the Visitor Services counter at your own risk.
Pairing the museum with nearby places
The Changi Heritage Trail includes a visit to the Changi Chapel and Museum, which it describes as built on part of the former Changi POW camp.
That historical connection makes the trail a natural way to place the museum within the wider story of Changi. The Changi area guide to village food, coast and nearby sights covers the broader neighbourhood.
FAQs
What are the Changi Museum opening hours?
It is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm Tuesday to Sunday, with last admission at 5pm. It is closed on Mondays except public holidays.
Do you need a ticket for the Changi Museum?
Yes. An admission ticket is required, and the museum directs visitors to book online. Some galleries or exhibitions may be free or chargeable.
Can you get to the Changi Museum by bus?
Yes. Buses 2 and 29 serve stops described as a five-minute walk from the museum. Bus 5 serves stops described as a 10-minute walk away.
Is the Changi Museum wheelchair-accessible?
Yes. Its galleries and facilities are wheelchair-accessible, and a limited number of manual wheelchairs can be borrowed from the Visitor Services counter.