Indian Heritage Centre

The Indian Heritage Centre is a history museum in the heart of Little India. It tells the story of the Indian and South Asian communities in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The centre opened in 2015 and is a good place to start before you explore the streets around it.

The building is easy to spot. Its glass front was inspired by the stepwells of India, and it lights up after dark.

Why visit the Indian Heritage Centre

Little India is full of temples, shops and restaurants. The centre helps you understand the people behind them. Its galleries explain how Indian communities came to the region, what work they did, and how they helped shape Singapore.

It covers many South Asian communities, each with its own languages, food and traditions. You will come away with a better feel for the neighbourhood and for Singapore as a whole.

What to see and do

The permanent galleries move through time, from early links between India and Southeast Asia to modern life in Singapore. Look out for these highlights:

• The Chettinad doorway: a large carved wooden entrance from a house in South India.
• Early trade links: objects that show how traders, ideas and faiths crossed the Bay of Bengal.
• Community stories: photos, letters and personal objects from families who settled in Singapore.
• Clothing and jewellery: textiles and ornaments worn for daily life and festivals.
• Special exhibitions: changing shows on South Asian art and culture.

The centre sometimes holds talks, workshops and family events, especially around festivals. Read our guide to Deepavali if you plan to visit in October or November.

How to get to the Indian Heritage Centre

The centre is on Campbell Lane, a short walk from Little India MRT station. Our guide on how to use the MRT in Singapore explains fare cards and lines. Taxis and ride-hailing cars can drop you on the main roads nearby.

The streets around the centre are busy and narrow. Walking is the easiest way to get around once you arrive.

Tips for visiting

• Check the official Indian Heritage Centre website for opening hours, tickets and any closures.
• Allow about one to two hours for the galleries.
• Visit the centre first, then walk the streets of Little India with fresh eyes.
• Little India can be very crowded on weekends and during festivals, so weekday visits are calmer.
• If you visit a temple nearby, dress modestly, remove your shoes at the entrance and keep your voice low.

Read our etiquette and local laws guides for more on visiting places of worship. Our Little India neighbourhood guide has more ideas for the area.

Food and things to do nearby

Step outside and you are in Little India. Walk along Serangoon Road to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore. It is an active place of worship, so dress modestly, take off your shoes and follow the rules at the entrance. Shoppers can head to Mustafa Centre, a large store that sells almost everything.

Food is a big reason to come here. Tekka Centre is a busy hawker centre with biryani, dosai and much more. For vegetarian South Indian meals, try Ananda Bhavan or Saravanaa Bhavan. See more in our Indian food guides and the full list of restaurants in Little India and Jalan Besar.

To stay in the area, look at hotels in Little India and Jalan Besar, such as The Vagabond Club or Parkroyal on Kitchener Road. For more museums, see our culture and heritage section.

FAQs about the Indian Heritage Centre

How long does a visit to the Indian Heritage Centre take?

Most visitors spend one to two hours in the galleries.

Is the Indian Heritage Centre a place of worship?

No. It is a museum. The temples nearby are places of worship, so follow their visitor rules.

What is the nearest MRT station?

Little India MRT station is a short walk away.

When is a good time to visit?

Weekday mornings are quiet. Around Deepavali, the streets of Little India are lit up, which makes an evening walk after your visit special.