Civil Defence Heritage Gallery image

Civil Defence Heritage Gallery

Tourist attraction Museum Historical place museum

Historic firetrucks & equipment are displayed at this small civil defense museum in a fire station. People often mention fire, Singapore, history, museum, visit, gallery, free, learn, kids, station,


Address

62 Hill St, Singapore 179367

Website

www.scdf.gov.sg

Contact

+65 6332 2996

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (414 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: fire (58) Singapore (28) history (22) museum (21) visit (20) gallery (19) free (18) learn (15) kids (14) station (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Anthony B. 2 years ago on Google
    Civil Defence Heritage Gallery This building is a part of Central Fire Station, a museum or gallery of the Fire Department precisely. One of the tourist attractions when you are visiting Singapore. As parents, you can learn something about fire station and their activities and for children the experience visiting this place besides learning something they can have fun too. The staff was so helpful and nice answering all questions and explain about Firefighter' duty and the risk. For kids, they can learn how to work as a firefighter, how to ride the car, and how to fight the fire. The fun thing is there's a firefighter uniform for kids to wear in action and photographed by parents. What nice activities visiting this place.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lin Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Very enriching experience, do remember to book for the Emergency Preparedness Exhibit as you get to learn what you should to prevent or manage if an accident happened. :)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hyphen C. 1 year ago on Google
    Personally, I like museums and places with heritage displays. The heritage gallery is located in the first fire station of Singapore. A heritage building that was very well preserved with additional structures to ensure it still meets the operational requirements for emergency response. A lot of effort has been put into the museum section to collect and display the historical artifacts of SCDF from their humble beginning to the current capabilities SCDF has. The gallery also showcases the various tragic historical moments in Singapore to remind the visitors why we need a live saving force. The visit to the gallery is free. Do check out the place if you are in the vicinity and have time to spare.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kelvin L. 1 year ago on Google
    My 1st time to the place and it was an eye opener ! Very interesting! Pls go and see it. Best to sign up for a free guided tour of the place.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David M. 8 months ago on Google • 156 reviews
    An interesting and free exhibition that's worth a visit. The gallery traces the history of the Civil Defense of Singapore and has exhibits of old fire engines and equipment. A must visit place for people who are interested in the development of fire fighting service in Singapore. Open from Tuesday to Sunday (10.00am-4.00pm). Close on Monday.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Vincent K. 2 years ago on Google
    It is not open when we went there on Saturday around 3.30 pm!!! Great disappointment as there is no sign or whatever showing about this changes!!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 yeeha W. 2 years ago on Google
    Free entry for everyone, including tourists like myself. Very small but interesting gallery, I thought this is a perfect learning place for kids. As an engineer working in the field of fire safety for years, I found this place was very useful, which has provided me with a greater understanding of firefighter procedures and facilities from the 1880s to the 1950s. It was nice talking to one of the retired fire officers in the gallery (I forgot to ask his name), and looking forward to seeing the 'flashover' demonstration in the future.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marc Monteiro P. 1 year ago on Google
    A friend took me to this museum on Sunday and I was immediately blown away. We learnt about the fire trucks form the different generations and we got to see the amazing replicas of the ships that the marine division uses and try out a mist gun. I would 100% recommend this to people who are a fan of not only history but about Singapore's civil defense force as well!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David Ong S. 1 year ago on Google
    A very informative gallery set up by our SCDF. You get to see various vintage fire fighting vehicles and a detail description of each and every major incident that SCDF has handled over the years. The most interesting display is the badges displayed on the ground floor at the back of the reception counter.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brett K. 4 years ago on Google
    Civil Defence Heritage Gallery located right next to the Central fire station, and it's a good place to learn about how people saving others from danger. The gallery with two do floors, it's all about how different parties help the community. The exhibitions here is a bit old, although they do have interactive exhibitions, but cannot bring too much interest
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 熊北極 10 months ago on Google
    An insight to how fire fighting started in Singapore. It was an experience to be able to speak to retired Firemen whom were involved in the Search And Rescue during the Hotel New World incident.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jeroen B. 2 months ago on Google • 652 reviews New
    Nice museum about civil defence, mainly focused on the fire department. The historical fire trucks are a treat to look at. Upstairs, different tasks of the fire department are highlighted and presented in an interactive way. The guy at the reception was very welcoming. The museum is not too big, it will take you 30-45 min to get around. When you’re close by, definitely hop in, it’s free by the way

  • 5/5 Leonard L. 9 months ago on Google • 222 reviews
    Total respect, thanks and Kudos 🙏to our awesome and brave Singapore Civil Defence Force who put their lives on the line to rescue lives everyday. The simple but interesting Civil Defence Heritage Gallery houses vintage fire engines and firefighting equipment, and SCDF Emergency Preparedness Center. Privileged to chat with a veteran Encik who has been in the service more than 40 years who shared moving fire fighting and rescue "war" stories. Recommended 👍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arditya L. 4 months ago on Google • 546 reviews
    This is probably the best museum ever in SG, it's free and you can learn about the history of fire-fighting and disaster preparedness in Singapore.

  • 4/5 Saito W. 2 months ago on Google • 92 reviews New
    Exhibits have a lot of information, staff is some current and former fire fighters. Some of the exhibits are a little broken. Overall a great place to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lala L. 4 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    FREE entrance. Even this gallery is very very very small but u can have a chance to know the history of fireman, how their technology development for recursion Seem have guide tour but need to pre-register online?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Igor G. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very cool museum. Small, but fascinating, lovingly shaped and, most importantly, free))) (Original) Очень классный музей. Маленький, но увлекательный, с любовью сформированный и, главное, бесплатный)))
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dennis L. 5 years ago on Google
    Fine gallery with many relevant and enlightening displays about our civil defence force. Too bad it lacks maintenance and is too small. It is still worth dropping in if you are in that area, especially if you have kids who likes fire engines and stuff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SITI A. 4 years ago on Google
    Good for Students and Tourists
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 James H. 4 years ago on Google
    There used to be hawker center next to this fire station where you get the best Chay Kuay Teow in town.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 haekwon l. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) You can see the history of firefighting in the Philippines. (Original) 필리핀 소방의 역사 보실 수 있습니다.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda T. 9 months ago on Google
    Walk in there after visit fort canning. Really interesting place and understand the history of Singapore Fire Service to SCDF.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fern Yit L. 11 months ago on Google
    One of the good experiences that's free in SG. They are closed on Mondays. Inside the museum, you can see 4 different firetrucks from different eras.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adnan k. 1 year ago on Google
    A very informative gallery set up by our SCDF. You get to see various vintage fire fighting vehicles and a detail description of each and every major incident that SCDF has handled over the years. The most interesting display is the badges displayed on the ground floor at the back of the reception counter.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Li Yen Elaine N. 3 years ago on Google
    I'm writing this review to appreciate the tour by Mr Segar for our visit to the gallery. Mr Segar was very welcoming and kind to introduce all the exhibit and even answer all our queries. Mr Segar's knowledge on the past is very interesting and even share with us the story behind the rescue mission. We learnt a lot from him and we highly recommend to take a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Monika O. 5 years ago on Google
    Actually i planned to go with my kids for the next holiday So when we have short trip to singapore, we went to this museum and i think my boys will be excited here Not to big, but they have real fire truck, and some simulation I'm sure if i bring my kids here they will try the simulation again...and again Really good place to educate children Every saturday 9-11am, every fire station in singapore has simulation, so you can try the pole also try the pipe and splish splash the water And the most important...ITS FREE We spend about 1 hour here
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anwar Bin Y. 5 years ago on Google
    Fire service old venue. History Singapore fire service and civil defence. Rescue method and further plan.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David K. 9 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    Small but yet it can tell the stories of Singapore fire brigade and displays are all well maintained. Hope SCDF is given a bigger future site for their display.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mad G. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Anyone who is interested in firefighters is here repealed. The exhibition is free and worth it. Historical fire engines and modern equipment are shown. You can also try out the fire service at some interactive stations. At the end there is the possibility to buy some souvenirs like t-shirts or patches. The prices are justified. (Original) Wer sich für Feuerwehr interessiert ist hier richtig aufgehoben. Die Ausstellung ist gratis und lohnt. Es werden historische Feuerwehrautos und auch modernes Equipment gezeigt. Man kann dort auch an einigen interaktiven Station das Feuerwehrhandwerk ausprobieren. An Ende besteht auf die Möglichkeit einige Andenken wie T-shirts oder Patches zu kaufen. Die Preise dafür sind gerechtfertigt.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Einz 8 months ago on Google • 246 reviews
    A very informative museum! The guide was nice and very friendly! Amazing how SG values safety to prevent other fire accidents from happening again. This place is also good for little kids as they also provide mini tours for students.

  • 5/5 Boromir B. 3 months ago on Google • 116 reviews New
    It's definitely worth a visit. If you love Singapore and history, then this is for you. There is no entry fee and includes many historical pieces of equipment used over the years and a lot of historical information, both video and still photos and re constructions that are fascinating. Photo opportunities everywhere.They have a good collection of patches from departments around the world, so remember to take your department patch.. You got to go here. Enjoy

  • 5/5 M J. 8 months ago on Google • 110 reviews
    Informative and FREE exhibit in Singapore Fire Services! Passed by it randomly and decided to take a quick look. The museum was small but packed with information of the history of the Singapore Fire Services. There are a few vehicles on display, as well as shelves full of badges, mini fire trucks and ambulances, helmets, etc. Good for kids and adults.

  • 5/5 Xiao W. 3 months ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    Great place to learn about history and see the display of the real old fire engines.

  • 4/5 Marlene L. 2 years ago on Google
    Interesting statue of Civil Defence Heritage Gallery.

  • 1/5 Wendy H. 3 years ago on Google
    Due to covid situation, two administrative counter staffs are very lazy and close-off the site before closing time, even the local residents could not enter the site; online website wasn't update on the closing time (is now at 4:00pm) and the booking requirement before site-visit is not updated clearly on the website as well. Very disappointed and won't go again, the two administrative counter staffs wasting visitors' efforts to travel all the way there.

  • 5/5 Yvonne L. 9 months ago on Google
    Free admission; I just need to register my name, and where am I from in the reception. I spent less than an hour in it but it isimpressive overall.

  • 5/5 Maureen H. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited the gallery and we are glad we met Mr Segar who was an ex fireman whom host us. It was an interesting and educational tour and Mr Segar is so informative and humourous. It's a well worth visit.

  • 5/5 Zahra Annisa F. 9 months ago on Google
    I arrived at 3.45am and the service was good. Entry is free and there will be a guest book at the front. When I entered, there were only 2~5 people inside. The first floor tells the history of firefighting in Singapore. Interesting, there are historical items. The second floor is the Emergency Preparedness Centre. There are some sofas on the 2nd floor to sit on after climbing the stairs. The first two films were a bit lacking in my opinion. The first film was about "Will You Know What to Do?" in times of emergency. At first I thought it was like a quiz, but there was no explanation of what to do. The second one interviewed survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, but there were no subtitles, not even English subtitles. It was inconvenient for me, a non-native English speaker, and for my deaf friends. Going inside, there were other explanations and many miniatures, such as a miniature fire station and a miniature ship from the Marine Division. There are many films/videos as well, and the explanations are interactive (screens to touch, buttons to press). There is also a "drawing"/tracing pattern section with pencil and paper as a souvenir. Overall very informative, although since I've already been to the fire museum in Tokyo, the quality is much different, but it's still cool. 45~60 minutes is enough to look around. In addition, when you want to go down the stairs, there are anti-slip parts on the floor so you don't slip down the stairs. Cool.

  • 1/5 Tim 2 years ago on Google
    Incredibly disorganised management. Tried to book well in advance twice but only received an automated emails saying 'tickets will be issued in 1 working day', and nothing further. Tried to follow up numerous times on the phone but they never answer. Even went in person to try and organise tickets, but the people who run the gallery will tell you they have no involvement in ticketing & they have no idea who to talk to. Friends have had similar experiences. It's a real shame - this museum is effectively closed to the public.

  • 5/5 JL L. 2 years ago on Google
    Brought my daughter to learn and experience what our courageous men in red do! Very memorable visit and we loved the safe distancing enforced throughout the museum!

  • 5/5 AQ 1 year ago on Google
    Happy to have met Mr Segar during our visit to the Central Defence Heritage Gallery today, he was very engaging and patient in explaining how the tools and equipment, differs from past and present. A personal note to Mr Segar, thank you so much for your service to Singapore, and we are blessed to have met you. Happy to know the bits and pieces of your experience while serving our nation when we were at our most vulnerable.

  • 4/5 John l. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting Civil defence fire station gallery here. It also doubles as a operation fire station! Couple this museum with the Peranakan one (also in my review) as they’re walking distance apart! Many fire fighting equipments and vehicles laid up. Vintage stuff. Second floor has some interactive exhibits although some is under maintenance and others has seen better days. Good to come if you’re passing by, have free time or into fire trucks 😂 Average visitor should spend around 45min to 1 hour here. Free entrance, at least for singaporeans it’s free. I think tourists enter for free too.

  • 5/5 V C. 1 year ago on Google
    Small but free museum. You just have to sign in on entry. Has air conditioning and a washroom. Well worth a stop whilst walking from/to the police building and Clarke Quay!

  • 5/5 Jinyuan J. 1 year ago on Google
    Great heritage place to go to.

  • 5/5 Teresa L. 1 year ago on Google
    I had a wonderful time at the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery. It’s a great place for families as everything is hands-on. Mr. Segar was a wonderful guide and as he is an Ex-Chief trainer of the K-9 Rescue I had such a wonderful insight to the overseas missions our SCDF personnel experience. It’s definitely worth a visit. Especially if you or your little one is interested in firefighting!

  • 5/5 Jenny L. 1 year ago on Google
    We booked a free guided tour for our group of 19 seniors. Our guide, Mr Seneman, was knowledgeable and interesting. He shared personal snippets of past eventful fires and rescues besides showing us the exhibits. Photo taking was allowed and it was a treat to be able to pose inside a real fire truck. As seniors, it was nostalgic to see the old photos and recall past events. Would be booking for the next tour to The Emergency Preparedness Centre.

  • 5/5 Renato H. 1 year ago on Google
    The exhibitions were well maintained and interactive with the history presented in many creative ways. The best part of this trip is the passionate guide and former firefighter, Mr. Segar, made this visit a more insightful and rewarding experience. Thanks sir!

  • 5/5 Minerve 1 year ago on Google
    Have a stop it's small and for free and you get to learn a little more about Singapore s history.

  • 5/5 macedonboy 4 years ago on Google
    Visited the museum back in March. This former fire station houses the museum of the history of fire fighting in Singapore. There are some fantastic exhibits including actual fire engines and archival footage of past firemen. The exhibits on the 2nd floor cover more modern fire fighting techniques with outstanding videos and animatronics on not just fire fighting and rescue missions. This is an amazing and free museum, but I'd would've been happy to pay.

  • 5/5 Mu574f4 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic history on our scdf...We are proud of our Life Saving Force💗

  • 4/5 Lloyd B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice museum a great place to visit well kept

  • 4/5 Timothy L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) a lot of fire history (Original) 好多消防歷史

  • 5/5 Kara The e. 4 years ago on Google
    A great educational 2 hours spent here, learning about the fire department and their rescue missions. Best part of the gallery is the enigmatic tour guide, Mr Segar, who brought the exhibits to life. My 2 kids who were initially not interested to check this place out came out giving it a 2 thumbs up. Highly recommended free spot to check out!

  • 3/5 Elijah 4 years ago on Google
    Very informative museum/heritage gallery. It shows the evolution of the technology used by the Singapore fire service through different era. Free admission, definitely worth a visit and good to bring young ones here too... Saw a few of them having a big grin on their face when they climb on one of the old fire engines on display.

  • 5/5 Vriske R. 4 years ago on Google
    It's free and it's awesome! So many knick-knacks and also fire-fighter related toys & collectibles that so amusing! Imagine your lil boy come here it might give him a big grin. This place is also interactive and nicely arrange and their collection is well maintained too. And also the staffs here are very friendly and informative. Highly recommend for you who want to explore Singapore without draining your pocket money.

  • 5/5 Tharindu A. 4 years ago on Google
    😍👌

  • 5/5 David D. 4 years ago on Google
    💪

  • 5/5 CheeLinn C. 4 years ago on Google
    A good place for kids to learn the past and current SG civil defence

  • 5/5 Chong Kai S. 3 years ago on Google
    Small but nicely set up. Friendly staff too!

  • 4/5 ANDY H. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very beautiful old building, the earliest fire station in Singapore (Original) 很漂亮的古老建筑,是新加坡最早期的消防局

  • 5/5 Yitch 4 years ago on Google
    If you go early enough (9am to 11am) they open up the actual operating fire station for the public

  • 5/5 Paula L. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting

  • 5/5 knots 6 years ago on Google
    Civil Defense Heritage Gallery is just beside Central Fire Station, a fire station with more than 100years of history. Bring kids here for some educational tour. Remember to check out the timing before pop in. Last update/ review Feb2017

  • 5/5 G L L. 6 years ago on Google
    This is the same place as The Central Fire House. Having dedicated my life to Fire & Emergency Services I absolutely love the history and hertiage of this facility. The current and former members should be very proud of it. The equipment on display is first rate. The displays of this department and other departments all over the world are excellent. It's a real jewel. Mr. Segar made me feel at home and I'm over 10,000 miles from home.

  • 5/5 Sam 4 years ago on Google
    Exhibition about SCDF's past. Good to visit to learn how these brave people protect Singapore

  • 3/5 Siah H. 4 years ago on Google
    Free admission.. open daily but closed on Monday. A place to know about the history of the development of Singapore Fire Brigade or scdf. Should take about an hour to complete.

  • 5/5 Handy B. 6 years ago on Google
    great place to visit...you could learn more about firefighting as they provide a tour guide. and the most exciting part is IT IS FREE!

  • 5/5 Andrew Ong Jun K. 2 years ago on Google
    It was an immense honour and joy to have met Mr Segar - he shared with us his rich experiences as a firefighter and he wore that passion on his sleeves. Would definitely recommend this experience for anyone looking to learn more about firefighting and its history in Singapore. Thank you Mr Segar!

  • 5/5 Sng E. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for Children who would like to know more about Fire Engines and the History of our Home Team SCDF.

  • 1/5 Yeo boon h. 3 years ago on Google
    Suck, allow to book but when reach there was told to book 4 days in advance

  • 5/5 xu d. 4 years ago on Google
    I like the fire engines

  • 5/5 Rtexal T. 3 years ago on Google
    A small but rich gallery. Very suitable for children's who loves fire trucks too with the many mini fire trucks dioramas!

  • 4/5 Fadz T. 5 years ago on Google
    Good place for kids

  • 5/5 Mike Davie - Q. 6 years ago on Google
    My 3 year old son loves going here. Been 6+ times now in less than a year. Great for little kids who like fire trucks. Good for adults wanting to know more about Singapore's history.

  • 3/5 Wing k. 6 years ago on Google
    the oldest existing fire station in Singapore 1908. Now it is Civil Defence Heritage Gallery

  • 5/5 Tracy Ang - Child of G. 2 years ago on Google
    Mr Segar, a great man whom held high rank in his former professional, has shown great leadership and whole heartily sharing his knowledge on Firefighters and the exhibits, and sharing many stories and their roles fighting on the fire, for the lives of people staying in Singapore. This Gallery is a must attend for all. =)

  • 5/5 Yuta H. 6 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A great place for kids, especially boys. (Original) 子供連れに、特に男の子にとってとても良い場所。

  • 5/5 rebecca g. 6 years ago on Google
    it is a great place to visit because you can learn more in the olden days how in the olden days.

  • 4/5 Jeremy G. 5 years ago on Google
    A trail where you learn about the history of fire fighting in Singapore.

  • 4/5 Angie L. 5 years ago on Google
    Very informative place with regards to the Fire Department, past and present. It is a good must-visit for everyone, both young and old, for locals and tourists!! There is even a real life vintage fire truck inside the premise, for one to climb on board for photo taking. There are plenty of souvenirs on sale at the premise too.

  • 5/5 Mike L. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Great fire exhibition hall, although the sparrow is small and complete, there are also some interactive experience games. (Original) 很棒的消防展示館,麻雀雖小五臟俱全,還有部分互動體驗遊戲。

  • 3/5 Trinh N. 5 years ago on Google
    Best place for children to learn about firefighter

  • 2/5 Gilbert S. 5 years ago on Google
    The place is too small with a lot of stuff to display, could be good for local to visit to see the history of the firefight in Singapore also story of a big fire, but for foreigner you can skip this place unless you have time to spare.

  • 4/5 Claudio C. 5 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Pleasant place and very well organized for school children but also for adults. Firefighters definitely deserve a visit! (Original) Posto simpatico e organizzato molto bene per scolaresche ma anche per adulti . I vigili del fuoco meritano sicuramente una visita !


Call +65 6332 2996 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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