The Singapore Philatelic Museum (SPM), housed in a charming colonial-era building on Coleman Street, is dedicated to the history of stamps and postal services in Singapore and globally. While admission is generally free for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, it offers a fascinating journey through philately—the study of stamps.
The museum utilizes colourful and interactive galleries to showcase how stamps serve as miniature windows into history, culture, and significant world events. Permanent collections explore the concept of philately, the stamp manufacturing process in Singapore, and famous stamp collectors. Key areas include the Room of Rarities, which features comprehensive collections of early Singaporean postal artefacts dating back to the 1830s, and the Heritage Room, which often recreates settings like an old shophouse to illustrate the migration stories and culture of early settlers.
The SPM is designed to be family-friendly, with hands-on activities and puzzle displays to engage younger visitors. It also frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, often showcasing international philatelic wonders or significant bilateral relationships, like past exhibitions on Brunei. Visitors can even purchase stamps and postcards to send mail from the museum’s nearby operational pillar post box.
