Singapore Discovery Centre

The Singapore Discovery Centre (???) is a "hands on, minds on" place where you can explore what keeps Singapore going. It aims to share the Singapore Story and inspire a desire to contribute to Singapore's future.

It was re-opened in July 2006 after a major re-vamp that lasted 2 years. It is now a 'State-of-the-Art' edutainment attraction that celebrates the Singapore experience. Being an attraction for everyone with its wide range of fun filled multi-media interactive presentations and games, visitors get to enjoy the Singapore story with insights into the nation’s challenges, dreams, aspirations and ultimately what makes Singapore ticks – the Singapore heartbeat.

Since the re-opening, SDC has proceeded to further enhance visitors’ experience through the addition of new hardware such as a 12-seater 4D simulator, continuous creation of various temporary exhibitions/events such as Friends in the Block Exhibition, The Making of NDP 09 Exhibition and the inclusion of the P226 pistol into the existing shooting gallery simulation.

 

History

In 1988, the idea of building a museum to showcase the history of the SAF was first mooted. This idea later evolved into the concept of the S'pore Discovery Centre (SDC).

However, SDC has a larger role to play than emphasizing on the SAF. It aimed to provide a platform for Singaporeans to think about their future, and to help them prepare for the challenges of the future.

In October 1992, MINDEF approved the setting up of the Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC) at a cost of $70 million.

Located on the grounds of SAFTI Military Institute, the architects, Mitchell Giurgola & Throp Architects, developed the architectural design for the SDC. Previous buildings by these architects include the SAFTI Military Institute and the Australian Parliament House. SDC has a unique triangular roof structure and supporting rectangular buildings.

SDC was officially opened by then President Ong Teng Cheong on 23 November 1996.

In 1998, SDC started a review of the Centre to change from a historical to an issue-based orientation.

In early 2001, Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) was selected as the design consultants for the project. RAA are planners, designers and producers of museum exhibitions, visitors centre and educational environments. They are behind many famous institutions such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC and the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia.

A presentation was made to the Singapore Totalisator Board in 2002 and a grant of S$25 million was approved. Redevelopment work started in December 2002.

 

Exhibits

S’pore Discovery Centre’s main exhibition gallery is divided into five main galleries, namely The Gateway, So Singapore Theatre, Singapore Works, Singapore Way and the Visionarium.

The Gateway

At The Gateway, visitors are treated to a mirage of images that show the past, present and future of Singapore. It showcases various key milestone events that has shaped Singapore

So Singapore Theatre

This theatre presents visitors a fun way to look into the way of life in Singapore and how the various races live together in harmony.

 

Singapore Works

You will find various interesting exhibits that present the strength of our system and how we can overcome constraints. Exhibits such as ‘The Portals’ present you the challenges Singapore face as a small island with no resources of our own and these challenges will be presented to you through a number of interesting games. The ‘On-Location-Reporter’ lets visitors understand our history by letting everyone has the chance to report a piece of our history ‘live’.

Singapore Way

Singapore Way comprises of three pavilions and it is here that visitors can appreciate how as a ‘Little Red Dot’, we have high hopes, big dreams and bold aspirations.

Inside the ‘Security Pavillion’, watch out for a special simulation experience that enables visitors to witness a ‘bomb’ blast at the Raffles MRT station. Watch how lives change after the bomb blast and be reminded not to take our peacefulness for granted.

With the Unity Pavillion, visitors get a chance to appreciate the multi-racial harmony that makes this small country clicks. See how people from different race, language and religion live together in this small piece of land measuring only 655 sq km.

At the Enterprise Pavilion as the name suggests, we explore what is entrepreneurship and we celebrate this spirit of never say die but to look beyond when the going gets tough.

Visionarium

Finally, the jewel of the centre is the Visionarium, whereby 120 visitors will have their own design platform to contribute to what the future Singapore will be. It is here that everyone will play a part in building the country’s future.

Besides the main permanent exhibition gallery, SDC also has some other interesting set-ups to enhance visitors’ experience in the centre. iWERKS Theatre is a 344-seater cinema theatre that is designed with a giant screen to show either giant screen format 2D or 3D shows. Currently, visitors also get a chance to watch the latest feature film blockbusters on this giant screen theatre.

The Shooting Gallery offers visitors a chance to get their hands on a real SAR 21 rifle or a P226 pistol. With virtual settings of a war zone and training ground, this will be the closest you can get to handling a weapon.

Crossfire Paintball is a high adrenaline game that trains the mind and body. A preferred game favored among companies for team building sessions or by young adults for a session of bonding with friends.

There is the latest addition of the brand new XD Theatre. This gem offers visitors the latest in 4D simulation ride. Built on a platform with up to 3G of movement, the sensation will give riders a real feel of movement and realism.

 

Location

Singapore Discovery Centre is located on the grounds of SAFTI Military Institute. It faces an artificial lake with a fountain,directly opposite the Officer's Mess. It is accessible by public buses; the nearest MRT station is Joo Koon MRT Station and has been serving the area including the centre with effect from 28 February 2009.

Schools regularly organize outings to SDC for the students, especially during the lull after examinations. These trips are considered a part of National Education.