ArCH Square is an education and outreach centre dedicated to archaeology and intangible cultural heritage in Singapore and the region. Its mission is to make archaeology accessible to the public while fostering community engagement and knowledge-sharing.
It is a space where exhibitions, workshops and other programmes are held. It first opened in November 2025. The admission to the gallery is free to the public. ArCH Square’s first-ever gallery rotation is SHIPPED!: Memories from the sea. There are also a series of curated workshops and conversations held at ArCH Square throughout May — great for anyone curious about Southeast Asia’s seafaring past.
Discover “SHIPPED!: Memories from the Sea”
If you visit ArCH Square now, you will are able to check out their current exhibition SHIPPED!: Memories from the sea. This showcase explores Southeast Asia’s maritime history through underwater archaeology, offering you a rare chance to view artefacts recovered from Singapore’s waters. Many of the artefacts are displayed publicly for the very first time.
Rather than presenting these items as isolated relics, the exhibition tells the full story behind each object. You will learn how artefacts were produced, traded across regions, lost at sea, and eventually rediscovered and studied. This approach helps connect the dots between commerce, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange in the maritime world.
Among the standout pieces are artefacts linked to the historic ocean liner Empress of Asia, as well as ceramics from Jingdezhen, one of the most renowned kiln centres in Chinese history. These items reveal how goods—and ideas—travelled across vast sea routes.
Admission to the gallery is free.
Hands-On Learning with Archaeology 101!
For those who want more than just a viewing experience, Archaeology 101! offers an immersive introduction to the field. This four-week workshop, held on the second storey of ArCH square, is designed for beginners and combines easy-to-understand theory with practical, hands-on learning.
Participants will:
- Learn how archaeologists identify artefacts, materials, and decorative motifs
- Gain insight into Singapore’s archaeological landscape
- Experience real post-excavation processes through guided sessions
By the end of the programme, those who have completed six hours of supervised practical work and gained valuable foundational skills can even apply to become volunteer lab technicians at ArCH Square, making this a great starting point for deeper involvement in heritage work.
The workshop fee is SGD 60 per pax. You can sign up via their website.
Coffee Cultures: A Sensory Journey Through Trade Routes
Another unique workshop is Coffee Cultures: Maritime Routes and Everyday Rituals, a multi-sensory workshop that explores how coffee spread across Southeast Asia via maritime trade.
This workshop is led by coffee specialists from Kaffeign, this session goes beyond just tasting coffee.
Participants will:
- Discover how coffee beans travelled between port cities
- Learn about regional brewing techniques and traditions
- Enjoy guided tastings paired with historical insights
- Try hands-on coffee-making using beans linked to historic trade routes
This coffee workshop beautifully connects everyday rituals—like drinking coffee—to centuries of cultural exchange and movement across the seas. It is quite an interesting workshop for any coffee lovers.
The workshop fee is $40 per pax. There are sessions on 16 and 17 May. You can sign up here.
Framing the Sea: Insights from a Maritime Archaeologist
For a deeper intellectual dive, you can attend a public talk, titled Framing The Sea. by maritime archaeologist Michael Flecker. Drawing on nearly four decades of experience, he shares real-life stories of shipwrecks, underwater discoveries, and regional trade networks.
This session offers valuable insights into:
- How underwater archaeological sites are studied
- The challenges of preserving submerged heritage
- The ethical considerations of excavation and display
- The role of maritime archaeology in understanding Southeast Asia’s past
It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in history, science, or cultural preservation.
The talk is free but you will need to make a refundable deposit of $10. This talk is held on 16 May. You can register via their website.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for meaningful and educational things to do in Singapore this May, ArCH Square’s 2026 offerings provide something for everyone. With free exhibitions, interesting workshops, and expert-led talks, this is one cultural experience you won’t want to miss.
Find out what are the latest events happening in Singapore here.