Singapore Discovery Centre: Through The Lens Of Time & Into The Future is far more than a traditional museum. Located in the heart of Jurong, it serves as a hybrid between a high-tech history classroom, an interactive gallery, and an adrenaline-fueled amusement park.
Visitors in February 2026 can expect a journey that spans centuries. You will move from the early maritime days of the region to the cutting-edge defense technologies of tomorrow. This guide provides everything you need to know about its immersive exhibits and thrilling attractions.
The Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC) is a premier educational and recreational institution that puts the Singapore story in the spotlight. It recently underwent a major renovation in 2020 to offer more interactive and multi-sensory experiences for all ages.
The centre is particularly famous for its unique way of teaching national history through play and technology. Below is a quick glance at the essential details for your visit:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | 510 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638365 |
| Admission | Free for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (Galleries) |
| Primary Gallery | Through the Lens of Time |
| Key Attractions | Black Lake Facility, Laser Tag, XD Theatre, iWERKS |
| Dining | Bottle Tree Café |
The core of the experience begins with the permanent exhibits gallery known as Through the Lens of Time. This gallery utilizes augmented reality and immersive storytelling to recount key moments in the nation’s history.
Your journey starts at the “In The Beginnings” section. You will hear the stories of iconic figures like Sang Nila Utama and see how a small island transformed into a thriving British colonial port.
One of the most emotional sections is “The Turning Point.” It offers a glimpse into the hardships of war through the eyes of survivors. The “Days of Darkness” short film provides a haunting perspective of the occupation years.
This section focuses on the courage of soldiers and citizens. You can learn about the ambush at Kota Tinggi and the perils of the Konfrontasi period, including the MacDonald House bombing.
Visitors can revisit significant milestones from Singapore’s developmental years. This includes a deep dive into the 1983 Cable Car disaster and the heroic rescue missions that followed. You can even try your hand at news reporting in front of a green screen.
Once you have explored the past, The Sandbox takes you into the complexities of contemporary Singapore. This exhibition area is dedicated to national defense and crisis management.
At Battlefield Command, you can step into the shoes of a military leader. The interactive stations allow you to imagine commanding a tank, a frigate, or an attack helicopter in simulated combat scenarios.
Testing your critical thinking is the goal of the Situation Room. Here, visitors engage in simulations that require fast decision-making during national crises, highlighting the importance of total defense.
Beyond history, the centre is a playground for adventure seekers. Many of these attractions use the latest technology to create “future-themed” gaming environments.
The Black Lake Facility is a massive attraction spanning 13 rooms across four story chapters. It is currently the largest multi-storey escape room in Singapore, featuring creative puzzles that are all interconnected.
For those who prefer action, the Black Lake Laser Battlefield offers a virtual arena experience. It is the first in Singapore to use large-scale projection mapping to create cyborg and post-apocalyptic gameplay environments.
The XD Theatre provides a 4D/5D motion experience that integrates special effects and sound with high-definition visuals. For a more traditional experience, the 344-seater iWERKS cinema screens the latest Hollywood blockbusters.
If you prefer being outdoors, Crossfire Paintball offers a high-intensity combat experience. Please note that participants must be at least 14 years old, and advance booking is mandatory for this activity.
The centre is also a leader in environmental initiatives. To date, they have installed 2,325 solar panels across the roof and the lake. These panels offset nearly half of the centre’s total electrical consumption.
Reaching the centre is easy, as it is just a short walk from the Joo Koon MRT station. If you are driving, there is ample parking available near the SAFTI Military Institute.
When you get hungry, head over to the Bottle Tree Café. Formerly a simple canteen, it is now a lifestyle café offering Tze Char dishes and local kopi. It is the perfect spot to relax while enjoying the view of the lake.
Admission to the permanent galleries is free for all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Tourists and non-citizens are required to purchase tickets, which can be bought online or at the entrance.
To fully experience the historical galleries and at least one major attraction like the escape room or laser tag, you should plan to spend at least three to four hours.
The minimum age for Crossfire Paintball is 14 years old. For younger children, the centre offers Crossfire Blaster, which is a safer alternative for family play.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book the Black Lake Facility in advance. Because it is a popular attraction, slots often fill up quickly, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Singapore Discovery Centre: Through The Lens Of Time & Into The Future offers a rare blend of education and excitement. It manages to make history feel alive while providing cutting-edge entertainment that looks toward the future.
Whether you are exploring the “Through the Lens of Time” gallery or battling cyborgs in the laser arena, your visit will be memorable. Make sure to visit in 2026 to see how this Jurong landmark continues to redefine the Singapore story.
