Buddha Tooth and Relic Museum
This Tang-styled Chinese Buddhist Temple has awe-inspiring richly designed interiors and comprehensive exhibits on Buddhist art, history, and culture spanning over hundreds of years.
The Buddha Tooth and Relic Museum was conceptualised and designed by the Temple’s Chief Venerable Abbot Venerable Shi Fa Zhao. It is based on the elements of the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala and cost approximately SGD 75 million (USD 57 million) to establish. It features a vast array of Buddha’s revered artefacts, including bone and tongue relics. But the must-see and perhaps most important is the relic from which the Museum got its name — the Buddha Tooth Relic, which is housed in a giant stupa that weighs a whopping 3500 kgs and made from 320 kgs of gold — 234 of which came from devotees’ donations.
Another Museum highlight is the Eminent Sangha Museum — a theatre that features cultural performances, talks, and film screenings. So if you are looking for a bit of peace and cultural immersion in Chinatown’s busy streets, then the Buddha Tooth and Relic Museum is a must-visit.
Location
The Museum is located in 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore.
Opening Days and Hours
The Buddhist Culture Museum and Relic Chamber is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, while the Eminent Sangha Museum is open daily from 07:00 to 19:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance is free but donations are welcome.
How to Get There
- Fly into Singapore via the Changi International Airport.
- Take the MRT and alight at the Chinatown Station.
- Take Exit A at Pagoda St. and turn right at the South Bridge Road.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
The average time spent in this attraction is 2 to 3 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
This is an indoor attraction so you can opt to visit any time of the day. On the other hand, the best time to visit Singapore is during the months of February to April, when the weather is not that wet nor hot.
Activities
You can explore the Museum’s various areas:
- First Floor: Hundred Dragons Hall – Maitreya Hall, Universal Wisdom Hall – Avalokitesvara Hall
- Second Floor: Manjushri Hall – Aranya Gallery
- Third Floor: Samantabhadra Hall, Sacred Buddha Relics Chamber
- Fourth Floor: Sacred Light Hall – Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber
- Roof Top: Temple Roof Top Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel
Food
Restaurants located near the Museum include Eight Treasures Vegetarian, Well Dressed Salad Bar and Cafe, Juice Farm, Lee Tong Kee, Li Ji Chuan Chuan Xiang, Hi Chuan Chuan, and Muse Amuse.
Nearby Attractions
- Ming Fang Antique House
- Chinatown
- Singapore City Gallery
- Sri Mariamman Temple
- Chinatown Heritage Centre
Stay
Singapore hotels and accommodations located in Chinatown include Jinshan Hotel, Santa Grand Hotel Lai Chun Yuen, The Inn at Temple Street, and Hotel Mono. Prices range from USD 67 to USD 250.
Good to Know
- Wear appropriate attire on your visit: conceal your backs, shoulders, and no shorts or mini-skirts.
- Non-vegetarian food and pets are not allowed inside.
