Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
National Library Exhibitions

About

Find out about Mapping the World: Perspectives from Asian Cartography.

Last updated 13 August 2026
Text in the center reads "Mapping the World: Perspectives from Asian Cartography" on a green background with map fragments.
Thick red divider line
Exhibit entrance with illuminated text "Mapping The World: Perspectives from Asian Cartography" on a blue background.
Thick red divider line

  • 11 December 2021 – 8 May 2022

  • 10:00am – 9:00pm

  • Level 10, Gallery, National Library Building

Thick red divider line

Showcasing rare historical maps, Mapping the World: Perspectives from Asian Cartography brings together different mapping traditions and worldviews, political and cultural spheres of influence, and the exchange of cartographic knowledge between civilisations across the world.

The exhibition, held in partnership with the Embassy of France in Singapore, features over 60 treasures from overseas institutions and private collections such as the Bibliothèque nationale de France, Musée Guimet and École Française D’Extreme-Orient in France, as well as the MacLean Collection, Illinois, United States and the Yokohama City University, Japan. It also highlights rare maps from the National Library, Singapore, as well as local institutions such as the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Indian Heritage Centre.

Through these historical maps, this exhibition opens up a fascinating and illuminating window into how civilisations see themselves and the world across time and space.

Presented by National Library Singapore, in partnership with Ambassade de France à Singapour, supported by Temasek and Tikehau Capital.

Brochure & Exhibition guide

Download the brochure and exhibition guides below:

Grey divider line

Curator's tour

Thumbnail for YouTube video
Grey divider line
Exhibit with large illustrated map panels and fish sculptures in a spacious, modern hall with tall, decorated columns.

Spiritual Journeys: The Traiphum map of Thailand

Thick red divider line

  • 11 December 2021 – 31 July 2022

  • 10:00am – 9:00pm

  • Level 1, Lobby, National Library Building

Red divider line

Spiritual Journeys delves into the world of a rare indigenous Thai map found in the Traiphum Manuscript, a Thai Buddhist cosmological treatise dating to 1776. Containing a mixture of geographical and spiritual locations and stories, the Traiphum map offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Thai cartography and its intersections with Theravada Buddhism.

Grey divider line
A spacious library features a large sign with a boat illustration, bookshelves, and a man at a counter in the background.

Story of a Map: The tale of Buddha

Thick red divider line

  • 20 December 2021 – 31 July 2022

  • Ang Mo Kio Public Library, Level 1 Foyer | 20 December 2021 - 25 January 2022

  • Cheng San Public Library, Foyer | 26 January - 31 March 2022

  • Jurong West Public Library, Level 1 Exhibition area | 1 April - 29 May 2022

  • Jurong Regional Library, Level 2 | 30 May - 31 July 2022

Red divider line

Throughout history, different cultures have used maps to navigate, outline the location of kingdoms, and even to tell stories. Story of A Map is an interactive display which explores a unique Thai historical map that tells the story of Prince Siddhartha Gautama and his journey to becoming Buddha.

Grey divider line

Private Tours

For enquiries on group exhibition tours, please email visitnls@nlb.gov.sg.