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National Library Exhibitions

On Paper: Singapore Before 1867

Find out about On Paper: Singapore Before 1867.

Last updated 23 July 2026
Composite of historical maps, letters, and paintings with the text "On Paper Singapore Before 1867" and exhibition details.
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Museum exhibit titled "On Paper: Singapore Before 1867" with historical information and images on display.
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  • 28 September 2019 – 22 March 2020

  • 10:00am – 9:00pm

  • Level 10, Gallery, National Library Building

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On Paper: Singapore Before 1867 features over 150 paper-based artefacts that tell the story of Singapore’s early history – from a 17th-century Portuguese navigational chart that points to the existence of a Shahbandar (harbour master) on Singapore island to the key document that established the Straits Settlements as a Crown Colony of Britain on 1 April 1867.

Through carefully preserved records from the collections of the National Library, National Archives of Singapore and overseas institutions, On Paper presents a rare treat to all who are interested in our nation’s past.

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Brochures, Exhibition Guides and e-publication

Download them below:

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The image shows vintage cars and people at Raffles Place, with "CurioCity" written prominently in stylized lettering.

Curiocity: Raffles Place

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  • 28 September 2019 – 10 June 2020

  • 10:00am – 9:00pm

  • Level 1, Lobby, National Library Building

  • Curiocity explores one of Singapore’s most iconic and historical districts – Raffles Place. CurioCity presents photographs, books, building plans, archival footage as well as oral history records exploring the evolution of and memories associated with the city’s commercial centre.

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A historical document and a map are displayed in a glass case in a museum setting with blue walls and text on the wall.

An island by any other name…

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  • 21 August 2019 – 24 March 2020 (CLOSED)

  • Central Public Library | 21 August to 29 October 2019

  • Tampines Regional Library | 22 August to 30 October 2019

  • Ang Mo Kio Public Library | 30 October to 16 December 2019

  • Geylang Public Library | 31 October to 17 December 2019

  • Woodlands Regional Library | 17 December 2019 to 29 January 2020

  • Queenstown Public Library | 18 December 2019 to 30 January 2020

  • Bedok Public Library | 30 January 2020 to 23 March 2020

  • Jurong Regional Library | 31 January 2020 to 24 March 2020

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The earliest records of Singapore’s existence can be found in maps and charts that help us understand how Singapore was known to the outside world from as early as the 1400s. However, as early map makers were often unfamiliar with the region misspellings and misidentifications abounded, resulting in much confusion as to where Singapore island was and what it was called!

An island by any other name… explores the various incarnations and names of Singapore on early maps from the collection of the National Library.

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Private Tours

Interested schools or organisations can email visitnls@nlb.gov.sg for more details on private tours. Book early to secure a tour slot!

The event is over, registration is closed.

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