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Stamps into Smiles: The Singapore Philatelic Museum's Transformation into Premier Children's Museum

Singapore children's museum

The Baldwin’s team are thrilled to auction this incredible collection on behalf of the Singapore Philatelic Museum, due in no small part to its contribution to the extraordinary transformation at the Singapore Philatelic Museum as it evolves into a distinguished Children’s Museum, setting a new standard for immersive learning and engagement.

Under the auspices of the National Heritage Board (NHB) of Singapore, this redevelopment signals a deliberate shift towards enriching the educational landscape for young minds. The museum’s reimagining is no longer restricted to the allure of stamps but rather a holistic endeavour to inspire intellectual curiosity and nurture creative expression. By harnessing the power of play and partnering with local communities, the Children’s Museum of Singapore provides a platform for multi-generational exploration and shared learning experiences.

This commitment to combining play and heritage is immediately apparent from the magnificent building which houses the exhibits. The historic double-story colonial building commissioned in 1906 originally served as a boy’s school and book store
before becoming the Singapore Philatelic Museum in

1995. In its latest iteration, NHB have created a bold facade which respects the heritage but reflects the colour and wonder housed within.

Baldwin’s Auction MD, Iain Murphy commends the approach, acknowledging its unparalleled ability to captivate and educate younger audiences. “It is remarkable how they infuse vitality into the world of philately for a younger demographic,” he continues, “I have yet to encounter an institution that rivals their level of engagement.”

While the museum embraces a diverse array of interactive exhibits and engaging activities, stamps and philatelic materials continue to be an essential educational tool in CMSG, and will continue to be used to tell stories of Singapore and the world. The diverse learning materials allow visitors to immerse themselves in exhibits

that chronicle the evolution of postal communication, traversing continents to unveil the profound impact of mail on human history.

The museum team hopes this will instil a deep appreciation for philately among younger audiences, recognizing its enduring value as a conduit for cultural exposure and historical preservation.

“After all, stamps are tiny pieces of artwork, reminiscent of beloved stickers, that deliver much information about a particular country or theme in a fun and visually attractive way, making them uniquely accessible to children!” [attribute quote from 2022 annual report]

In excess of 60,000 visitors were welcomed to the museum between it’s opening in December 2021 and March 2023 [updated figures?] highlighting the huge potential to educate and encourage another generation of passionate collectors. We certainly hope that the successful conclusion of the two part auction can contribute to the ongoing efforts of the NHB to enrich the lives of their visitors and spread the philatelic word far and wide.

Aaron Carter

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