Click. That’s the sound a thousand memories make. Right here before you stands the Vintage Camera Museum in Singapore. A unique place it is.
The Vintage Camera Museum isn’t just a museum. It’s a journey through time. A journey captured in glass and metal. It’s the story of how we’ve seen the world. From the earliest daguerreotypes to sleek digital cameras.
Opened on June 1 2017 this museum holds a treasure trove. Around 1000 cameras are on display. These are just a fraction of the 7000 in the personal collection of Solaiyappan Ramanathan and his cousin A P Shreethar. Imagine holding a piece of history. A walking stick camera perhaps. Or a pigeon camera. Even a handgun camera used to conceal a lens. The museum even features a replica of the very first photograph ever taken. Think about that. The very first glimpse of a world captured in a frame.
But it’s not just about the cameras. The museum also showcases historically significant photographs. Images of the moon landing capture a giant leap for mankind. Early war photography shows the harsh realities of conflict. Even 3D photography gets its due. The museum has wooden 3D glasses to experience antique images in three dimensions. This technology was invented as far back as 1861. That’s amazing.
The building itself is a work of art. Shaped like a Rollei camera it’s a marvel of architecture. The building is called the world’s largest camera-shaped building. It has a total floor space of 2500 square feet. The building has been renovated. Inside you’ll find not just the Vintage Camera Museum. There is also a Click Art Museum which exhibits the artwork of A.P. Shreethar. You can even interact with photography art here.
Even amidst a global pandemic the museum persevered. The COVID-19 epidemic impacted the museum’s visitor numbers greatly. There was a 90 percent reduction in the number of visitors. The museum was temporarily closed in 2020. The museum reopened its doors. The incredible collection now awaits you.
Step inside. Explore the history of photography. Let the Vintage Camera Museum in Singapore capture your imagination. Let the click of the shutter echo through time. Let the images tell their tales. Each camera holds a unique story. Each photograph is a frozen moment. Together they create a visual narrative. A remarkable experience is waiting for you. Don’t miss it.