After years of people casually walking past the massive camera structure along Jalan Kledek without stepping inside, social media users are now rushing to visit Singapore’s Vintage Camera Museum before it closes its doors.
What started as a simple TikTok post by creator @yujiek quickly turned into a wave of emotional reactions, last-minute visits, and renewed appreciation for one of Singapore’s most unusual museums.
“Ever walked by this giant camera structure in Bugis?” the post asked.
For many viewers, the answer was yes. But few realised the building itself was actually a museum.
A Museum Hidden in Plain Sight
Located at 8C Jalan Kledek in Kampong Glam, the Vintage Camera Museum has long stood out for its striking façade — designed to resemble a giant Rollei camera, complete with a lens-shaped entrance. Inside, however, sits something even more remarkable.
The museum houses over 1,000 vintage cameras dating from the late 19th century to the early 2000s, featuring everything from spy cameras and pigeon cameras to rare wartime models and early photographic equipment.
Some cameras are tiny enough to fit into a palm. Others resemble weapons, walking sticks, or scientific instruments from another era altogether. The collection was founded by steel trader Solaiyappan Ramanathan and artist A.P. Shreethar, both longtime collectors passionate about preserving the evolution of photography.
But now, the space is preparing to shut down — at least temporarily.
“Once this museum closes down, there won’t be a dedicated space to view them,” the TikTok post explained, “until the owner finds a new place.”
Social Media Suddenly Brings Crowds Back
Originally, visitors believed the museum’s final day would be 7 May 2026. But after overwhelming public support online, the museum extended operations until Sunday, 10 May 2026.
“LAST DAY IS SUNDAY!! Boss texted us last night!” the creator updated in the comments section.
That extension sparked even more visitors to head down.
One commenter wrote:
“Dropped by today bc i saw ur post! thanku sm for posting this!!”
Another admitted:
“Literally walked past this so many times and had no clue??”
Meanwhile, preschool educators from @buckethousepreschool also shared their own emotional visit after learning the museum was shutting down earlier than expected.
“We never expected a simple visit to the museum would be so emotional and sentimental,” they wrote.
In the comments, they later revealed the museum’s rent had allegedly increased four times — something that shocked many online.
“Thank you Singapore for your overwhelming support to Uncle George,” the preschool later updated. “He is so happy and decided to extend 2 more days to meet all of you.”
More Than Just Old Cameras
Beyond its nostalgic displays, the museum also tells a larger story about memory, art, and technological change. Artist A.P. Shreethar previously described cameras as both an invention and an “enemy” to traditional artists — a tool that slowly replaced realistic painting and changed how humans captured moments forever.
That tension between old and new can still be felt throughout the museum. Visitors can explore early film rolls, negatives, documentaries about espionage cameras, and even replicas connected to the Lumière brothers and Kodak founder George Eastman. Some exhibits are interactive. Others feel frozen in time.
And while smartphones now allow people to capture thousands of images instantly, the museum quietly reminds visitors that photography was once slow, expensive, and deeply intentional.
A Cultural Space Singapore May Lose
The sudden attention surrounding the closure has also reignited conversations about disappearing cultural spaces in Singapore. Smaller independent museums, especially niche passion projects, often struggle with rising operational costs and declining foot traffic.
For years, the Vintage Camera Museum survived through tourism, photography enthusiasts, school visits, and curious passersby. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the museum reportedly experienced a 90% drop in visitors, forcing temporary closure at the time. Now, many are hoping this is not a permanent ending.
The museum is currently looking for a new space to continue operating in the future.
Location
Vintage Camera Museum
8C Jalan Kledek, Singapore 199263
Opening hours reportedly begin from 11am.
Tickets can be purchased via Vintage Camera Museum Singapore
Find the posts here:
@buckethousepreschoolsg We planned to visit the Vintage Camera Museum in June to deepen our atelier inquiry into lenses, film and light. But Uncle George asked us to come as soon as possible because their last day is 7 May 2026! And we’re so glad we managed to make it and meet Uncle George. We never expected a simple visit would be so emotional and sentimental. Head down tomorrow for the very last time and hear his stories of how he bought them from London, Germany, etc.. sgtiktok singapore bugis camera vintage
@yujiek
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