The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is dedicated to exploring the extensive artistic heritage of Asia, with a particular focus on the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans.,It was established in 1997 and has been located in its current building by the Singapore River since 2003, but its roots can be traced back to the Raffles Museum, which was founded in the mid-19th century.,The museum's primary emphasis is on the historical connections among the diverse cultures of Asia and between Asia and the rest of the world.,Singapore's history as a bustling port city that attracted people from around the globe is utilized as a lens to examine the broader history of Asia.,Special exhibitions are hosted to showcase remarkable objects from various parts of the world to engage the Singaporean audience.,Additionally, the museum features signature programs like the annual ACM After Dark, Saturdays@ACM, and Lunchtime Concerts, which aim to encourage visitors to develop a deeper connection with culture and the arts.,For more detailed information, please visit the official website at https://www.acm.org.sg/icon.,The ACM's collection originated from objects housed in the colonial Raffles Library and Museum, primarily consisting of ethnological materials collected in Southeast Asia.,These materials serve as examples of the crafts, tools, weapons, utensils, and costumes of the Malay and other indigenous Southeast Asian cultures, alongside a small collection of Chinese objects.,In the 1990s, the museum expanded its collection to include areas such as West Asia/the Islamic world and South Asia, aligning with its mission to highlight the cultural roots of Singapore's diverse ethnic groups within the various civilizations of Asia.,The ACM was initially housed in the former Tao Nan School Building on Armenian Street, where it opened on April 21, 1997, with then Deputy PM Lee Hsien Loong presiding over the inauguration.,Featuring 10 galleries with thematic displays on China and space for special exhibitions, the museum made its move to the historic Empress Place Building in 2003.,The Empress Place Building, completed in 1867 and designed in neoclassical style, is situated along the Singapore River and had undergone several extensions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.