FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Albatross File: Singapore’s Independence Declassified

General Information

1. What is the Albatross File, and what is this exhibition?
The Albatross File was kept by Dr Goh Keng Swee in the run-up to Singapore’s separation from Malaysia. It contains Cabinet papers, memorandums, as well as Dr Goh’s handwritten notes of his discussions with Malaysian leaders in the days, weeks, and months leading to Singapore’s independence on 9 August 1965.

The Albatross File: Inside Separation book and The Albatross File: Singapore’s Independence Declassified exhibition will be launched on 7 December 2025 at the National Library Building.

Jointly organised by the National Library Board and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, this permanent exhibition, as the SG60 capstone event, will deepen visitors’ understanding of Singapore’s journey to independence through interactive storytelling, historical replays, and first-person narratives of Singapore’s founding fathers. As Singapore celebrates SG60, the book and exhibition offer an introspective recount of Singapore’s separation from Malaysia, deepening our collective appreciation of Singapore’s shared identity and inspiring future generations to continue building our nation together.

2. How do we visit the Albatross File exhibition?
Open to the public from 8 December 2025, The Albatross File: Singapore’s Separation Declassified is a permanent exhibition held at the National Library Gallery (Level 10), National Library Building. While admission is free, tickets will be required.

To book your free tickets, please visit https://go.gov.sg/albatrosstickets.

3. What can I expect at the exhibition?
Visitors can expect an immersive, multi-modal exploration of Singapore’s journey to independence, featuring photographs, oral history interviews, and videos drawn from the National Archives of Singapore. The exhibition also harnesses technology to create interactive, dynamic experiences, presenting new ways to understand our separation story. To book your free tickets, please visit https://go.gov.sg/albatrosstickets. Please refer to the Admissions Guidelines for more information.

Booking Tickets for the Exhibition

4. Can I book for my friends and/or family members?

Yes, you can book tickets together with your friends and/or family as a group booking up to a maximum of 12 pax. One email account will need to be verified to register for the group. Each verified email account can only hold one active booking at a time. If you need to make a booking for more than 12 pax, please use another email address to make an additional booking.

5. Is admission free?

Admission is free but registration is required for entry to the Exhibition. Tickets are required for all visitors, regardless of age.

6. Are there age restrictions?

While there are no age restrictions, the Exhibition is recommended for persons aged 10 years old and above for an optimal experience.

7. Can I reschedule or add/remove participant(s) from my existing booking?

Yes. To make changes to, reschedule or to cancel your booking, please visit https://thealbatrossfile.nlb.gov.sg and select “Retrieve Booking”. Input the Booking Reference number that is included in your Booking Confirmation e-mail.

You may adjust your group size up to the maximum of 12 pax per booking, subject to availability.

Please cancel your booking if you can no longer attend so that we can accommodate other visitors.

8. When will I receive my booking confirmation?

An acknowledgment e-mail from The Albatross File Exhibition Team e-mail account (notification-thealbatrossfile@nlb.gov.sg) will be sent to you after submission.

Please contact enquiries.albatross@pico.com if you have not received the Booking Confirmation e-mail within 5 working days.

9. What if I have accessibility/support needs?

If you require assistance during your visit, please e-mail enquiries.albatross@pico.com or approach our friendly staff at the Information Counter at the entrance of the exhibition.

10. Who can I contact if I have questions or need further assistance with my booking?

If you need further assistance, kindly email enquiries.albatross@pico.com with your booking ID in the title of your email. Our ticketing team will get back to you within 3 working days.

11. I would like to book for my school, company or organisation. How do I make a booking?

To book for an organised group (schools, corporations, organisations, etc), please select the "Organised Group" button at https://thealbatrossfile.nlb.gov.sg/book. Organised Groups can book up to 240 pax across 4 consecutive time slots (max 60 pax per slot).

Please contact OrgGroup.albatross@pico.com if your organisation has any specific requirements.

12. Is there a guided tour with a physical person leading each group?

No, the exhibition is fully self-guided and exploratory. However, our friendly staff will be present throughout the experience should any assistance or emergencies arise.

13. How far in advance should schools make a booking if bus coordination is required?

A minimum of 5 working days’ advance notice is required for bus coordination.

Visiting the Exhibition

14. How do we get to the exhibition by public transport?

By MRT:

Bugis MRT station (EW12/DT14)
Bras Basah MRT station (CC2)
City Hall MRT station (NS25/EW13)

By Bus:

Opposite National Library (01029)

Services: 145, 175, 197, 32, 51, 61, 63, 63A, 7, 7A, 80, 851, 851e

St. Joseph’s Church (01013)

Services: 130, 133, 145, 197, 851, 851e, 960, 960e

15. Is parking available at the exhibition?

Paid parking is available at the National Library building.

16. What should I bring on the day of my visit?

Please bring along your ticket with the QR code, either digitally on your mobile device or as a printed copy.

17. How early should we arrive at the venue?

Please arrive 5 minutes before the time stated on your ticket to allow for registration and smooth entry. If you arrive after your ticket time and miss your allocated slot, we may only be able to accommodate you at the next available slot (which may not be on the same date).

18. Is photography or videography allowed at the exhibition?

You may take photographs and videos for private, non-commercial purposes only. Please note that flash photography, selfie sticks and tripods are not permitted, as these might obstruct other visitors or damage the artefacts.

19. Will there be photographs or recordings taken of me at the exhibition?

Photographs, audio, video and other recordings may be taken of the exhibition and exhibition participants. These may be used for security or publicity/promotional purposes (both for the exhibition and otherwise).

20. Are there restroom facilities available?

Restrooms are available near the Level 10 lift lobby of the National Library building.

21. Are there food and beverage facilities within the premises?

Yes, there are food outlets at the National Library building. However, food and beverages are not permitted within the exhibition.

22. Are there storage facilities for personal belongings?

There are a limited number of lockers available at the entrance of the exhibition. We recommend that visitors refrain from bringing large or bulky items to the exhibition.

23. Is there a dress code?

Visitors are recommended to bring a jacket, as the exhibition’s temperature is set to meet the conservation requirements of some artefacts.