The earliest board games date to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India. These games were often used for entertainment, strategy, and even spiritual or ritualistic purposes. Senet (circa 3100 BCE): Originating in ancient Egypt, Senet is one of the oldest known board games. It was believed to symbolize the journey of the soul through the afterlife! Scroll down to learn more about the history of some characters and events in the world that have been great inspiration for board and card games of today.

Approach a staff at Level 1 to loan any of the board and card games to enjoy at the museum!

Board GameS


Care-A-Lot Journey

Care-A-Lot Journey

From the Care Bear series, this board game lets you explore the land of Care-A-Lot while racing with family and friends. Pick your favorite Care Bear and participate in Care-A-Lot contests and more events as you journey across the board to reach the finish space.

 


Monza

Monza

The Monza board game, inspired by F1’s renowned Formula One Grand Prix circuit, offers a fast-paced racing game designed for children aged 5 and up. Players strategically move their race cars along a three-lane track by matching the dice color to the track’s spaces. This gameplay encourages color recognition and tactical thinking, making it both educational and entertaining. The game accommodates 2 to 4 players with each session lasting approximately 10-15 minutes.

 


Coca-Cola Opooly

Coca-Cola Opooly

This Coca-Cola flavored Monopoly game introduces new themes and ties to the game to provide a fresh new board game experience with friends or family. It also comes with unique cards with the rich history of Coca-Cola. Move around the board with the dice and encounter different events to earn money from your Coca-Cola properties and be the last one standing.

 


The Game of Life

The Game of Life

The Game of Life is a classic board game originally created by Milton Bradley in 1860 as The Checkered Game of Life and later revamped into the modern version by Reuben Klamer in 1960. Published by Hasbro, the iconic game simulates a journey through life, allowing players to experience various milestones, challenges, and achievements in a fun, interactive way.

 


Cluedo Junior

Cluedo Junior

Cluedo Junior (also known as Clue Junior in the United States) is a family-friendly adaptation of the classic mystery board game Clue, tailored for younger players. The game simplifies the mechanics and storyline of the original to make it accessible and engaging for children aged 5 and up.

 


Scrabble

Scrabble

Scrabble is a classic word game created in 1938 by Alfred Mosher Butts, an American architect. It combines strategy, vocabulary, and a touch of luck, making it a favorite among language enthusiasts and families worldwide. The game is published by Hasbro in North America and Mattel elsewhere.

 


Scrabble

PICTIONARY

Pictionary is a classic party game that combines creativity, teamwork, and quick thinking. Created by Robert Angel in 1985, the game challenges players to draw and guess words or phrases within a time limit. It’s widely popular for its simplicity and adaptability, making it a hit at parties, family gatherings, and team-building events.

 

CARD GAMES


Care-A-Lot Journey

THE SINGAPOREAN DREAM

A funny and relatable card game that captures the experiences of locals throughout the lives of Singaporeans such as their studies, National service and much more with the addition of the New Normal expansion. Now including even more experiences that affected Singapore through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manage finances by keeping money in your bank as you work through buying dreams as well as competing with friends and family to get the most dreams in the game. Encounter different obstacles as your group tries to sabotage you to win.

 


Monza

THE DURIAN GAME

A fast paced game about the King of Fruit as players rush to trade for their favourite durians first. There are no turns and thus people will be rushing to trade off their durians to get a full set of 9 cards. be the first one to collect all your durians to win.

 


Coca-Cola Opooly

KOPI KING

Learning about Singapore’s culture? This game uses ingredients from popular drinks in Singapore to play a fast paced game and can even be modified to a memory for players to have a greater challenge.
Players must dig through the pile of ingredients to find the cards necessary to make their drinks. You need to be fast otherwise your ingredients could be snatched away at any given moment.

 

Board GameS

Care-A-Lot Journey

CARE – A – LOT JOURNEY

Players: 2-4

History about The Care Bears

Symbols of Kindness and Joy
The Care Bears, cherished icons of compassion and positivity, made their debut in 1981 on greeting cards created by American Greetings Corporation, the world’s second-largest greeting card producer. These vibrant characters quickly evolved into plush teddy bears, each featuring a distinct color and a unique belly badge symbolizing various aspects of caring, love, and friendship.

The Power of Positivity
Beyond their charming appearance, the Care Bears possessed extraordinary abilities. Their most memorable act, the “Care Bear Stare,” demonstrated the collective power of unity and goodwill. By standing together, the Care Bears channeled a beam of love and good cheer from their belly badges to spread positivity and combat negativity.

A Nod to Arthurian Legend
The world of the Care Bears also pays homage to the legend of King Arthur. Their magical kingdom, “Care-a-lot,” serves as a playful tribute to Camelot, blending themes of chivalry, magic, and community. This connection to timeless storytelling adds a layer of depth to their whimsical world.

Enduring Appeal
The Care Bears remain beloved for their unique blend of magic, love, and kindness. They continue to inspire generations with their message of empathy and their celebration of the transformative power of care.

Legacy
From greeting cards to television, toys, and beyond, the Care Bears have solidified their place as enduring symbols of warmth and compassion, spreading joy to audiences across the world.

Approach a staff at Level 1 to loan any of the board and card games to enjoy at the museum!

 
MONZA

MONZA

Players: 2-6

History about Monza Grand Prix

The Monza Grand Prix, held at the legendary Autodromo Nazionale Monza, stands as one of the cornerstones of the Formula 1 calendar. Established in 1922, it is the oldest circuit in F1 history and has earned its reputation as the “Temple of Speed.” Drivers at Monza regularly achieve extraordinary speeds exceeding 350 km/h (220 mph) along its iconic straights, navigating the track’s demanding corners with precision and skill.

Monza is more than just a technical challenge; it is a sensory experience. The circuit’s thrilling races are amplified by the fervent support of the Tifosi—Ferrari’s passionate Italian fanbase—whose cheers create an atmosphere of unparalleled excitement and unity. Their energy elevates the Grand Prix into an event that transcends motorsport.

Beyond the racetrack, Monza’s influence reaches into unexpected realms. Its legacy inspired the creation of a children’s game, designed to foster tactical thinking and encourage the recognition of shapes and colors. The game mirrors the Grand Prix’s emphasis on strategy and sharp decision-making, offering a playful nod to the essence of competitive racing.
Monza remains a testament to the enduring allure of speed, strategy, and Italian culture. Whether on the track or in playful homage, it continues to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.

Approach a staff at Level 1 to loan any of the board and card games to enjoy at the museum!

 
COCA COLA-O-POLY

COCA COLA-O-POLY

Players: 2-6

History of Coca Cola

Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most recognizable beverages, traces its origins to an unlikely beginning. It was first concocted by a Confederate colonel during the American Civil War as a remedy for his morphine addiction. Initially marketed as a patent medicine, Coca-Cola was promoted as a cure-all for a variety of ailments.

Over time, the drink transformed from a medicinal tonic into a global phenomenon, deeply embedded in American culture. Today, Coca-Cola is more than a beverage; it is a symbol of the United States, representing innovation, nostalgia, and the power of branding. Its cultural impact extends far beyond the drink itself. Interestingly, Coca-Cola continues to serve practical purposes—ranging from a remedy for gastric phytobezoars (solid masses that obstruct the gastrointestinal tract) to an effective cleaning agent for grease and oil stains on concrete, metal, and fabric.

This multifaceted legacy of Coca-Cola reflects its versatility and enduring influence. From its origins as a medicinal experiment to its status as a cultural and practical icon, Coca-Cola’s story is as effervescent as the bubbles within the drink.

Approach a staff at Level 1 to loan any of the board and card games to enjoy at the museum!

 
THE GAME OF LIFE

THE GAME OF LIFE

Players: 2-6

History about The Game of Life

The Game of Life, an enduring classic in the world of board games, holds a prestigious place in the US National Toy Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. First introduced over 150 years ago, the game was originally designed not to celebrate material wealth or success but to explore themes of morality and the pursuit of a virtuous life.

In its earliest iterations, players navigated a series of life events that could lead to outcomes such as jail or poverty, mirroring the unpredictability and moral challenges of real life. Interestingly, the game’s iconic spinner was a purposeful design choice by Milton Bradley, the game’s creator. A deeply religious man, Bradley avoided the use of dice due to their association with gambling, opting instead for the spinner as a symbol of chance without moral compromise.

Though the Game of Life has undergone numerous updates and modernizations, its historical roots and thematic depth remain an integral part of its legacy. Beyond entertainment, it offers a fascinating glimpse into shifting societal values and the enduring human desire to make meaningful choices in the face of life’s uncertainties.

Approach a staff at Level 1 to loan any of the board and card games to enjoy at the museum!

 
CLUEDO JUNIOR

CLUEDO JUNIOR

Players: 2-6

History of Cluedo

Cluedo, the quintessential murder-mystery board game, was born from the intrigue of detective fiction and the murder-mystery parlor games popularized during World War II. Drawing inspiration from the works of Agatha Christie and her legendary detective Hercule Poirot, Cluedo was designed to capture the suspense, strategy, and excitement of unraveling a thrilling whodunit.

Originally named Murder! by its creator Anthony E. Pratt, the game was later rebranded as Cluedo by Waddingtons, the British company that brought it to global fame. Early versions of the game featured an expanded arsenal of weapons beyond the six familiar ones, including unconventional tools like a syringe, poison, an axe, and even a bomb.

With its intricate design and 324 possible solutions, Cluedo stands out as a game of endless intrigue. No matter how sharp your deductions, every game is a fresh challenge, demanding strategic thinking and careful observation. The enduring legacy of Cluedo lies not only in its iconic characters and settings but also in its ability to keep players guessing, making it a timeless celebration of mystery and logic.

Approach a staff at Level 1 to loan any of the board and card games to enjoy at the museum!

 
PICTIONARY

SCRABBLE

Players: 2-4

History of Scrabble

Scrabble, the iconic word game cherished by families and word enthusiasts worldwide, has its origins in the early 1930s. Designed by Alfred Mosher Butts, an architect from New York, the game was initially called Scramble before evolving into the name we know today.

What sets Scrabble apart is its incredible versatility and mathematical depth. With over 100 billion possible board combinations, the game offers endless challenges and opportunities for creativity. Remarkably, if all the Scrabble tiles ever produced were laid end to end, they would stretch to the moon and back more than twice. Among its many memorable moments, the longest word ever played in a competitive game—OXYPHENBUTAZONE, a 15-letter medical term—highlights the game’s complexity and potential for linguistic achievement.

Beyond its enduring popularity, Scrabble has become a symbol of intellectual engagement, fostering mental agility, strategic thinking, and a love for language. Its legacy continues to inspire players of all ages, securing its place as a cultural and educational phenomenon.

Approach a staff at Level 1 to loan any of the board and card games to enjoy at the museum!

 
PICTIONARY

PICTIONARY

Players: 3 & MORE

History of Pictionary

Pictionary, the beloved drawing and guessing game, was invented in 1985 by Robert Angel and his friends Gary and Phil as a lighthearted activity for a party. Its simple yet engaging premise quickly captured the imaginations of players worldwide, turning it into a cultural phenomenon.

The game’s charm lies in its unique blend of creativity, pressure, and hilarity, as players attempt to illustrate often complex ideas within a time limit. This unpredictability and humor make every round memorable. A fun fact about Pictionary: the longest word ever featured on a game card is the tongue-twisting pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, a 45-letter medical term!

Pictionary’s appeal extends beyond its original board game format. It has been adapted into TV shows, mobile apps, and even used as a team-building tool in corporate events, showcasing its versatility and enduring popularity. From its humble beginnings to its status as a global classic, Pictionary continues to prove that everyone can be an artist—if only for a moment.

Approach a staff at Level 1 to loan any of the board and card games to enjoy at the museum!

CARD GameS

Care-A-Lot Journey

THE SINGAPOREAN DREAM

Players: 2-6

History about the creation of The Singaporean Dream

The rise of locally produced games in Singapore highlights the nation’s creativity and resilience, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. As lockdowns prompted a surge in interest for tabletop games, Singaporean creators tapped into this growing enthusiasm to design games that reflect the country’s unique culture and shared experiences.

Among these is The Singaporean Dream, a card game that humorously explores the aspirations, quirks, and challenges of life in Singapore. At the height of the pandemic, the creators released a special edition titled The Singaporean Dream: The New Normal. This edition cleverly incorporated themes of social distancing, working from home, and the “new normal” routines that emerged during the circuit breaker period, offering players a relatable and entertaining way to reflect on an unprecedented time in Singapore’s history.

Beyond entertainment, The Singaporean Dream serves as a cultural artifact, capturing the aspirations and collective experiences of the nation. It exemplifies the power of games to bring people together, even in challenging times, while offering a lens through which to view and celebrate Singapore’s evolving identity.

Approach a staff at Level 1 to loan any of the board and card games to enjoy at the museum!

 
Care-A-Lot Journey

THE DURIAN GAME

Players: 3-10

History about Durian and its Influence

The Durian, often crowned the “King of Fruits,” occupies a unique and deeply rooted position in Southeast Asian culture, especially in Singapore. The fruit’s name stems from the Malay word duri, meaning “thorn,” aptly describing its spiky exterior. While beloved by many for its rich, custard-like flesh, durian is equally infamous for its strong, polarizing aroma. The love-hate relationship with its scent is so pronounced that durians are banned in public transportation across Singapore due to their pungency.

Durian’s cultural significance is celebrated in surprising ways, including Singapore’s urban landscape. Lorong Lew Lian, a street in Singapore, derives its name from the Hokkien term for durian. The connection was symbolically reinforced in 1995 when durian saplings were planted in the area as a tribute to the fruit’s iconic status.

Beyond its divisive reputation, the durian remains a symbol of identity and heritage in Southeast Asia. Its complex history, from its origins in Borneo to its enduring presence in modern culture, reflects the region’s deep culinary and cultural traditions, making it much more than just a fruit—it’s an experience.

Approach a staff at Level 1 to loan any of the board and card games to enjoy at the museum!

 
KOPI KING

KOPI KING

Players: 1-6

History about Kopi and its Influence

Kopi, derived from the Malay word for coffee, is more than just a drink—it is a cultural institution in Singapore, embodying the nation’s rich heritage and multicultural identity. As the term evolved through the blending of languages and dialects, “kopi” became a unifying symbol of everyday life, transcending ethnic and social boundaries to become an integral part of Singaporean culture.

The Hainanese immigrants of the colonial era introduced the art of coffee-making to Singapore, establishing the first kopitiams—traditional coffee shops that quickly became cherished communal spaces. These humble establishments served as venues for conversations, business dealings, and community bonding, anchoring kopi firmly in the daily routines of locals.

What makes kopi uniquely Singaporean is its unparalleled variety. With over 54 variations available, each cup is a personal expression of taste, influenced heavily by the Hokkien dialect’s customization codes, from the level of sweetness to the richness of the brew. Kopi is more than a beverage—it is a living testament to Singapore’s demographic evolution, its industrial progress, and its cultural vibrancy.
From its colonial roots to its status as a cultural icon, kopi remains a symbol of Singapore’s ingenuity and community spirit, offering a taste of the nation’s history in every cup.

Approach a staff at Level 1 to loan any of the board and card games to enjoy at the museum!


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