Things to do in Singapore today

If you're seeking an escape from the mundane, we highly recommend checking out New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed. Curated by ArtScience Museum, this exhibition explores how female artists and collectives from various parts of Asia are creating art within the science-fiction genre. Visitors can anticipate a diverse range of artworks encompassing various mediums, including artefacts, films, and more.

Discover notions from Western science fiction theories like parallel universes and outer space ventures, to the rich tapestry of Asian mythology and philosophies. These include ideas such as hybridity of two or more beings, mysticism, and transcending the physical constraints of humanity.

This exhibition also underscores the significance of Asian female artists and their contributions to the science fiction genre. Moreover, it acts as a platform for highlighting alternative perspectives, envisioning what a more inclusive future in the arts would look like.

Featured artists include: Morehshin Allahyari, Patty Chang, Chok Si Xuan, Club Ate, Lee Bul, Liu Xiao Fang, Xin Liu, The House of Natural Fiber, Saya Woolfalk, among several others.

Tickets can be purchased here.

This might be one of the biggest experiential exhibitions ever to commemorate the life journey of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. 

Spread across a whopping 17,000 square feet within a three-story building, this exhibition takes you on a captivating journey through Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's life. It unfolds his story in 20 distinct rooms, each revealing a chapter of his remarkable life. Prepare to immerse yourself in reimagined memories, painting vivid tales of his life's incredible journeys through interactive installations, multimedia exhibits and hands-on activities.

Get your kids in on the Halloween festivities at Universal Studios Singapore Trick or Thrills. It’s all fun and no scares at this daytime event. The little ones will get to meet their favourite characters in the flesh, like Minion Monsters from Despicable Me, Megatron from Transformers, Sesame Street friends, Universal Monsters, and Scorpion King. A scarily sweet candy crew will also be on the prowl to dish out live dance and percussion shows – stick around for the candy giveaway and best dressed contest too.

Kick off Halloween season with a spooky descent into hell – at none other than Orchard Gateway. Your job is to stop a demonic schoolgirl from the 1960s, who is looking to sacrifice five innocent souls to open a portal into our modern world. As if that isn’t creepy enough, the scarehouse experience comes with a VR gaming element – all the better to feel like you’re in the depths of a dark underworld. To complete the experience, snap a picture at the photobooth and snag Halloween-themed drinks at East Eight.

In Snakes and Lanterns, artist Lindsey Jean Mclean skillfully interprets the essence of Singapore’s Kampong Gelam area by employing her lively brushwork and a vibrant palette on her canvases. At first glance, the paintings may appear somewhat abstract, but upon closer examination, a female figure emerges from beneath veils and smoky strokes – a recurring motif in her collection. This captivating yet unsettling interplay of attraction and veiling within Mclean's art presents a fascinating irony, granting the figures within her works the power to dictate the viewer's focus. View the exhibition catalogue here.

The renowned musical Mamma Mia! is making  its way to our shores, gracing The Sands Theatre stage from October 19 to November 5. No need for a formal introduction – this show, with its infectious tunes and captivating dance moves, has brought joy to 65 million worldwide.

Written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, inspired by the iconic songs of Swedish group ABBA, and composed by the musical talents of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! combines ABBA hits with a heartwarming story of a mother, a daughter, and three unexpected dads on a picturesque Greek island. All that's left to do is exclaim Gimme Gimme Gimme! those tickets and secure your booking right here.

Mastering the intricate artform of papercutting is no easy accomplishment, but Indonesian artist Mujahidin Nurrahman emerges as a conqueror of this unique craft. His creations don't just tickle your artistic fancy; they play a game of tug-of-war with your emotions, balancing on the tightrope between threat and aesthetic bliss.

In Mujahidin's world, the artistic process isn't just about doodling; it's a symphony of repeated, complex patterns and shapes. Each piece is a unique composition and the coolest part? Zoom in, and you'll unveil the secrets hidden within Mujahidin's creations, with a surprising twist: the iconic AK-47 machine gun, adding a provocative layer of symbolism to his artistic narrative. 

Oh my, oh my god, because popular K-pop girl group New Jeans is coming to Singapore for their LINE FRIENDS pop-up store at Orchard Central. Opening from September 15 to November 23, the pop-up will be a vibrant, pink-themed fest featuring adorable merchandise like NewJeans 'Bunini' and The Powerpuff Girls versions of the girl group members. At the pop-up, shop the cute, bunny-like character 'Bunini', a mash-up between IPX's 'Minini' series (the same creative folks behind BTS's BT21) and NewJeans TOKKI ('bunny' in Korean) mascot. The pop-up store will sell these NewJeans x The Powerpuff Girls characters on a range of merchandise, including stickers, caps, shirts, photocards, and accessories. 

From June 1 to December 20, The Clan Hotel presents an exclusive Culture and Cuisine package for all to wind down with while diving into the rich culture of Singapore. This enticing offer encompasses a two-night luxury stay in the five-star hotel's premier Master Series room, with breakfast at QĪN Restaurant & Bar, an exquisite 6-course Teochew dining experience at Zui Yu Xuan, and a hands-on porcelain plate workshop. 

Hammocks were made for snoozing, until now that is. Every alternate Saturday, buy clothes off hammocks at The Hammock Market. Scour through someone else’s wardrobe at the hammock section or shop curated pieces from established stores at the booths. Looking for something more than apparels? There is also an area set aside for local artisans to showcase their crafts. Think candles, pottery, handmade jewellery and many more. Vendors alternate every week so there’s always something new to look forward to. And if you think snagging something at half the price or less isn’t exciting enough, you’ll be delighted to know that free tote bags (worth $19.99) are also up for grabs with every purchase – while stocks last for the day. 

No stranger to the global art scene, Mumbai-based artist Shilpa Gupta has encouraged many to see the world from the POV of the oppressed via large-scale sculptural installations since the 1990s. This week, she’s unveiling a gargantuan inflatable at the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden atop National Gallery Singapore. Named Untitled, the thought-provoking sculpture invites all to interact with it. With malleable material, two interlocked figures, and a multiplicity of meanings, it offers a visually striking and conceptually rich experience – a juxtaposition to the visual density of a bustling metropolis. A non-traditional way to view art? We're sold.

It's never too early to expose your little ones to art. Unlock their creativity with a multi-sensorial art adventure at National Gallery Singapore as it turns into a colossal warren of imagination. Themed Let’s Make a Better Place, the fourth edition of the Gallery Children’s Biennale decks the National Gallery Singapore with 11 art installations by artists around the world. Each installation spotlights one of four core values which include care, collaborate, imagine, and respect. These artistic concepts also highlight the relevant issues of today – in an easy-to-digest manner for kids, no less. Your young heroes can look forward to immersive experiences that go beyond imaginative play, inspiring them to take an active role in bettering the world.

You don’t want to miss the largest exhibition by a Singaporean public museum yet, dedicated to ink master Liu Kuo-sung’s 70 year old artistic career spanning from the 1950s to the 2020s. Painter Liu spent his career discovering and advocating the modernisation of traditional Chinese ink painting through his art practice and writings. Showcasing 60 selected works that trace his journey and evolution as an artist, the exhibition highlights his innovations in modern Chinese ink painting and how he went beyond the brush to explore the physicality of ink and paper.

After 17 editions of da:ns festivals, the dance celebration is ready to take things to the next level. Introducing da:ns focus. Spread across five weekends throughout the year, each part focuses on a particular theme or genre, and is jam-packed with exciting programmes, experiences and activities to get everyone involved – no matter if you’re a seasoned dancer or dipping your (pointe) toes into the scene for the first time. Mark your calendars for April 14 to 16 as it opens with the first set: EveryBody. The weekender focuses on work powered by inclusivity and diversity, so expect dance projects that empower all body types and abilities. Accessibility features for selected programmes such as Relaxed Environment, Sign Language Interpretation and wheelchair access are also offered.

Calling all art history junkies, this one’s for you. With over 300 works housed in the Supreme Court building, Between Declarations and Dreams looks back on the artistic impulses of Southeast Asian art, dating back all the way to the early mid-19th century. The curatorial narrative explores four main themes in chronological order – Authority and Anxiety, Imagining Country and Self, Manifesting the Nation and Re:Defining Art.