A Date With Tradition 2026: Myths, Legends & Traditional Arts Come Alive

Hi Huneybees,

Traditional arts don't always have to be something we admire from a distance. This August, A Date With Tradition (ADWT) 2026 returns to Stamford Arts Centre, and what caught my attention is how much of the programme actually invites us to get involved.

You can encounter Chinese opera performers wandering beyond the stage, watch ancient stories retold through Indian classical dance, contribute to a community mural, try batik painting, make origami, or even learn how Chinese opera performers can create the illusion of riding a horse with nothing more than a whip.

And with this year's theme being Myths and Legends, it sounds like a rather fun way to rediscover some of the stories and traditions we grew up around, including those from cultures we might not be quite as familiar with.

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A Date With Tradition Returns for Singapore Night Festival 2026

Presented by Arts House Group in conjunction with Singapore Night Festival, A Date With Tradition takes place over three weekends from 21 August to 5 September 2026 at Stamford Arts Centre.

This year's programme brings together Chinese opera, Indian classical dance, gamelan storytelling, interactive installations, exhibitions, workshops and youth-led activities.

What I like about the concept is that traditional arts aren't treated simply as something from our past. Instead, we're invited to see how artists are taking these traditions and finding new ways to tell their stories, while still keeping their cultural roots alive.

And if traditional arts have always felt a little intimidating or "not really your thing", this might actually be a good place to start. Most of the programmes are free, with selected workshops ticketed from just $5.

So, what should you look out for?

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Watch Journey to the West Get a Kathakali Twist

Here's one I definitely didn't expect. The familiar Chinese classic Journey to the West gets reimagined through Kathakali, an Indian classical dance-theatre tradition, in a performance by Bhaskar's Arts Academy.

The episode follows Tang Sanzang as he encounters a young woman who isn't quite what she appears to be. Thankfully, Sun Wukong sees through the deception and comes to his rescue. It's an interesting crossover: a familiar Chinese tale retold through the movement, expression and theatrical language of an Indian classical art form.

Journey to the West (Kathakali)
📅 21 & 22 August 2026
⏰ 7pm – 7.30pm & 8pm – 8.30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #01-01

Bhaskar's Arts Academy will also present Panchatantra, based on India's ancient collection of animal fables.

There's a fun twist here too: the audience gets to make choices that shape how the story unfolds, which means no two performances are necessarily the same.

Panchatantra (Bharatanatyam)
📅 4 September, 8pm – 8.30pm
📅 5 September, 6.30pm – 7pm & 8pm – 8.30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #01-01

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Chinese Opera Is Literally Stepping Off the Stage

If you've always thought of Chinese opera as something watched from a theatre seat, Breaking the Opera Walls might change that.

Presented by Traditional Arts Centre, performers dressed as traditional Chinese opera characters will roam through different parts of Stamford Arts Centre. Instead of waiting for audiences to come to them, they're bringing the performance right into the spaces around us.

Each 15-minute walk includes choreographed pauses where you'll get to see the characters and movements up close. I think this could also be one of the more photogenic experiences of the festival, especially if you happen to encounter the performers unexpectedly while exploring the building.

Breaking the Opera Walls 戏曲出走
📅 21, 22, 28 & 29 August; 4 & 5 September
⏰ 7pm – 7.15pm & 9pm – 9.15pm
📍 Various locations around Stamford Arts Centre
💡 Starts near Cheerful Goat

For those curious about what goes on behind the elaborate costumes and makeup, Chinese Opera Studio will also hold Teochew Opera demonstrations and performances.

You'll be able to learn more about traditional vocal and performance techniques and watch the transformation of a performer through face painting, costume dressing and intricate headgear styling before seeing selected opera scenes performed.

Chinese Opera Studio: Teochew Opera Performance (w/o makeup & costume)
📅 28 Aug & 4 Sep
⏰ 8:00pm – 9:00pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #03-04

Chinese Opera Studio: Teochew Opera Performance (w makeup & costume)
📅 29 Aug, 8:00pm – 8:30pm
⏰ 5 Sep, 6:00pm – 6:30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #03-04

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Learn How Chinese Opera Creates a Horse Without a Horse

This might be one of the workshops I'd be most curious to try.

In Chinese opera, performers don't exactly bring a real horse onto the stage. Instead, something as simple as a horse whip can symbolise the entire animal. At the Chinese Opera Horse-Whip Workshop, participants can learn some of the movements and gestures performers use to create that illusion.

It's a small detail, but I think it gives you a much better appreciation of how much imagination and symbolism goes into traditional theatre.

Chinese Opera Horse-Whip Workshop
📅 28 & 29 August; 4 September, 8.30pm – 9pm
📅 5 September, 7pm – 7.30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #03-05
🎟 $5 per person

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Hear Myths Told Through Chinese Music and Gamelan

Stories aren't only being retold through dance and theatre. Ding Yi Music Company presents Chinese Music of Myths, a short 15-minute performance inspired by Chinese mythology.

Across three works, audiences will hear traditional Chinese instruments including the sheng, with one of the ensemble pieces inspired by the adventures of Sun Wukong.

Chinese Music of Myths 《神话入乐》
📅 4 & 5 September
⏰ 8pm – 8.15pm & 8.45pm – 9pm

Meanwhile, NAFA Gamelan CCA presents Stories and Shadows: Gamelan and Wayang Kulit, combining local folktales with gamelan music and contemporary puppetry.

Stories and Shadows: Gamelan and Wayang Kulit
📅 21 & 22 August
⏰ 7.30pm – 8pm & 9.30pm – 10pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #02-03

If you're visiting during Singapore Night Festival, these shorter performances could be easy to slot between the other installations and programmes you're exploring around the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct.

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Get Hands-On With Batik, Calligraphy and Origami

A big part of A Date With Tradition is participation, so there are plenty of activities (ticketed) where you don't have to simply stand around and watch.

You can try Chinese Calligraphy Silk Screen Printing with Malik Mazlan, where Chinese calligraphy is explored through silk-screen printing.

Malik Mazlan: Chinese Calligraphy Silk Screen Printing
📅 21, 22, 28 & 29 Aug
⏰ 6:00pm – 10:30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, Black Box

There's also Fabric of Enchantment by Khairulddin bin Abdul Wahab, a community batik-painting project that brings people together to learn basic batik techniques while contributing to a collaborative artwork.

Khairulddin bin Abdul Wahab: Fabric of Enchantment
📅 21, 22, 28 & 29 Aug
⏰ 6:00pm - 10:30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, Black Box

Another interesting cultural crossover is Batik Ink Rubbing, which combines traditional Chinese dry ink rubbing techniques with batik copper stamps. By rubbing ink over paper placed on the textured stamps, you'll reveal the intricate batik patterns underneath.

Malik Mazlan: Batik Ink Rubbing
📅 4 & 5 Sep
⏰ 6:00pm – 10:30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, Black Box

And if origami is more your thing, the Japanese Cultural Society will be holding a free Origami Crane Activity on 4 and 5 September. Fold a crane, write your wishes on it and add it to a collective installation before making another washi-paper crane to bring home.

Japanese Cultural Society: Origami Crane Activity
📅 4 Sep, 6:00pm – 10:30pm | 5 Sep, 4:00pm – 10:30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, Black Box

There's also an Origami Lamp Workshop, where you'll learn to transform a single A3 sheet into an illuminated paper lamp complete with a mini touch LED light.

Origami Lamp Workshop
📅 4 & 5 September
🎟 $5 per person
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #02-03

A dedicated parent-child session will also be held on 5 September.

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Make Your Own Little Keepsake

If you prefer something crafty that you can bring home, Chokmah will be running several walk-in workshops throughout the festival.

You can make a Forever Bloom Acrylic Coaster with preserved flowers for $10, create a Marble Mini Pot or Rainbow Prism Bear using Jesmonite for $10, or make a Peranakan-inspired Terrazzo Coaster for $20.

Most sessions run across the festival evenings, making them easy to add to your visit if you want a break between performances.

Chokmah: Forever Bloom Acrylic Coaster
📅 21, 22, 28, 29 Aug & 4 Sep, 6:00pm – 10:30pm | 5 Sep, 4:00pm – 10:30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #01-04
🎟  $10/pax

Chokmah: Marble Mini Pot
📅 21, 22, 28, 29 Aug & 4 Sep, 6:00pm – 10:30pm | 5 Sep, 4:00pm – 10:30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #01-04
🎟  $10/pax

Chokmah: Rainbow Prism Bear
📅  21, 22, 28, 29 Aug & 4 Sep, 6:00pm – 10:30pm | 5 Sep, 4:00pm – 10:30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #01-04
🎟  $10/pax

Chokmah: Terrazzo Peranakan Coaster
📅  21, 22, 28, 29 Aug & 4 Sep, 6:00pm – 10:30pm | 5 Sep, 4:00pm – 10:30pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #01-04
🎟  $20/pax

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Paint Your Partner as a Legend

This one definitely sounds like a cute date activity.

Hats Off to These Legends! by U+ Gallery/Umistrong is an exhibition featuring works by local and international artists inspired by myths and legends from Singapore and around the world. But you can take things one step further during its portrait-painting sessions.

Participants get to wear hats inspired by legendary or mythical figures from Singapore's past and then paint a portrait of their partner wearing their chosen hat.

Art teachers will be around to guide you, so thankfully your date doesn't need to leave looking like a completely different mythical creature.

Hats Off to These Legends! – Portrait Painting Class
📅 21, 22, 28 & 29 August; 4 & 5 September
⏰ 6pm – 7.30pm & 8.30pm – 10pm
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, #01-05
🎟 $38 per person

The accompanying exhibition runs from 21 August to 5 September, 11am – 10pm, and is closed on Tuesdays.

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Touch the Flowers and Watch Them Come Alive

If you havn't seen this during iLight 2026, come check out this installation at a new venue - Where the Wildflowers Grow: Rooted by Kester Wong and Tan Shao Qi, will be featured at the Stamford Arts Centre.

Here, wildflowers become symbols of resilience, renewal and collective belonging. The installation draws parallels between flowers taking root in unexpected places and the way myths, traditions and stories survive across generations, changing with time without completely losing their origins.

But it isn't just something to look at. Touch the flowers and they'll begin to glow and sway, with visitors' interactions gradually transforming the illuminated garden.

Tradition isn't something frozen in time. Every generation interacts with it differently and, in doing so, becomes part of how that tradition continues.

Where the Wildflowers Grow: Rooted
📅 21 August – 5 September 2026
📍 Stamford Arts Centre

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Leave Your Own Mark on A Date With Tradition

You can also become part of the festival through the ANTZ Community Mural. The mural design is inspired by the Yellow Ribbon community and arts groups at Stamford Arts Centre, and visitors are invited to simply pick up a brush and add something to the evolving artwork.

ANTZ: Community Mural
📅 22 & 29 August; 5 September
⏰ 6pm – 10pm
📍 Back Courtyard, Stamford Arts Centre

For younger visitors, [X] by Kita will also become a casual gathering space on selected evenings.

There are open drop-in sessions where you can hang out, meet people or make art, alongside themed Hangouts including a SingLit Poetry Circle, Music Open Jam and Abstract Arts Jam.

It's a nice reminder that culture isn't only about preserving what came before us. It's also about giving today's generation space to create something of their own.

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So, Is A Date With Tradition Worth Adding to Your Singapore Night Festival Route?

I think the biggest appeal of A Date With Tradition is that you don't necessarily need to know anything about traditional arts before walking in.

You could come for a performance and unexpectedly find yourself learning how Chinese opera works. You might stop by for an installation and end up painting batik, folding origami or contributing to a community mural.

Tradition stays alive when we're given opportunities to interact with it, reinterpret it and find our own connections to the stories that came before us.

With most programmes free, A Date With Tradition is also an easy addition to your Singapore Night Festival itinerary, especially since Stamford Arts Centre sits within the wider Bras Basah.Bugis festival precinct.

A Date With Tradition 2026
📅 21 August – 5 September 2026
📍 Stamford Arts Centre, 155 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187962
🎟 Most programmes are free; selected workshops are ticketed

*Programme schedules are subject to change, so do check the official A Date With Tradition programme before heading down.

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The Centrestage Returns to The Centrepoint with Jeff Ng, Yokez & Free Live Music For National Day 2026

Hi Huneybees,

Orchard Road is about to get a little louder this August; and this time, the spotlight is firmly on Singapore's homegrown talents.

Just in time for the National Day celebrations, The Centrestage is returning to The Centrepoint for its second edition on 1 and 2 August 2026, bringing together live music, local artists, creative brands and exclusive collaborations right in the heart of Orchard Road.

Themed “Celebration in the Spotlight”, this year's two-day showcase will take over the Level 1 Atrium at The Centrepoint, with performances by 10 emerging and established local acts, headlined by Jeff Ng and Yokez.

But there's more happening beyond the stage too. Visitors can discover homegrown brands including SADSHRIMPS, The Liquor Shop and White Rabbit, redeem limited-edition merchandise and enjoy a series of FRx rewards throughout the National Day season.

If you're looking for something to do over the National Day period , or simply want to discover more of Singapore's creative scene, here's what you can expect...

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Homegrown Singapore Music Takes Centre Stage

At the heart of The Centrestage is, of course, the music.

This year's programme brings together performers from different ages, backgrounds and musical styles, reflecting the diversity of Singapore's growing creative community.

Headlining the two evenings are Jeff Ng and Yokez, who will each close the night with their respective performances.Recognised as one of Singapore's most prominent buskers, Jeff Ng brings nearly two decades of musical experience to the stage, spanning original music, popular street performances and festival appearances.

Yokez, meanwhile, brings a fresh bilingual Mandopop sound to the line-up, combining her contemporary musical style with a strong digital presence that has helped her connect with younger audiences.

The programme will be hosted by Kiss92 presenter Juliana Yeow and will also feature performances by a mix of rising local talents and student ensembles.

The line-up includes Absence!, Eli Low, Julian, Ishbel Warifa, Ryan Wu, SMU Chamber Choir, Noah Fang, Elijah Seah, Bernice Ong and Jenshin.

One to look out for is Singapore indie-pop trio Absence!, fronted by lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Aida Zul, alongside guitarist and instrumentalist Ryan Lai and drummer and producer Luke Lee. Known for their quirky blend of alternative and synth pop, the trio brings yet another distinctive sound to the weekend's diverse line-up.

With The Centrepoint's central location along Orchard Road, The Centrestage offers an accessible way for shoppers, families, music lovers and even those simply passing through Somerset to stop and discover Singapore's homegrown music scene.

*Performance schedules and participating acts are subject to change.

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More Than Music: Discover Local Brands and Creators

Beyond the live performances, The Centrestage will also shine a spotlight on Singapore's creative and lifestyle scene, with a curated showcase featuring homegrown brands including SADSHRIMPS, The Liquor Shop and White Rabbit.

One of the highlights is an exclusive collaboration with Singapore illustrator Natasha Elle, founder of lifestyle brand SADSHRIMPS. Shoppers who spend a minimum of $61 can redeem a limited-edition SADSHRIMPS x The Centrepoint Mug and Sticker Set, featuring Natasha's signature whimsical illustrations and created specially as a keepsake celebrating local artistry.

“It's always exciting getting to work with people who believe in the wonder of artistic spaces and shared community. I created this with that excitement in mind, that this event will be a gathering of fun and exploration.” --- Natasha Elle, founder of lifestyle brand SADSHRIMPS

For those who love discovering Singapore creatives and supporting local brands, this adds another fun layer to the weekend beyond simply catching the performances.

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Complimentary Muah Chee, Exclusive Premiums and FRx Rewards

And what's a Singapore celebration without a little local treat?

During The Centrestage weekend, FRx members can redeem complimentary muah chee, or peanut mochi, adding a familiar local flavour to the festivities. There will also be a dedicated photo opportunity at the atrium, so visitors can capture their Centrestage experience while exploring the performances and activities.

The National Day celebrations will continue the following weekend on 8 and 9 August 2026. Shoppers who spend a minimum of $20 at participating FRx stores can redeem a complimentary customised iron-on pouch, limited to the first 150 redemptions per day and available while stocks last.

Throughout August, FRx members can also enjoy additional shopping rewards:

• Receive a $15 FRx Gift Card with a minimum spend of $260.

• Receive a $10 F&B voucher when you spend $60 during performance days.

• New FRx members can receive a $5 FRx Gift Card by signing up with the promo code FRXGET5.

The rewards are designed to complement the wider Centrestage experience, giving visitors more reasons to explore the performances, homegrown brand activations, Local Crafters' Fair, as well as The Centrepoint's existing retail and dining offerings.

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Celebrating Singapore's Creative Community in the Heart of Orchard Road

The return of The Centrestage is part of The Centrepoint's ongoing efforts to transform the mall into more than simply a place to shop and dine. By bringing musicians, artists, creators and local businesses together in one accessible space, the programme creates opportunities for Singapore's creative talents to reach new audiences, while giving visitors something unexpected to discover during an everyday trip to Orchard Road.

Ms Rachel Fang, General Manager of The Centrepoint, shared that this year's edition brings together a new and diverse line-up of local talent, creating more opportunities for visitors to discover and connect with homegrown artists.

Whether you're already a fan of the performers, curious about Singapore's emerging music scene, supporting your favourite local creatives or simply looking for something different to do over the National Day season, The Centrestage: Celebration in the Spotlight sounds like a fun reason to make a stop at The Centrepoint this August.

And who knows? You might just walk in for some shopping and walk out having discovered your next favourite local artist.

The Centrestage: “Celebration in the Spotlight”

📍Level 1 Atrium, The Centrepoint

Performance Weekend: 1-2 August 2026

Local Crafters' Fair: 3-9 August 2026
For more information, please visit https://www.thecentrepoint.com.sg/whats-on/events/celebration-in-thespotlight.

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Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at Museum of Ice Cream Singapore: Free Ice Cream & Sprinkle Pool Access

Hi Huneybees,

I've always thought Museum of Ice Cream is one of those places that brings out the inner child in everyone. So when I heard they were giving away free ice cream to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, I knew it was worth sharing with my fellow Huneybees.

On 19 July, Museum of Ice Cream Singapore (MOIC) is throwing open its doors for a one-day celebration packed with free treats, colourful photo opportunities and even the chance to win a year's worth of unlimited visits.

Whether you're already a fan of MOIC or you've been looking for the perfect excuse to finally check it out, this might just be the best day to drop by.

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Free Ice Cream for Everyone

From 10am to 6pm, MOIC's Dessert Bar & Café will be open to the public with free entry, and every visitor will receive a complimentary ice cream cone while stocks last.

Of course, no visit to Museum of Ice Cream is complete without snapping a few colourful photos, and for one day only, guests can also enjoy free access to the iconic outdoor Sprinkle Pool. It's usually reserved for museum visitors, making this a fun bonus if you've always wanted those playful sprinkle-filled shots. Better still, the Dessert Bar is pet-friendly, so your furry companion can join in the outing too!

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Win a Museum of Ice Cream Annual Membership

The celebrations don't stop at the venue. MOIC is also hosting an Instagram giveaway where four Annual Memberships, worth S$248 each, are up for grabs.

To participate:

• Follow @museumoficecreamsg
• Comment with your favourite ice cream shop
• You're in the running to win an Annual Membership

Winners will enjoy unlimited visits to Museum of Ice Cream Singapore for an entire year, along with exclusive member perks and benefits.

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A Sweet Weekend Outing

Free ice cream, colourful photo spots, access to the famous Sprinkle Pool and a chance to win a year's membership? That's  not a bad way to spend a Sunday hangout with friends, family and even your pet! This National Ice Cream Day celebration is definitely a fun one to add to your calendar ~~~

National Ice Cream Day at Museum of Ice Cream Singapore
📍 Museum of Ice Cream Singapore , 100 Loewen Road, Dempsey, Singapore 248837

📆 19 July
⏰ 10:00am – 6:00pm

For more information, tickets to the full Museum of Ice Cream experience and future updates, visit the official Museum of Ice Cream Singapore website or follow @museumoficecreamsg and #moicsg on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates.

Keep a keen eye on MOIC’s newsletter for exclusive promotions and exciting updates! To sign up for the MOIC newsletter, please visit museumoficecream.com/getthelatestscoop.

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Momentary Pulses: Art in the Central Business District - Exploring Singapore's CBD Through Public Art, Hidden Stories & Interactive Installations

Hi Huneybees,

Most of us know Singapore's Central Business District as a place of deadlines, office towers and the familiar rush between meetings and MRT stations.

But what if, just for a moment, you slowed down and see the district in another light? That's exactly what the Momentary Pulses: Art in the Central Business District invites us to do.

Rather than asking visitors to enter a museum, this public art trail transforms the CBD itself into the gallery. Presented as part of Singapore Art Museum's long-term public art initiative - The Everyday Museum, site-specific artworks are woven naturally into office plazas, pedestrian links and everyday streets. Rather than demanding attention, these installations quietly become part of the city's daily rhythm, encouraging visitors to slow down and notice the stories hidden in familiar spaces.

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Looking Beyond the Glass Towers

As I took this walk, I quickly realised this wasn't just an art trail, it was also a journey through the evolution of Singapore's CBD.

Long before today's skyline of glass and steel, this district was Singapore's gateway for maritime trade. The civic buildings of the 1950s and 1960s reflected the nation's early years of independence and industrialisation, before the rapid rise of skyscrapers in the 1970s and 1980s expanded the business district towards Tanjong Pagar. Today, the CBD continues to evolve once again, with mixed-use developments reshaping it into a place where people don't just work, but also live, dine and gather.

Against this ever-changing backdrop, Momentary Pulses explores the many layers of history, architecture and everyday life that shape the district. Each artwork responds to its surroundings, inviting us to notice the rhythms we often overlook, from the flow of commuters and lunchtime conversations to the memories quietly embedded within the city's streets.

By the end of the walk, I realised the CBD isn't somewhere I need to rush through anymore. Sure, the office crowd is still there, but instead of trying to dodge everyone, I found myself appreciating the little details I'd never noticed before. It wasn't just a collection of office towers anymore, but a place where history, art and everyday life come together in the most unexpected ways.

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Installation view of Yang Jie’s ‘Clock of the Everyday’ (2026) at Raffles Place MRT Exit E as part of ‘Momentary Pulses’.
(Image Credit: Singapore Art Museum)

Artwork Highlights

Clock of the Everyday by Yang Jie

Location: Raffles Place MRT Exit E

Our first stop brought us to what looked, at first glance, like an unusual mechanical clock. Unlike a traditional clocktower that marks time with bells, Clock of the Everyday tells time through familiar objects and sounds from everyday Singaporean life.

Inspired by iconic mechanical clocks such as Lau Pa Sat's clocktower, Germany's Rathaus Glockenspiel and the former Seiko Floral Clock that once stood at Raffles Place Park, the kinetic sculpture brings together found objects, motors and sound components in a whimsical orchestra.

As the sculpture comes alive, you'll notice echoes of the city's daily rhythm. A street-sweeping broom, the clink of morning coffee, the bustle of lunchtime and the chatter of afternoon tea all become part of its performance. Vintage objects woven into the work also evoke memories of Singapore's past, while its deliberately imperfect rhythm reminds us that everyday life is never quite as predictable as the ticking of a clock.

One of my favourite details? It doesn't chime every hour like a conventional clocktower. Instead, it springs to life only at selected times throughout the day, with different activation schedules on weekdays and weekends. During the preview, we were told there's 7.45am, 12pm and 4pm performances, but there are a few more hidden "showtimes" waiting to be discovered.

Let's see if you can stumble upon one of its surprise performances while exploring the trail...

Artists Teow Yue Han & Federico Ruberto with their artwork - thusspoke.baby

thusspoke.baby by Teow Yue Han & Federico Ruberto

Location: OUE Link

One of the most fascinating works on the trail isn't physical at all!
Displayed on a transparent LED screen, thusspoke.baby exists entirely in the digital realm.

Imagine meeting a digital being that's constantly learning. Throughout the day, it absorbs real-time information including the weather, news and even global social media conversations. It responds through evolving text, animated gestures and reflective monologues, gradually developing its own digital identity with every passing moment.

The title references philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra, exploring ideas of consciousness and language, while the ".baby" domain suggests an identity that is constantly evolving, particularly in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and large language models.

Standing in the heart of one of Singapore's busiest business districts, watching this digital consciousness quietly "grow" felt strangely fitting. Whether you're out for a run along the Singapore River, taking a short break in the shade, grabbing lunch nearby or enjoying a meal at The Fullerton Hotel, you may find yourself pausing in front of this ever-changing digital being. Because it evolves every day, no two encounters are exactly the same, and who knows, it might just spark an unexpected conversation about technology, identity and what it means to be "alive" in the digital age.

Artist Catherine Hu with her artwork - A Fountain When It Rains

A Fountain When It Rains by Catherine Hu

Location: One Raffles Quay (North Tower)

So we have void decks under our HDBs, places where neighbours gather, chat and take a break. Why can't we have something similar in the CBD?

That was one of my first thoughts when I came across A Fountain When It Rains.

Standing beneath the towering office buildings, the two bird bath-like sculptures made from salvaged ceramic tiles almost felt as though they had always belonged there. The familiar tiles instantly reminded me of the public seating and furnishings commonly found in older HDB void decks, creating an unexpected sense of familiarity within Singapore's concrete jungle.

The work explores the role fountains have traditionally played in public spaces. Beyond simply being decorative, they create places for people to gather, soften the surrounding noise and even contribute to feng shui.

But Catherine Hu deliberately removes the one element that defines a fountain.

Water.

Instead, the sculptures only become functioning fountains when it rains.

Tiny birds perched atop each structure also double as sundials, although they're rendered almost useless beneath the shadows cast by the surrounding skyscrapers. It's a subtle yet beautiful reminder that even in one of Singapore's busiest business districts, nature still finds its place among the glass and concrete.

The only thing I didn't get to experience during the media preview was seeing the sculptures in the rain. I can only imagine how differently they transform when water begins to flow. Looks like I'll be keeping an eye on the weather forecast and making another trip back just to catch the fountain in its truest form.

Sweet Water on street level

Sweet Water by Finbarr Fallon

Location: Shenton House

Our next stop brought us to what I would call one of the CBD's forgotten landmarks, Shenton House. While newer skyscrapers have transformed the surrounding skyline, this iconic brutalist building still stands as one of the last reminders of Singapore's architectural ambitions in the 1970s, before its eventual redevelopment.

Responding to the building's distinctive geometric façade and mosaic crown, Sweet Water transforms these architectural elements into a series of giant pineapple sculptures.

The textured concrete surfaces pay homage to the raw aesthetic of brutalist architecture, while the pineapple, or ong lai in Hokkien, celebrates one of Singapore's most recognisable symbols of prosperity.

Sweet Water at rooftop carpark of Shenton House

Interestingly, pineapples have a much longer connection to the CBD than I ever realised. Historical records dating back to 1861 mention pineapple slices being sold around Raffles Place for just one cent. Meanwhile, the artwork's title, Sweet Water, references a newspaper headline from the 1970s celebrating the unexpected discovery of fresh water during the early redevelopment of Shenton Way.

Together, these historical references celebrate both Singapore's architectural heritage and the evolving stories that continue to shape the city.

While most visitors will probably spot the pineapples nestled among the planters at street level, don't stop there. Head up to the rooftop car park, where you'll find a bigger one alongside one of my favourite panoramic views of the CBD skyline. If you can, visit around sunset as it's the perfect opportunity to appreciate both the artwork and one of Singapore's increasingly rare examples of brutalist architecture before Shenton House begins its next chapter.

Artist Zul Mahmod with his artwork - LOOP

LOOP – The Resonance of Motion by Zul Mahmod

Location: Asia Square Tower 1

If there's one artwork that perfectly captures the invisible energy of the CBD, it's LOOP.

Its polished stainless-steel surface reflects office workers, the surrounding architecture and the changing daylight throughout the day. But it does far more than simply mirror its surroundings. Activated by vibrations, the sculpture transforms movement into sound, with its rhythmic clattering echoing the hurried footsteps of commuters, passing traffic and the constant flow of people moving through the business district. Together, they form an evolving soundscape that captures the unseen forces driving the city.

Rather than focusing on what we can see, LOOP gives form to everything we normally can't hear or touch: the flow of information, financial transactions, split-second decisions and the endless movement that powers Singapore's commercial heart. Like the city itself, the sculpture is never truly still. Every passer-by subtly changes the experience, making each moment unique.

What I also love is how naturally it blends into the public space. It's the kind of artwork you could pause beside while waiting for a Grab, meeting a friend for lunch or simply taking a breather between appointments. Its structure makes for a striking photo backdrop, reflecting both the city around it and the people passing through. In many ways, that's exactly what LOOP is about, not just observing the rhythm of the CBD, but quietly becoming part of it.

Illustrated map of artwork locations for ‘Momentary Pulses: Art in the Central Business District’. 

(Image Credit: Singapore Art Museum)

More Artworks Are Still to Come

The trail isn't complete just yet.

Later in 2026, two additional commissions will expand the experience.

Neural Panoptic Black by Immanuel Koh reimagines surveillance and visibility through an architectural sculpture inspired by Jeremy Bentham's Panopticon. Visitors are invited to step inside the structure and experience the CBD from entirely new perspectives, questioning who is observing and who is being observed.

Meanwhile, Still Afloat by Song-Ming Ang will conclude the trail at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, imagining Singapore sixty years into the future through an AI-generated music video and storyboard that explores climate, resilience and the city's evolving identity.

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(Image Credit: Singapore Art Museum)

Don't Miss These Upcoming Experiences

One thing I really appreciate about Momentary Pulses is that the experience doesn't end with the artworks themselves. Throughout the exhibition, the public art trail is brought to life through Moving Encounters, a series of programmes that invite visitors to experience the CBD in entirely different ways.

Rather than simply viewing the artworks, you'll have the opportunity to engage with the city through three different experiences:

• Bodies in Motion brings performance and movement into the pulse of the CBD, reimagining how our bodies interact with public spaces and the everyday flow of the city.
• Exploratory Walks uncover the hidden histories, architecture and layered stories behind familiar streets, offering fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving business district.
• In Conversation With features artists and performers sharing the inspiration, creative process and ideas behind their works, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation of the exhibition beyond what meets the eye.

(Image Credit: Jerome Lim)

Explore the CBD with a Heritage Expert

If you're curious about the stories behind the streets and buildings, I'd highly recommend joining Tides of the City: Navigating the CBD with Jerome Lim.

Led by retired naval architect and heritage enthusiast Jerome Lim, the guided walk explores how art, architecture and history intersect throughout the district, revealing hidden stories that many of us walk past every day. If you've ever enjoyed his books Uncommon Ground or Secret Singapore, you'll know you're in good hands. Happening on 11 and 18 July 2026, click on the link above to get your tickets.

See the Art Trail Come Alive

Although I caught a preview of Dis.connected Body by Sigma Contemporary Dance during the media preview, the scheduled public performances have already concluded by the time I'm publishing this post. Still, it gave me a glimpse of how fascinating these live interventions can be, quietly unfolding among unsuspecting office workers and passers-by as part of everyday city life. 

If you're planning a visit, I'd definitely keep an eye out for the remaining movement programmes, including Between Passing and Magic Hour Walk and Dance, where performers respond to the city's architecture and the changing rhythms between the workday and evening.

(Image Credit: Kien Faye)

Between Passing by Kien Faye

15 & 19 July 2026 (5PM – 7PM)
17 July 2026 (6PM – 8PM)
Starting Point: Raffles Place MRT Station Exit E

If you've ever wondered what happens when dance meets the everyday rhythm of the CBD, Between Passing is one to look out for.

Created by Malaysian movement artist Kien Faye, this site-responsive performance unfolds during the transition from the workday to the evening, blending seamlessly into the after-work rush. Rather than taking place on a stage, the performers move alongside commuters, responding instinctively to the people, architecture and changing atmosphere around them.

Every movement is improvised, making each performance unique. Whether you choose to pause and watch or simply encounter it while making your way through the CBD, the performance encourages us to reflect on how we move through shared public spaces and the fleeting interactions that happen every day.

(Image Credit: Kien Faye)

Magic Hour Walk and Dance with Kien Faye

16 July 2026 (6PM – 7PM)
18 July 2026 (6.30PM – 7.30PM)
Various locations in the Central Business District

Following its debut in Kuala Lumpur, Magic Hour Walk and Dance makes its Singapore premiere, inviting participants to experience the CBD during the magical transition between day and night.

Led by Kien Faye, this guided movement experience encourages participants to interact with the city's architecture in unexpected ways. Instead of simply walking through the CBD, you'll be invited to respond to its lines, shapes and spaces through movement and improvisation, discovering how the built environment can influence the way we move, observe and connect with our surroundings.

Even if you're not taking part, you'll likely come across the group as they journey through the district. Much like the artworks themselves, the performance quietly becomes part of the city's everyday rhythm, inviting curious onlookers to stop, watch and perhaps see the CBD from a different perspective.

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Join the Stamp Rally

Here's something fun if you're planning to complete the trail.

Visitors can pick up an exclusive Momentary Pulses passport from the CHARLES & KEITH Marina Bay Sands store and collect stamps from five artwork locations across the CBD. Complete the trail and you'll be able to redeem a limited-edition button pin featuring the artwork-inspired stamp designs. It's a nice little keepsake and another reason to explore every stop instead of rushing through the route.

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(Image Credit: Singapore Art Museum)

More Than Just Public Art

What I appreciated most about Momentary Pulses is that it doesn't demand your full attention.

You don't need to spend hours studying every artwork or understanding every artistic reference. Instead, it gently encourages you to slow your pace, to notice the buildings you've walked past for years, to hear sounds you've been tuning out or to reflect on how a district built for efficiency can still hold moments of wonder, nostalgia and imagination.

So, the next time you're rushing through Raffles Place or Shenton Way, perhaps take a slightly different route. You might just discover that the city has been quietly telling stories all along.

Momentary Pulses: Art in the Central Business District

📍 Various locations across Singapore’s CBD
🚅 Nearest MRT: Raffles Place, Shenton Way, Tanjong Pagar

⏰ Estimated Walking Time: 1.5 - 2 hours 
📆 Till 31 December 2027
🎫 Free

🌐 https://www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/art-events/exhibitions/momentary-pulses

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