Calling all culture vultures - these art exhibitions in Singapore are right up your alley!
Get ready to hop across the best museums and art galleries in Singapore, because our 2026 art calendar is packed with must-see exhibitions. From major showcases to fresh creative events, our guide highlights the most exciting art happenings across the city. Bookmark this page – we’ll keep it updated throughout the year with expert-curated recommendations.
Art exhibitions in Singapore 2026
1. Lai Foong Moi: Crossings
Underexplored Nanyang artist Lai Foong Moi finally gets her first solo presentation, and we have National Gallery Singapore to thank for that. Learn more about her artistic legacy through paintings and archival materials, including portrayals of identity, gender, labour and Singapore’s urban life during the 60s and 70s. Consider this a distinctive perspective of a pivotal moment in our country’s timeline, not covered in history textbooks and lessons.
When: Now till 3 October 2027
Ticket prices: Free admission for Singaporeans and permanent residents; $20 for other nationalities
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 7pm
Address: Lai Foong Moi: Crossings, Level 2, DBS Singapore Gallery, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
2. Sacred Caves: Dunhuang, Buddhism, and the Silk Road
Looking for an art exhibition in Singapore that’ll take your breath away? Right this way. The Asian Civilisations Museum has gone all out with four life-size reproductions of the Mogao Caves. Three of them are restricted or completely closed to the public in Dunhuang, so this is a rare chance to see them up close.
Presented in Southeast Asia for the first time, marvel at original paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, textiles and devotional objects. Be sure to look up when you’re in Cave 407 – we’re not gonna spoil it for you, but it’s a doozy.
When: Now till 7 March 2027
Ticket prices: $10 for adult Singaporeans and permanent residents; from $20 for tourists and foreign residents
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 7pm (opens till 9pm on Fridays)
Address: Sacred Caves: Dunhuang, Buddhism, and the Silk Road, Level 2 Foyer and Special Exhibitions Gallery, Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
3. Crosscurrents: Masterpieces of Mughal, Safavid, and Ottoman Art
While you’re at the Asian Civilisations Museum, stick around to admire some masterpieces of Islamic art courtesy of the Musée du Louvre, Paris. Spread across two floors, the works span from the 16th to the 18th centuries, exploring the great Mughal, Safavid and Ottoman empires. Learn more about how the expanding trade routes helped Islamic art become more well-known throughout Asia. Fun fact: most of the pieces are on display in Singapore for the first time.
When: Now till 24 January 2027
Ticket prices: Free admission for Singaporeans and permanent residents; from $10 for tourists and foreign residents
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 7pm (opens till 9pm on Fridays)
Address: Crosscurrents: Masterpieces of Mughal, Safavid, and Ottoman Art from the Musée du Louvre, Islamic Art Gallery (Level 2) and Design Gallery (Level 3), Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
4. Islands in the Net: Southeast Asian Futures in the Age of AI
Imagine a future shaped by artificial intelligence – that’s what you’ll get at this group exhibition. It brings together various creatives and examines technological development in the present. Visitors will explore what it means to live within systems that can predict, organise and monetise behaviour, and how art will have to redefine its agency within such limitations. Remember the Covid-19 pandemic and what we had to go through? It’s been brought back to consciousness in this exhibition.
When: Now till 16 November 2026
Ticket prices: Free admission
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 7pm
Address: Islands in the Net: Southeast Asian Futures in the Age of AI, Padimai Art & Tech Studio, #03-02, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Road, Singapore 089065
5. Into the Ocean: Journey Beneath
Hands up if you’re curious about the ocean! Explore the deep sea’s hidden depths at this multi-sensory exhibition. Throughout the six zones, visitors will uncover an underwater world teeming with remarkable life, featuring works by internationally acclaimed artists and collectives. Keep an eye out for Flock of by bit.studio, a Thailand-based creative technology studio. The suspended installation of kinetic helium-filled balloons will definitely make you feel like part of a school of fish!
When: Now till 11 November 2026
Ticket prices: from $16.50 (Singapore residents); from $18 (tourists)
Opening hours: Daily, 9am to 6pm
Address: Into the Ocean: Journey Beneath, Basement 2 Galleries, ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
6. Brandon Tay: Sangkalan
Brandon Tay: Sangkalan is popping up across neighbourhood libraries from 15 April to 25 October 2026, and it’s anything but your usual quiet corner. Created in collaboration with Singapore Art Museum and the National Library Board, this evolving installation imagines a fictional island ecosystem shaped by a fruit, an insect, and a bird.
Expect vibrant textiles, sculptural pieces, and a mix of archival-style elements that shift as the exhibition travels from Woodlands to Tampines, Jurong, and Punggol. Each stop brings something new, so no two visits feel quite the same.
When: Now till 25 October 2026
Ticket prices: Free admission
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 9pm
Address: Brandon Tay: Sangkalan, Punggol Regional Library, #01-12, 1 Punggol Drive One, Singapore 828629
7. Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art
In time for SG60 and the Gallery’s 10th anniversary, Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art offers a bold, refreshed take on Singapore’s art history. With over 400 works on view – from iconic pieces to rarely-seen gems – this ambitious rehang dives deep into the personal, political, and poetic. Spanning two centuries and multiple media, it’s an expansive, deeply human look at how art has shaped (and been shaped by) Singapore’s evolving identity.
When: Ongoing
Ticket prices: General admission pass required; free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 7pm
Address: Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in Art, Level 2, DBS Singapore Gallery, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
8. Future World: Where Art Meets Science
We know that just about everyone’s been to this IG-worthy permanent exhibition at the ArtScience Museum. And for good reason! We’re happy to report that they’ve upgraded the space with new works. In collaboration with the international art collective teamLab, the museum now offers three new installations. The new collection is titled Exploring New Frontiers. You’ll find interactive artworks that move and change as you explore. We don’t wanna spoil it for you, so discover the excitement for yourself at the museum!
When: Ongoing
Ticket prices: from $25 (adult); from $20 (child)
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 7pm (last admission: 6pm); Friday – Saturday: 10am – 9pm (last admission: 8.15pm)
Address: Future World: Where Art Meets Science, ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
9. Museum of Ice Cream
We scream for ice cream! The lush enclave of Dempsey is home to the world-famous Museum of Ice Cream. Originating from New York City, the museum is known for its interactive, ‘gram-friendly exhibits. The Singapore outpost features 14 never-before-seen installations. Start at the sprinkle pool before exploring a pink and yellow jungle filled with 10,000 bananas. And what’s a museum about ice cream without the icy treat? As you’re guided through the pastel wonderland, you’ll be treated to unique ice cream treats.
When: Ongoing
Ticket prices: from $35
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 7pm (last admission: 6pm)
Address: Museum of Ice Cream, 100 Loewen Road, Singapore 248837
Get your dose of art and culture at these art exhibitions in Singapore!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I plan for each art exhibition?
Generally, allow at least 60–90 minutes to absorb a major exhibition. Smaller shows might take 30–45 minutes. Give yourself extra time if there are interactive or immersive components.
Are art exhibitions suitable for families and children?
Yes! Many art exhibitions listed include multimedia zones or hands-on elements. That said, check specific event details (age recommendations, entry timing) in case certain sections are more adult-oriented.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
For larger or ticketed exhibitions (especially popular ones), booking in advance is wise. Some free exhibitions might allow walk-in access, but it’s always safer to check the museum’s website or event page first.
What are the best times to visit to avoid big crowds?
Weekdays (especially mornings) tend to be quieter. Avoid peak hours like weekend afternoons or just after lunch if you prefer a more relaxed visit.
Can I take photos inside the exhibitions?
Most venues allow photography for personal use, but there may be restrictions on flash, tripods or specific artworks. Always look out for signage or ask staff.
Are there discounts for locals or residents?
Yes, many exhibitions listed offer lower ticket prices for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Some even have free admission for certain demographics (students and seniors). Check each listing for details.
