
From captivating artworks to hands-on workshops, think big and step out of your bubble at the Gallery Children’s Biennale.
School’s (almost) out, fun’s in! For all the parents who are scratching your heads over how to keep your kids occupied, here’s something the little ones will adore: the Gallery Children’s Biennale by National Gallery Singapore. Themed ‘Let’s Make A Better Place’, this fourth edition of the Biennale promises a meaningful yet fun-filled day for the whole family.
Designed to inspire your little ones to think big and make the world a better place, this exhibition is nothing short of captivating artworks and fun-filled activities for all ages, including two artworks that are toddler-friendly. With doors closing after 31 March 2024, come along as we unveil all you need to know about the Gallery Children’s Biennale!
1. Explore art installations that spark important conversations
Want your little ones to think and dream big? The Gallery Children’s Biennale will be a welcoming space to inspire these thoughts and spark meaningful conversations. Created with childhood nostalgia and childlike play in mind, this thought-provoking exhibition features 11 artworks by artists from around the world. Each artwork brings to light pressing issues of today and spotlights a different core value – care, collaboration, imagination and respect.
Begin your exploration at Foundation Wave, which embodies the core value of Care. Inspired by her childhood memories and people she met during her travels, Japanese artist Kumi Yamashita presents a stunning two-part artwork: a cloud-like sculpture and a 13m wall filled with hand-drawn human profiles. You’ll even get the chance to record your heartbeat and hear it play as you admire the artwork!

Next, make your way to local artist Ly Yeow’s When I Am With You. Centred around the core value of Respect, this artwork speaks of the beauty of the ocean and marine life. As you stroll through the mesmerising exhibition inspired by Singapore’s intertidal areas, take the time to reflect about your relationship with the environment and the spaces you occupy.
Afterwards, head over to Sama-sama (it means ‘together’ in Malay), presented by Malaysia’s Fadilah Karim. Exemplifying the value of Collaborate, this artwork draws inspiration from precious moments spent with the artist’s daughter. Grab a seat with your child, as you create your own art piece that brings your fave memories to life. Psst: there are also plenty of comfy blankets available for the little ones to build their own forts – parents are more than welcome to join in the fun, too!

Ready to blast off into the future? Swing by We Move This City, a toddler-friendly artwork by local artist Chiang Yu Xiang. Embodying the value of Imagine, this interactive masterpiece examines the future of transport through moving visuals, larger-than-life soft Tetris blocks and a MRT cabin that little ones can safely interact with. Let your kiddos’ imagination run wild as they create their own vehicles of the future with these Tetris blocks!
2. Get hands-on in fun-filled yet meaningful workshops
If the kiddos are itching to get creative, check out these hands-on workshops that’ll keep them busy for hours. On 9 March, join Singaporean artist Izziyana Suhaimi at her weaving workshop, where you’ll glean tips and techniques about upcycling unwanted clothes into fun objects. For this parent-child workshop, grab your tickets at $10 per adult-child pair or $15 per trio.
Now, this one’s for the music lovers and audiophiles. Mark your calendars for 16 March as LittleCr3eatures will be presenting Soundmakers. Through this improvisational and exploratory workshop, you’ll discover and create beautiful sounds from inconspicuous objects in nature. Think seed pods and crunchy dried leaves. Snag your spots at $10 per adult-child pair!
3. Be part of an immersive and interactive experience
Save the date for Rhodo!: A Series of Interactive Encounters presented by Five Stones Theatre. Held on 9 March, this free-to-enter performance takes you across various locations around the National Gallery. Come along with Rhodo, the friendly pink creature, as it navigates its way back home. But sit tight, ‘cos the road will be filled with all sorts of obstacles and challenges – with lots of fun and laughter in the mix too.
Need another reason to give the Gallery Children’s Biennale a visit? Good news: it’s free entry for all, so you can give that wallet a welcomed breather! If you’re done exploring all the nooks and crannies of the Biennale, there’s still lots to see at the revamped Keppel Centre for Art Education. It will remain open during the exhibition period, so pop by this vibrant and dynamic space for another dose of art.
From now till 31 March 2024, make your way to the Gallery Children’s Biennale (with your little ones in tow) for an immersive experience like no other!
This post is in partnership with National Gallery Singapore.