
Who's excited for Light to Night 2025 in Singapore? Here's what you can look forward to at this year's visual arts festival.
Light to Night, Singapore Art Week’s visual arts festival (and marquee event) returns to set the Civic District alight with installations, projections, and programmes for all ages. Running from 17 January to 6 February 2025, step out after the sun sets for a series of enjoyable activities. Here’s everything you need to know about Singapore’s Light to Night 2025.
Light to Night 2025: All you need to know

This year’s theme is Do You See Me?, which aims to explore the multifaceted identities that make up Singapore’s communities. Collaborations with various artists and programmes offer unique perspectives on self, others, diversity, and belonging. Through these showcases, festival-goers can experience the impact and power of the arts in discovering themselves and their communities.
While Light to Night 2025 is free for all to explore, some programmes and activities are ticketed. During festival weekends, National Gallery Singapore will remain open until 11pm. Know what that means? You get the chance to have your own Night at the Museum experience – hopefully without the artwork coming to life. Entry to all exhibitions will be free, including those dedicated to local artists Kim Lim, Teo Eng Seng, and Lim Tze Peng.
Art installations to check out at Light to Night 2025
1. Art Skins on Monuments
17 January – 6 February
It’s not Light to Night without the crowd’s favourite projection mapping on the facade of National Gallery Singapore. This year, the works of printmaker Chng Seok Tin, painter Goh Beng Kwan, and batik artist Jaafar Latiff are brought to life thanks to multimedia design studio Arafura. Watch the Gallery light up in fantastical colours, flowing strokes, and experimental approaches to animation.
Pro tip: if you wanna capture these on your phone without the crowd, we suggest parking yourself in front of the museum on Monday evenings… preferbly at 11pm.
Art Skins on Monuments, free admission, 8pm to midnight daily; National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
2. Travelling Through the Tropical Rainforest
17 January – 6 February

Our iconic Padang is dressed up with six ginormous sculptural forms that seem to resemble palm trees. Constructed from synthetic materials and set against the cityscape, the work highlights how natural and urban environments can still co-exist despite a city’s evolving landscape. Hey, that sounds a bit like Singapore! This is the spot where festival-goers will pause to take photos and interact with the art.
Travelling Through the Tropical Rainforest, free admission, 10am to midnight daily; Padang Field, Singapore 179861
3. Now You See Us?
17 January – 6 February
The National Gallery is not the only landmark where you can marvel at facade projections. Head over to The Arts House at the Old Parliament, which will be transformed into a vibrant canvas filled with cool graffiti designs. Conceptualised by TraseOne, a pioneer in Singapore’s street art movement, the multimedia projection is a dynamic combination of intricate visuals and an exciting soundscape offering a peek into our country’s graffiti scene.
Now You See Us?, free admission, 8pm to midnight daily; The Arts House at the Old Parliament, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
4. Kalacakra (A Clock for Progress)
17 January – 6 February
The ceiling of the Rotunda Library & Archive has seen plenty of projection artworks. For Light to Night 2025, media artist Kapilan Nadu has the honour of designing an interactive experience here. First, visitors gotta fill out a quiz that’ll generate unique artworks drawn from the Gallery’s archives, which are then added to the ceiling projection. Think of it like the Sketch Flight installation at ArtScience Museum’s Future World exhibition.
Kalacakra (A Clock for Progress), free admission; Mondays to Thursdays, 5.30pm to 7pm and Fridays to Sundays, 5.30pm to 11pm; Level 3, Rotunda Library & Archive, UOB Southeast Asia Gallery, Supreme Court Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
5. Return to Paradise (Play)
17 January – 28 February

The Y2K era isn’t slowing down in 2025 and we have this art installation to thank. Return to Paradise (Play) by Beverley Ng places the 2000s front and centre by showcasing arcades, night markets, theme parks, flip phones, and the long-gone MP3 players (rest in power). Spaces like The Substation and the colourful Rochor HDB flats also appear here, further highlighting the turn of the millennium in Singapore. This work may be a little out of the way, but trust us, it’s worth the trek.
Return to Paradise (Play), free admission, 5.30am to 12.30am daily; Underground Pedestrian Link, Level B2, Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105
6. We’ll Make Heaven a Place on Earth
17 January – 6 February

Arterly Obsessed, an art and studio collective based in Pearl Hill’s Terrace, is participating in Light to Night 2025 with a cool immersive space that plays with light and perception. Inspired by pagodas, this installation will probably have visitors second-guessing what they’ve seen. From outside, they’ll look through a two-way mirror, but once they step inside, they’re enveloped with infinite reflections of themselves. Magic! Or is it something else? This might be too early to say, but we’re calling this one of our favourites.
We’ll Make Heaven a Place on Earth, free admission, 10am to midnight daily; ACM Green, Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
7. Scarce City
Now until 2 February

Here’s an interactive art experience encouraging you to touch and feel the installation. Scarce City is a stunning 3D-printed environment made from recycled plastic that’ll change the way you perceive success. How will it do that? Through a cool light-based resource management game… with a twist. But don’t be fooled, this is just any ordinary game. We’re not gonna spoil it for you – you’ll just have to get your tickets and find out yourself.
Scarce City, ticket prices start at $28; Mondays to Thursdays, 10am to 7pm and Fridays to Sundays, 10am to 11pm; Level B1, Concourse Gallery, Supreme Court Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
8. Through The Looking Glass
17 January – 6 February

Nope, this isn’t an Alice in Wonderland reference, though bonus points if you automatically thought of that. Through The Looking Glass is a multi-sensory installation inspired by artist-educator Claire Teo’s experiences as a visually impaired individual in Singapore. This piece aims to promote inclusivity and build deeper dialogues about visibility and disability.
On select nights, five artists will put up narrative performances about love, loss, identity, and wanting to be seen and understood. These will take place on 17 January at 6.30pm and 8pm; and 18 January and 1 February at 6pm and 8pm.
Through The Looking Glass, free admission; Mondays to Thursdays, 10am to 7pm and Fridays to Sundays, 10am to 11pm; Level B1, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium Foyer, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
9. A Little Bead of Work
17 January – 6 February
Friendship bracelets have become a cool thing, all because of a certain blonde American singer. Artist Kray Chen takes it one step further by turning the colourful accessory into a luminous installation that explores themes of connection, identity, and visibility. Set across the lawn of The Arts House at the Old Parliament, visitors are invited to string word bracelets with glow-in-the-dark alphabet beads.
A Little Bead of Work, free admission, 10am to midnight daily (guided activation takes place on Fridays to Sundays, 6pm to 10pm); Outdoor Lawn, The Arts House at the Old Parliament, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
10. In Transit: Reflections and Shadows
17 January – 6 February

Hands up if you’re guilty of being absorbed in your phone wherever you go – especially while navigating public spaces. This light art installation by Brandon Soo takes that modern life process and serves a deliberate disruption to it. In Transit transforms a common walkway into a site where you’ll pause and reflect. It may not seem much on paper, but you’ll be singing a different tune once you’re face to face with the artwork.
In Transit: Reflections and Shadows, free admission, all day; Art Connector, 1 Coleman Street, Singapore 179803
Things to do during Light to Night 2025: Fun activities
11. Art X Social: Festival Street
17, 18, 24, 25 and 31 January, 1 February

No festival is complete without a food village that’s the central heartbeat of the area, and this one’s no different. St Andrew’s Road will be closed off to dedicate the whole stretch to this vibrant market. You’ll be able to grab a bite and a drink in between all the exciting activities. After you fill up, head towards the Padang Atrium to catch live performances to wrap up your night.
Art X Social: Festival Street, free admission, 6pm to midnight; St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
12. The Living Room
17 January – 6 February

During Light to Night 2025, the Gallery’s Courtyard at Level 2 will be reimagined into The Living Room, a vibrant and playful space adorned with colourful cardboard furniture and lighting. Here, festival-goers can take part in craft workshops and identity-driven activities, sit in artist talks, vibe to DJ sets by party collective Eatmepoptart, and more.
The Living Room, price to be confirmed; Mondays to Thursdays, 10am to 7pm and Fridays to Sundays, 10am to 11pm; Level 2, Singapore Courtyard, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
13. Escaped the Art
18, 19, 25, 26 January, 1 – 2 February
Who’s up for an IRL puzzle game? A rupture in the space-time continuum has caused figures to escape from their paintings and roam our world freely. These characters are eager to share their stories and reveal their identities. It’s up to you and Time Agent Z to seek these folks, listen to them yap, and figure out which artwork they belong to and what they represent – before time runs out. Good luck!
Escaped the Art, ticket prices start at $20 per pax; Saturdays, 2pm to 2.30pm, 3,30pm to 4pm, and 5pm to 5.30pm; Sundays, 2pm to 2.30pm and 3.30pm to 4pm; Level 3, UOB Gallery, Supreme Court Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
14. Our Migrants’ Leisure
17 January – 6 February

What do you know about the migrant community in our country? Light to Night 2025, in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower, shines a light on these folks, showcasing the community beyond their daily work. Through over 80 photos, festival-goers will discover how migrant workers find joy and create meaningful connections, both among themselves and with Singaporeans. Hopefully, these stories will encourage a better appreciation of the community’s contributions to society.
Our Migrants’ Leisure, free admission; Mondays to Thursdays, 10am to 7pm and Fridays to Sundays, 10am to 11pm; Level B1, Auditorium Anteroom, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
15. Glorious Trivia Nights!
19 January
Listen up, quiz lovers: here’s an immersive trivia night waiting for you. See how well you know Singapore’s culture by testing your knowledge through videos, pictures, and items that’ll make you take a second look at everything on our little red dot. Do you know what angle our pavements are slanted at? Sign up for this to find out.
Glorious Trivia Nights, ticket prices start at $16.80; 7pm to 9pm; Level 2, Singapore Courtyard, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957

16. Cherita Hantu: Kafirun
17-19 & 24-26 January
This one goes out to the folks heavily invested in the supernatural. Written and directed by Hafidz Rahman, Cherita Hantu: Kafirun features five original ghostly vignettes inspired by real-life accounts. The live performance highlights the festival’s theme by asking the audience: do you see these unseen and unspoken horrors, or choose not to believe in them?
Cherita Hantu: Kafirun, ticket prices start at $30; Fridays, 8pm and Saturdays & Sundays, 2pm, 5pm & 8pm; Play Den, The Arts House at the Old Parliament, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
17. Framed: A Murder Mystery in National Gallery Singapore
17 January – 6 February
Attention! Someone’s been murdered in the Gallery and you’re the prime suspect! But the thing is, you didn’t do it. Prove your innocence by solving puzzles, reveal secrets, and discover how art can shape your perception through this immersive game. Hopefully, you can get people to see you for who you truly are… otherwise, it’s jail time for you…
Framed: A Murder Mystery in National Gallery Singapore, ticket prices start at $12 per pax (recommended to solve the mystery as a group); Self-guided tour (90 minutes recommended duration); Level B1, Information Counter, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Top tips for enjoying Light to Night 2025 in Singapore

How to get there: Get to City Hall on the East-West or North-South Lines and head to Exit B. It’s roughly a five-minute walk from the MRT station via the Art Connector, where you’ll spot the In Transit installation. Think of it as welcoming you to the Civic District.
Go during off-peak hours to avoid crowds: We know we sound like a broken record, but if you want to enjoy Light to Night with minimal crowds, we recommend going on a Monday or Tuesday evening. That said, the museums operate as usual from Mondays to Thursdays and open till late during the weekends throughout the festival.
Bring a raincoat: In case of sudden downpours. An umbrella is fine, but it’ll be a hassle holding it with one hand while trying to capture the sights on your phone. Unless you have a designated umbrella holder…
No slippers: Speaking of rain, the ground might be wet and mulchy, so wear a pair of boots (ideally) or water-resistant shoes.
Bring cash: Cashless payments are great and all, but do have some notes with you if you wanna hit up the festival market.
Light to Night 2025, free admission with some ticketed programmes; 17 January to 6 February 2025, various timings; multiple locations around the Civic District