T5 in the Making exhibition: Discover Changi Airport’s aviation future with interactive exhibits and cool robotics

The T5 in the Making exhibition will take you through Changi Airport’s past, present, and future through gorgeous displays, an immersive cinematic experience, and even robots.

If you haven’t visited the T5 in the Making exhibition at Changi Airport yet, I highly recommend making your way there soon. I’ll admit, I had low hopes going into the exhibit because I thought it was purely historic, but it’s so much more than that! While the beginning of the experience can be a little slow, if you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with cool interactive elements and even get your picture taken with robots! And if you’re looking for other things to explore, be sure to check out our guide to Jewel Changi Airport.

T5 in the Making exhibition: Details at a glance

Best for: Families with curious children; aviation fanatics; history buffs who want to learn more about Singapore’s development
Highlights: A robotics display with interactive simulators; a huge diorama of the new Terminal 5; historical fun facts about Changi Airport
When: Until 22 March 2026
Price: Free admission; registration required
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 8pm (last entry at 7.15pm)
Recommended time spent: About one hour to experience everything
Address: T5 in the Making exhibition, Arrival Hall (near McDonald’s), Level 1, Terminal 3, Changi Airport, 65 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819663

A glimpse into Changi Airport’s origin story

After grabbing my exhibition passports, I stepped into the first zone and gasped in awe. In the centre of the display is a sphere, mimicking the Earth with a projection video showcasing the growth of Asia’s air travel. The walls also tell the story of how our international airport used to be located in Paya Lebar, and how a major decision led to its move to Changi.

As I entered zone 2, I was met with information cards that were straight out of the Tron films. This futuristic memory lane relives Changi Airport’s major milestones, including the landing of the world’s first A380 (the largest passenger aircraft).

I was particularly enthralled with the map in zone 2, which showed how large Terminal 5 is set to become. Its completion will double the size of Changi Airport, becoming larger than all the other terminals combined. The expansion project will incorporate the former Changi Air Base East and will include a third runway and a second control tower. This increases Changi Airport’s passenger capacity from 90 million to 140 million passengers!

A visual spectacle with a surprise!

Zone 3 is a video showcase of the vision for Terminal 5 brought to life. It offers a glimpse of what Terminal 5 aims to be, with groundbreaking ideas and unique technologies to tackle issues like accelerated climate change and an ageing population.

It’s important to note that there are flashing lights, strobe lighting, and smoke machines involved, so do be mindful if you have any light sensitivities. Once the film concludes, the real treat begins.

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What you’ve been waiting for: Robots

As the secret doors opened, I was immediately drawn into zone 4 and greeted by a friendly robot. This zone is dedicated to showcasing the smart technology used to tackle challenges of the future. This was one of my favourite parts of the exhibit because you get to see and interact with some pretty exciting technology! It’s not every day you get to see a winking robot.

After snapping a picture with the friendly robot at the door, check out the two robo arms! We watched in a meditative trance as the machines worked in tandem to delicately deliver luggage and bags. Could we see this at Terminal 5 to transform labour-intensive work? We’re certainly hoping so.

Another technological advancement we loved was the smart mobility devices! They expand the horizons for inclusive mobility and service, creating a more comfortable travel experience. Can you imagine requesting a wheelchair and having it come to you automatically?

There’s also a simulation segment that sheds light on what happens before you board a flight and all the moving parts involved in this process. The kids will get a kick out of pressing one of the three buttons in front of the screen. This mini game will take you through three different scenarios that affect the aircraft’s readiness, and if you respond in time, you can avoid mishaps.

Photo opportunities and merch galore

The last zone has many interactive components, so take your time going through all of them!

To capture a memory at the T5 in the Making exhibition, approach any of the terminals. After picking icons of what you imagine Terminal 5 to be, snap a picture with your family and a simulated background. Alternatively, you can approach the huge backdrop with a rendering of Terminal 5. A phone stand is provided so you can set up a timer on your phone and grab a picture, no assistance needed.

We particularly enjoyed seeing the humongous diorama of Terminal 5. The visual treat shows you how huge the development will be, including the expansion of Changi Airport’s runways and a new lifestyle hub.

Remember to pick up some merch! We wanted to grab the pilot plush keychain, only to find it was sold out. We recommend visiting during an earlier session so the vending machines are fully stocked. Some souvenirs you can pick up include:

• Plush keychains in various costumes ($18)
• A wooden postcard ($9)
• Bear pouches in various motifs ($17)
• Acrylic keychains ($6)
• Stickers ($4)
• Enamel pins ($7)

Tips before visiting

Register for your slots: We highly recommend registering before your visit for a smoother experience and to ensure you have a slot to visit the exhibition. Walk-ins are welcome, but are subject to space availability. You may be asked to return at a later time slot if the exhibition is too full.

Prepare your QR code for scanning: Part of the experience includes a stamp rally with a special exhibition passport. To get your passports, scan your QR code at registration machines before entering. Printing takes a little while, so we recommend visiting a little earlier to get this out of the way.

Use the bathroom before heading in: After you enter zone 3, you won’t be able to turn back, and you’ll have to finish the rest of the exhibition to exit. We recommend going with empty bladders (especially for kids!).

Be wary if you have light sensitivity: There is a video segment with flashing lights and smoke. You’ll experience this zone before moving into zones 4 and 5, so be advised before heading to the exhibition. We recommend speaking with the staff if you need to skip this segment.

Dress warmly: The entire exhibition is air-conditioned and can get quite chilly. If you get cold easily, remember to bring a jacket along.

Is it worth visiting?

Overall, the T5 in the Making exhibition is worth a visit if you’re planning a day of exploring the airport. There’s a healthy mix of historical elements, fun facts, and interactive components that will get the kids involved. The showcase of robots was definitely a highlight for us because it gave us a true visual taste of how futuristic Terminal 5 is set to become, and it hyped us up for its opening in the mid-2030s.

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