ArtScience Museum’s Future World exhibition is a must-visit for art lovers and technology enthusiasts. This permanent exhibition combines arts and technology through its series of digital attractions.
You can’t miss this bright white lotus-shaped building designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie. It’s part of the Marina Bay Sands resort and one of the most iconic structures lining the heavily-touristed waterfront promenade. The sculptural exterior is amazingly photogenic both day and night. The main permanent exhibition is called “Future World,” created by the Japanese art collective teamLab. The immersive installations are high-tech and interactive good for kids and adults alike. The ArtScience Museum is mainly known for its blockbuster touring exhibitions covering massively popular artists and designers (Van Gogh, Warhol, Dalí, Eames), themes (Genghis Khan, Titanic, Dinosaurs, Mummies), and contemporary phenomena like Harry Potter and Legos. The first big show of 2018 digs into 40 years of global street art.
This is a massively popular museum, drawing locals and tourists alike. Exhibitions are often extremely crowded and noisy, especially on weekends and public holidays. You may feel pushed along if you actually try to read the curator’s copy as opposed to just snapping a photo and hopping to the next exhibit. Kids are running around everywhere. Bring a reserve of patience (and maybe some earplugs).
The museum flows well and there are sufficient elevators and escalators. Loaner wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Some touring exhibitions offer guided tours in English and Mandarin on the weekends. Interactive digital guides with audio commentary can be rented for $3 SGD from the museum box office.
The merchandise in the gift shop is a mix of touristy tchotchkes, art kits and science toys for kids, T-shirts, books, and souvenirs pegged to the touring exhibitions. Typical tourist stuff.
SweetSpot Coffee is a fine place to rest tired feet. Pick up a coffee or tea and a chocolate croissant, macaron, or a delicate mille-feuille.
You’d be hard-pressed to get in and out of here in one hour, unless you’re only visiting the permanent gallery. Considering the cost of admission, you’ll want to block off at least 90 minutes to see the touring exhibition—and, of course, to take photos of the building’s dramatic flower-like exterior.
