If you're passionate about art or have been curious about diving into the local art scene, now's your chance. With the arrival of the annual Singapore Art Week, the upcoming weekends are packed with conventions, film screenings, exhibitions, and showcases from independent artists. Here's our listicle of things to do over the weekend. When it comes to art, there's truly something for everyone.
The annual Singapore Art Week (SAW) is back, and perhaps better than ever—though art is subjective, so we’ll let you be the judge. Titled "Art Takes Over," SAW 2025 boasts over 130 events spread across ten days, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Highlights include highly anticipated exhibitions such as Art SG, S.E.A. Focus, and Light to Night Singapore, alongside Robert Zhao Renhui’s Seeing Forest installation, fresh from the Venice Biennale, and a rare glass art showcase by the Bangkok Glass Company.
When: 17-26 January
Where: Check out the SAW 2025 website for times and locations
Beyond the exhibitions, there's a makers' market to awaken your creative side, and come evening, a lively music festival with sick jams awaits. Spanning two weekends, the first features acts such as indie stalwarts Subsonic Eye, experimental art rock collective sub:shaman, alternative R&B duo nkei, jazz-pop Alicia DC, and the eclectic South Korean alt-electronic duo Haepaary. Weekend two offers a dynamic mix, including neo-ethnic fusion ensemble Mantravine, whilst an immersive projection mapping display by indie art studio Kult, and plenty more to discover.
When: 17-18 (first weekend), 24-25 (second weekend) January
Where: Singapore Art Museum, 39 Keppel Road, Singapore 089065
Returning for its fifth edition, Culture Cartel—Singapore’s street culture convention is back, and this time with the theme “ICONS Uprising”. This year’s event celebrates the pioneers who laid the groundwork for street culture and the emerging talents redefining its boundaries. Covering art, fashion, music, tattoos, and toys, the three-day extravaganza promises an immersive experience, featuring exclusive drops from over 250 global brands and artists. True to the convention’s spirit, attendees can also meet renowned street personalities, including Canadian TikTok sensation David Huynh, who will be showcasing his signature vintage-cartoon-inspired artwork in Singapore for the very first time.
When: 18-19 January, 11am-10pm
Where: Singapore Expo Hall 5, 1 Expo Drive
Get your tickets here
Art and design shop Shrub is hosting an exciting pop-up offering creativity and craftsmanship as always. The pop-up features a carefully curated selection of past and present objects, alongside video works by a range of emerging artists, showcasing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Adding to the allure, exclusive one-off pieces created in collaboration with Islands Peninsula will also be available for purchase.
When: 18 January-1 February, 10am-10pm
Where: Excelsior Shopping Centre, 5 Coleman Street
Sure, you could probably just go outside and see the vibrant streets of our city with your own eyes, but why do that when you can view the very same sights as pictured through the lens of celebrated visual archivist Aik Beng Chia instead, who’s been capturing the lifeblood of Singapore on his camera for 15 years. As part of Singapore Art Week 2025, his newest exhibition SingKaPor REMIXED presents a series of large-scale photographic collages that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Singapore’s urban landscapes and vibrant communities. Chia’s collages capture the intimacy and charm of everyday moments, with these new works expanding upon his previously more individual snapshots to offer a panoramic view of life in Singapore.
When: Till 26 January
Where: 5 Lock Rd, #01-06 Gillman Barracks
There's a fresh face in the local art scene, and it's making quite the statement. Meet Tokonoma—the brainchild of gallerist and art collector Ken Tan and art director Joash Thum—a gallery that thrives on defying labels. Think of it as the cool rebel of the art world where rules don't apply. Their debut exhibition, DNA (Design Nor Art), is a curated collection of eight intriguing objects that live somewhere in the grey zone between art and design. Highlights include Duchamp's iconic Bottle Rack (yes, the one that transformed a drying rack into art history) and a pair of Olivier People sunglasses made exclusively for Andy Warhol—because why not add a touch of Warholian flair to the mix?
When: 10 January-28 February
Where: Tokonoma, #03-10, 16 Shaw Road
By appointment only
Looking for your next cultural fix without breaking the bank? Head to the Centre for Asian Languages & Arts (CAL) at the National Library Building, where a treasure trove of arts and culture content spanning books, music scores, and play scripts reside. But here's the kicker: their massive collection of 30,000 film titles, ranging from dance performances to theatre productions and operas, are all available in crystal-clear quality up to 4K resolution. There's even a cosy viewing room on level 8, complete with a surround sound system that'll have you feeling like you're front row at the theatre.
When: Everyday, 10am - 9pm
Where: 100 Victoria Street, National Library Board, Singapore 188064
Make reservations here
When was the last time you've visited the Science Centre Singapore? I'd wager not very recently. But you now have an excuse to do just that. Space Explorers: THE INFINITE takes you aboard the International Space Station alongside NASA astronauts through stunning 360-degree footage captured in space. For an hour, you'll witness the first-ever spacewalk in virtual reality, explore a life-sized 3D model of the ISS, and watch the historic Artemis rocket launch. You'll even be able to see our earth from a perspective few humans ever have. Your ticket also includes access to Science Centre Singapore, making it a worthy outing to spend an entire day on.
When: Now till 24 March 2025
Where: Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, 609081
Make reservations here
Gladiator 2 is a cinematic spectacle that demands to be experienced in theatres, bringing together the genius of Ridley Scott with the powerhouse talents of Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington. Mescal steps into the spotlight as a compelling new hero, delivering a raw and emotionally charged performance, while Washington adds his legendary gravitas to a key role that elevates the story. With breathtaking visuals, and epic battles, it's the kind of cinematic experience that delivers the grandeur of ancient Rome. Here's our full review of it.
Where: All theatres near you
Every weekend—yes, every weekend—there's a new vintage marketplace spot open for you to find your next treasure. Whether its a cute digicam from @digi_cambam and @digicamsg, a visit to a makeshift tent for live tarot readings by @snowielogy, or a curated selection of vintage clothes, hand sculptured accessories and blind bags from @whowantsaynow, @dillydallydally, @woofie.co, @weare_.sg, and @vroomn_vintage, as well as many other hidden gems. So grab your friends or family, and come along to discover what's waiting at Resurrack's Vintage Market.
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 3pm - 9pm
Where: Resurrack Vintage Market, Bugis Street Art Lane
If you're looking for something thought-provoking this weekend, this might be it. The Substance by French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat offers a gripping dive into ambition, vulnerability and the social pressures shaping our lives. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, this isn't just entertainment; it's an intense, emotionally resonant experience that feels both personal and universal. Carolie's direction brings each character's journey to life with personal performances and stunning cinematography, making it hard to look away. Not to hype it up too much but just saying, this could be my favourite film all-year-long.
I won't spoil too much so I'll just leave you on a cliff-hanger. The Substance explores the choices we make, leaving viewers with plenty to reflect on, and probably grossed out too—in a good way, of course. So don't miss it—this film will linger with you long after the credits roll (it's still lingering after watching it last week.)
Where: All theatres near you
Enter The World of Studio Ghibli where you can visit the worlds of your favourite films. At the museum, stream through 11 of their best films such as My Neighbour Totoro (1988), Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001) and Howl's Moving Castle (2004), transporting visitors into iconic scenes of the movies. Take a peak at how the films were made with its 16 art installations showcasing Studio Ghibli's creative process. Oh and be sure not to miss the interactive exhibits and dedicated photo spots for cute pics.
(STUDIO GHIBLI)
When: Until 2 February 2025
Where: ArtScience Museum Singapore
Get your tickets here
The world’s largest light, sound and multimedia event is finally in Singapore. Expect a series of festive activities throughout its run, like “The Enchanted Maples” where visitors can enjoy glowing maple leaves and treats from the Sugar Shack as well as a winter wonderland named the “Walls of Lights” and more. illumi strongly prides in their commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient LED lighting and nighttime operations that conserve energy, so don't be worry bout 'saving electricity'.
When: Until 2 February 2025
Where: Bayfront Event Space, Singapore
Get your tickets here
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with Martell’s tribute to Chinese culture at The Golden Age Journey: L’Or de Jean Martell—Assemblage du Serpent pop-up. Limited to just 500 individually numbered bottles, is presented in a beautifully reimagined Baccarat crystal decanter that captures the mysticism of the serpent. Visitors can immerse themselves across five elemental zones inspired by Chinese geomancy—Water, Earth, Fire, Wood, and Gold, while uncovering the artistry behind this exclusive blend of over 700 eaux-de-vie.
Highlights include a gold-scaled photo wall, a heritage walkway showcasing Martell’s 300-year legacy, an Infinity Photo Wall symbolising water’s life-giving essence, and olfactory pods offering a sensory journey into its rich flavours.
When: 10–12 January
Where: 72-13 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore
It’s not everyday that you walk into a coffee shop in Geylang and experience DJs blasting out chill, laidback tunes—that’s exactly what you’ll get when you head down to the long-standing Keng Wah Seung Cafe to catch @kopicatsss. This DJ collective is back for the fifth volume of what they do best—laying down sick beats at the unlikeliest of locations, from iconic institutions of Singaporean cuisine to niche bookstores. This time they’ll be spinning at Keng Wah Seung Cafe, a renowned Hainanese nestled in the midst of Geylang that’s been around since the 50s. Catch the kopicats, joined by guest star DJ/barista @a_fiq, as they cook up the sickest tunes to go alongside your kopi and wanton mee.
When: 11 January, from 2pm until 6pm
Where: 783 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389672
“Cats, in particular, teach us to be ourselves, whatever the odds. A cat, except through force, will never do anything that goes against its nature. Nothing seduces it away from itself.“
—Alice Walker, We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For
"Cats in a Floating World" is a curated exhibition that explores cats in all their mysterious glory—from aloof apartment dwellers reflecting city lights in their eyes to playful calicos romping through traditional gardens. Drawing on Japan's rich artistic tradition where cats have long been revered as spiritual beings, fourteen artists reimagine these beloved creatures across various mediums and styles. Blurring the line between reality and dream, the exhibition delves into the cultural and emotional ties between humans and their feline counterparts.
When: Now till 29 December, 12pm - 8:30pm
Where: 45 Tras St, Singapore 078984
