Imagine climbing to the top of a pagoda. What do you see? An endless sunset, fantastical neon-lit skies, mythical creatures that soar through magical clouds?

Join us in this year's edition of Light to Night at ACM! Discover storeys and stories both legendary and real, through an outdoor art installation, craft activities, and performances celebrating the architectural marvel of pagodas and the wonders of the celestial world.

Enjoy free admission to Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco on Fridays, 17, 24, 31 Jan (6–9pm) and Saturdays, 18, 25 Jan and 1 Feb (6–10pm).

17 Jan–6 Feb 2025 (Programmes on 18, 25 Jan & 1 Feb, 6–10pm)

Asian Civilisations Museum
5 mins walk from Raffles Place MRT (Exit H), More Info

Free admission to most activities

17 Jan–6 Feb 2025 (Programmes on 18, 25 Jan & 1 Feb, 6–10pm)

Asian Civilisations Museum
5 mins walk from Raffles Place MRT (Exit H), More Info

Free admission to most activities

Imagine climbing to the top of a pagoda. What do you see? An endless sunset, fantastical neon-lit skies, mythical creatures that soar through magical clouds?

Enjoy free admission to Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco on Fridays, 17, 24, 31 Jan (6–9pm) and Saturdays, 18, 25 Jan and 1 Feb (6–10pm).

OUTDOOR LIGHT INSTALLATIONS

We’ll Make Heaven a Place on Earth by Arterly Obsessed

We’ll Make Heaven a Place on Earth by Arterly Obsessed

17 Jan–6 Feb

10am–12am

ACM Green

Free

Experience We’ll Make Heaven a Place on Earth – a sculptural installation inspired by the timeless beauty of pagodas and the pursuit of spiritual connection. From the outside, viewers glimpse through a two-way mirror; inside, they are enveloped in infinite reflections. Step into a mesmerising play of light and perception, where iridescent and reflective materials create an immersive space.

More about Arterly Obsessed here.

Art Skins on Monuments: Unsung Threads by SOTA

17 Jan–6 Feb
8.45pm–12am

Extension Wing Façade
Free admission

Unsung Threads explores the evolution of activities along the Singapore River, from fishing and labour to tourism and dining. Developed by Year 4–6 students from the School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA), the project is inspired by objects in the Asian Civilisations Museum, including fish-adorned dishes and rattan food covers.

The animation uses vibrant motifs to connect Singapore's diverse communities and highlight the river's transformation. It celebrates the contributions of coolies, hawkers, and artists in shaping Singapore's success, while reflecting the river’s lasting significance in the nation’s history.

More about School of the Arts (SOTA) here.

Art Skins on Monuments: Unsung Threads by SOTA

17 Jan–6 Feb
8.45pm–12am

Extension Wing Façade
Free admission

More about School of the Arts (SOTA) here.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

Beans&Beats at ACM

Sat, 18 January
6–10pm
Lobby, Level 1
Free admission

Experience a cosmic blend of music, coffee, and art at a special Beans&Beats pop-up at ACM! Sip on a specialty brew from Asia and groove to exciting live DJ sets.

To redeem a complimentary cup of coffee*, visit the Pagoda Odyssey special exhibition, snap a creative photo of your favourite pagoda, and share it with us.

*While supplies last. Limited to one redemption per person.

Specialty brews:

· Sumbing Nitro Anaerobic 240H from Indonesia

· Kamala Gulang Anaerobic Natural from Indonesia

· Uchangi Estate Yeast Honey from India

DJ lineup:

· @hmatteolie: Jazz House, Afro House

· @adenlowpotato: Pop, Hip-hop, Tech House

Beans&Beats at ACM

Sat, 18 January
6–10pm
Lobby, Level 1
Free admission

Experience a cosmic blend of music, coffee, and art at a special Beans&Beats pop-up at ACM! Sip on a specialty brew from Asia and groove to exciting live DJ sets.

To redeem a complimentary cup of coffee*, visit the Pagoda Odyssey special exhibition, snap a creative photo of your favourite pagoda, and share it with us.

*While supplies last. Limited to one redemption per person.

Specialty brews:

· Sumbing Nitro Anaerobic 240H from Indonesia

· Kamala Gulang Anaerobic Natural from Indonesia

· Uchangi Estate Yeast Honey from India

DJ lineup:

· @hmatteolie: Jazz House, Afro House

· @adenlowpotato: Pop, Hip-hop, Tech House

Getai Glow: Music in Motion

Sat, 25 Jan
7.30pm, 9.30pm

ACM Green

Free admission

Immerse yourself in the lively world of getai, a vibrant form of local entertainment. Enjoy a colourful performance with live music on a mobile float by Qingde Float & Design, decked out in fluorescent lights. Catch an exclusive, up-close look at the artistry and culture that bring getai to life.

Wormhole's Night at the Museum + Pop-up Market

Sat, 1 Feb
6–10pm

River Room, Level 2

Free admission to pop-up

Registration required for participation in Worms & Ladders; $10 per participant

Form teams and race to the top of a pagoda in Worms & Ladders, a larger-than-life twist on the classic Snakes & Ladders game with quiz questions and fun surprises! Don’t miss the pop-up market with fashion upcycling, tarot readings, jagua ink tattoos, and more!

Pop-up market:

1816bakes, Alt.native, Books & Beer, Crafting Love, Cruddy, EYEYAH, JangandFox, Jynk Ink, Laphetwyne, Tarot on the Moon, The Slow Press & Wormhole.

Wormhole's Night at the Museum + Pop-up Market

Sat, 1 Feb
6–10pm

River Room, Level 2

Free admission to pop-up

Registration required for participation in Worms & Ladders; $10 per participant

Pop-up market:

1816bakes, Alt.native, Books & Beer, Crafting Love, Cruddy, EYEYAH, JangandFox, Jynk Ink, Laphetwyne, Tarot on the Moon, The Slow Press & Wormhole.

DROP-IN EXPERIENCES & PERFORMANCES

Stargazing by the River

Sat, 18, 25 Jan & 1 Feb

8–10pm

ACM Green

Free admission

Grab a picnic mat and spend an evening under the stars! Peer through telescopes and discover the wonders of the night sky* with guidance from our friendly volunteers and astronomy experts. Experience a celestial journey and see the sky like never before.

In partnership with Astronomy.sg, NUS High Astronomy Club, and NUS Astronomical Society.

*Subject to weather conditions. Activity will be cancelled in case of wet weather.

Celestial Tales: Chinese Opera with Tok Tok Chiang

Sat, 25 January
Drop-in craft: 6–10pm

Performance: 8.30pm

River Room, Level 2

Free admission

Explore the enchanting realm of celestial tales and Chinese opera with Tok Tok Chiang. Experience the drama of Madam White Snake, Sun Wukong’s daring acrobatics, and the magic of Sichuan mask-changing!

Discover the rich traditions and regional styles of Chinese opera in our experiential corner. Paint opera masks*, explore Chinese opera puppets, and try on resplendent opera costumes for a photo-worthy moment!

*While supplies last.

More about Tok Tok Chiang here.

Celestial Tales: Chinese Opera with Tok Tok Chiang

Sat, 25 January
Drop-in craft: 6–10pm

Performance: 8.30pm

River Room, Level 2

Free admission

*While supplies last.

More about Tok Tok Chiang here.

Do You See Me? Decoden Mirror Craft

Sat, 25 Jan & 1 Feb

6–10pm

Lobby, Level 1

Free; Register on-site*

Create your own mirror masterpiece at this hands-on craft activity! Decorate a hand mirror with charms like stars and pagoda-inspired designs and take home a personalised keepsake inspired by the wonders of the sky.

*Limited slots available. While supplies last.

Dance of the Dragon

Sat, 1 Feb
8–8.30pm

ACM Green, Level 1

Free admission

Join us for a dazzling display of colour, light, and movement in an illuminated dragon dance by Yiwei Athletic Association. Watch as the glowing dragon weaves through the crowd, dancing to the beat of the drum!

GALLERY TOURS

Stories from the Sky: Storytelling tour

Sat, 18 Jan & 1 Feb
7–8pm
Lobby, Level 1
$5 refundable deposit/participant

Embark on a storytelling tour through the special exhibition and permanent galleries, where you will uncover fantastical myths and legends inspired by pagodas and celestial creatures.

The Line of Best Fit: Singaporean Literature Meets Museum Artefacts

Sat, 18 Jan
8.30pm–9.30pm
Meeting point: ACM Lobby
$5 refundable deposit/participant

Join us for an exclusive tour of the exhibition, led by Annaliza Bakri, curator of The Line of Best Fit, and Noorashikin Zulkifli, ACM's Principal Curator and Deputy Director. Together, they will explore the connections between artefacts and literary works, revealing the rich narratives that emerge at the intersection of history, culture and storytelling. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes insights into the exhibition and uncover the intricate relationships between material culture and the written word.

The Line of Best Fit: Singaporean Literature Meets Museum Artefacts

Sat, 18 Jan
8.30pm–9.30pm
Meeting point: ACM Lobby
$5 refundable deposit/participant

EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION

FLAVOURS OF PROSPERITY: A collaboration between EMPRESS & Privé Grill

Celebrate Chinese New Year with the exclusive Flavours of Prosperity collaboration between EMPRESS and Privé Grill. From 13 January to 12 February 2025, enjoy a special 3-course or 5-course set menu at Privé Grill Keppel Bay, priced at $38 and $58 respectively for lunch and dinner. Whatsapp +65 91728984 for reservations.

Special Offer: Enjoy a 10% discount on Flavours of Prosperity set menus with your Asian Civilisations Museum or Peranakan Museum ticket. Present your ticket at payment to redeem the offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with existing discounts or promotions.

For more information, email info@prive.com.sg.

FLAVOURS OF PROSPERITY: A collaboration between EMPRESS & Privé Grill

For more information, email info@prive.com.sg.

Notice to visitors

There will be road closures on 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Jan, and 1 Feb from 4pm–1am. Traffic delays and detours are expected. We advise visitors to plan ample time for travelling and we encourage the use of public transport (the museum is a 5-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT station, Exit H).

Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco

Exhibitions In-Museum

31 May 2024 - 1 June 2025

Pagoda Odyssey reunites a set of 84 hand-carved model pagodas for the first time in over a century.

Visit Asian Civilisations Museum today

Book your ticket now

Video

CELESTIAL: Light to Night at ACM

Programme

OUTDOOR LIGHT INSTALLATIONS

We’ll Make Heaven a Place on Earth by Arterly Obsessed

Art Skins on Monuments: Unsung Threads by SOTA

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

Beans&Beats at ACM

Getai Glow: Music in Motion

Wormhole's Night at the Museum + Pop-up Market

DROP-IN EXPERIENCES & PERFORMANCES

Stargazing by the River

Celestial Tales: Chinese Opera with Tok Tok Chiang

Do You See Me? Decoden Mirror Craft

Dance of the Dragon

GALLERY TOURS

Stories from the Sky: Storytelling tour

The Line of Best Fit: Singaporean Literature Meets Museum Artefacts

EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION

FLAVOURS OF PROSPERITY: A collaboration between EMPRESS & Privé Grill

OUTDOOR LIGHT INSTALLATIONS

We’ll Make Heaven a Place on Earth by Arterly Obsessed

Art Skins on Monuments: Unsung Threads by SOTA

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

Beans&Beats at ACM

Getai Glow: Music in Motion

Wormhole's Night at the Museum + Pop-up Market

DROP-IN EXPERIENCES & PERFORMANCES

Stargazing by the River

Celestial Tales: Chinese Opera with Tok Tok Chiang

Do You See Me? Decoden Mirror Craft

Dance of the Dragon

GALLERY TOURS

Stories from the Sky: Storytelling tour

The Line of Best Fit: Singaporean Literature Meets Museum Artefacts

EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION

FLAVOURS OF PROSPERITY: A collaboration between EMPRESS & Privé Grill