Ready to go off the beaten path? Crossing Cultures: Roads Less Travelled invites you to explore, taste, make, and discover. Held in conjunction with Sacred Caves: Dunhuang, Buddhism, and the Silk Road, journey across cultures and time, and into the unexpected.

Enjoy discounted entry to Sacred Caves: Dunhuang, Buddhism and the Silk Road ($8 for Singaporeans and PRs | $20 for foreign residents and tourists) during programme hours.

Programme Highlights:
· Movie Nights: Romance, Adventure, and Wes Anderson
· ALCHEMY: A Craft & Experience Market by Wings of Childhood
· The Caravanserai
· Gallery Experiences
· Registered Activities
· Collectible Zine

About Crossing Cultures at ACM
Taking inspiration from objects in the galleries, Crossing Cultures explores ACM's collection through performing arts, craftsmanship, food traditions, wellness practices, and other aspects of intangible cultural heritage – past and present. Dive deep into Asia’s rich heritage with these special weekend programmes. Learn, explore, and create with us at ACM.

16–18 October 2026

Daily - Fri, 7.30–9.30pm / Sat & Sun, 2–9.30pm

Asian Civilisations Museum

Free and ticketed activities available

16–18 October 2026

Daily - Fri, 7.30–9.30pm / Sat & Sun, 2–9.30pm

Asian Civilisations Museum

Free and ticketed activities available

DROP-IN ACTIVITIES

Movie Nights: Romance, Adventure, and Wes Anderson

Fri to Sun, 16–18 Oct, 7.30–9.30pm
ACM Hard Court
Wet weather: Basement Foyer
Free seating
Headphones are required for this event.

Movie nights are back! Settle in for an evening of film under the stars. This silent cinema experience uses your own headphones and smartphone for clear, personal audio. Bring your favourite snacks or grab some light bites from our food vendors and enjoy the movie your way.

Download Cinewav and bring your own earbuds for an immersive, high-quality audio experience.

Film schedule
Fri, 16 Oct: The Lovers (1994) dir. Tsui Hark
In this classic Chinese opera tale, a young noblewoman disguises herself as a man to study, and falls in love with a classmate of lower social standing. Can their bond overcome the barriers of gender, class, and even death?

Sat, 17 Oct: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) dir. Ben Stiller
When his job is threatened, daydreamer Walter Mitty springs into action and sets off on an incredible real-world adventure. Ben Stiller directs and stars in this inspiring story of an ordinary man who discovers the extraordinary.

Sun, 18 Oct: Isle of Dogs (2018) dir. Wes Anderson
When corrupt Mayor Kobayashi exiles all dogs to a vast garbage dump, 12-year-old Atari flies to Trash Island alone to find his beloved dog, Spots. With a pack of newfound mongrel friends, his search becomes an epic journey that will decide the fate of the entire city.

Presented by Cinewav

About Cinewav
Cinewav reimagines outdoor cinema by delivering high-definition audio through your mobile phone. Download your Cinewav audio ticket and bring your headphones for an immersive viewing experience.

Movie Nights: Romance, Adventure, and Wes Anderson

Fri to Sun, 16–18 Oct, 7.30–9.30pm
ACM Hard Court
Wet weather: Basement Foyer
Free seating
Headphones are required for this event.

ALCHEMY: A Craft & Experience Market by Wings of Childhood

Sat & Sun, 17–18 Oct,
Market: 2–7pm (last entry 6.30pm)
Registered workshops: 7.30–8.30pm
River Room, Level 2
Free admission; charges apply for activities
Cashless payment only

Enter through a hand-painted paper cave into a market of craft and discovery. More then 30 local makers, artists, and guides invite you to rediscover what you once loved, through four rituals: moving, making, being still, and knowing.

Limited exclusive: Complete a simple treasure hunt and receive a free 5-minute reading with Ling the Palmist from 2.30–6.30pm. Subject to capacity limits.

Highlight experiences:
· Ling, The Palmist: Find all the hidden motifs to receive a free 5-minute palm readings (2.30-6.30pm)
· Hey Cyann: Jagua ink live station & DIY take-home kits
· Wings of Childhood open play area: Drop-in and play with childhood crafts in the heart of the room.

Guided workshops:
· Threads of Home by Thrively and Wings of Childhood
Sat, 17 Oct, 7.30pm
Pre-booking required: Follow the thread that leads back to you. This meditative experience combines breath, sound, and stitching. Participants embroider their own name in a guided reflection.
Click here to register

· Yin & Violin by Brandon and Josh Kua
Sun, 18 Oct, 7.30pm
Pre-booking required: Slow down for an hour of deep release, stillness, and live music. Brandon Chong guides a gentle Yin practice of long-held poses, while contemporary violinist Josh Kua plays live and responds to the room. The session closes with an extended Savasana. Suitable for all levels.
Click here to register

Craft & Experience Booths:
· Artlay Studio
· Artzycraftzy Studios
· Closed on Sundays
· DIY Savvy Mommy
· Dotted Tales by Lalitha
· Earthy Arts by Dharti
· Esther Fern
· Hikaribybs materials
· Hrida Art
· Kraftomania
· Lettering in Phosphenes
· Love Curates Studio
· Macramenian
· Mads Art Corner
· Quiet Current
· Ruchi Fine Art
· Sabicreate
· Skillfully Mine
· Soulart by Shital
· Spectrum of Art-ism
· Studio by Anu
· Tan Su Sian
· The Crafting Tale SG
· The Joyful Canvas
· The Pensive Desk
· The Shy Crafter
· Two Hobbies

Creative Direction by Dawn Koh
Organised by Wings of Childhood

About Wings of Childhood
Wings of Childhood is a platform for self-discovery through art, founded by local mixed media artist Koh Dawn. Since 2024, it has guided more than 10,000 people reconnect with their childhood creativity through intimate workshops and large public events.

ALCHEMY: A Craft & Experience Market by Wings of Childhood

THE CARAVANSERAI

Gather at the Caravanserai, a pit stop for hands-on adventures, tasty treats, and live performances. Grab a bite, catch a show, and experience a meeting place of cultures, flavours, and sounds on the ACM Green.

Featuring performances by Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre and Al Bedouin.

Outdoor activities/performance schedule (Sat & Sun)
3pm, 4pm, 5pm: Asiatic Archery Demonstration and Experience by Traditional Archers Singapore
5.30pm: Into the Dream of Dunhuang by Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre
6.30pm: Rhythms of the Silk Road with Al Bedouin

Savour the flavours found at the crossroads of cultures. Inspired by culinary traditions connected by the Silk Road, sample unexpected treats, from ice cream inspired by traditional Chinese medicine to rich and vibrant meze dips.

Featured vendors:
Synthesis
Hadramawt Kitchen
House of Samosas

Asiatic Archery Demonstration and Experience by Traditional Archers Singapore

Sat & Sun, 17–18 Oct, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm
ACM Green
Free

Take aim and discover the art of Asiatic archery, from live demonstrations to a guided hands-on experience! Learn about the skills and traditions behind archery practices that have shaped various cultures across Asia for centuries, and explore replicas of Mongolian, Tatar, and Turkish bows alongside bows that combine traditional designs with modern materials.

About Traditional Archers Singapore
Traditional Archers Singapore (TAS) is dedicated to keeping the art and heritage of traditional archery alive through teaching, practice, and cultural sharing. Its approach brings together technique, discipline, respect, and self-awareness, helping archers develop both skills and character. Through classes, demonstrations, and international participation, TAS connects people in Singapore with a living tradition shared across cultures and generations.

Image credit: Traditional Archers Singapore

Asiatic Archery Demonstration and Experience by Traditional Archers Singapore

Image credit: Traditional Archers Singapore

Into the Dream of Dunhuang by Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre

Sat & Sun, 17–18 Oct, 5.30pm
ACM Green
Free

Step into the murals of Dunhuang with Into the Dream of Dunhuang, a dance journey specially choreographed for this programme, inspired by the Silk Road. Watch apsaras and guardians come alive through movement and music, before learning a few pipa dance movements alongside the performers.

About Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre
Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre (SCDT) was established in 2014 with the mission of promoting excellence in Chinese dance. Led by Artistic Director Neo Jenny, SCDT plays a vital role in developing and exploring Chinese dance identity in Singapore.

In addition to local performing arts events, the company has also shared its artistry on international platforms, earning acclaim with performances across Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.

Image credit: Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY)

Into the Dream of Dunhuang by Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre

Image credit: Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY)

Rhythms of the Silk Road with Al Bedouin

Sat & Sun, 17–18 Oct, 6.30pm
ACM Green
Free

Get ready to groove! Experience the versatility of the darbuka and def (skin frame drum) through solos, duets, melodies, and freestyle improvisations.

About Al Bedouin
Al Bedouin is an ensemble of musicians who share the rhythms of the desert with Singapore. Over the past two decades, the group has performed several times at WOMAD and Esplanade, and events for the National Arts Council and National Heritage Board.

GALLERY EXPERIENCES

Experience our galleries through sound, with intimate live performances featuring instruments rarely heard in Singapore. Journey between tradition and the contemporary through music that crosses cultures and soothes the soul.

Echoes of Time: A Contemporary Sound Journey by Dmitry Soul

Sat & Sun, 17–18 Oct, 2pm
Ancestors & Rituals gallery, Level 2
Free

Enjoy a special performance by Dmitry Soul, a Bali-based musician travelling to Singapore for this programme. Where traditional sounds meet contemporary influences, discover the distinctive voices of the soulful duduk and the shimmering notes of the santoor.

About Dmitry Soul
Dmitry Soul is a musician and a live-looping artist who combines electronic beats with instruments such as the duduk, santoor, and jaw harp, creating a bridge between the ancient and modern. Dmitry shares authentic and touching melodies that he has been crafting for over 18 years.

Image credit: Dmitry Soul

Echoes of Time: A Contemporary Sound Journey by Dmitry Soul

Between Borders: Mongolian horsehead fiddle x guitar performance with GIMA Band

Sat, 17 Oct, 3pm
Ancestors & Rituals Gallery, Level 2
Free

GIMA BAND is a world-music crossover ensemble, built around the distinctive pairing of the guitar and morin khuur (Mongolian horsehead fiddle).

In ACM's Ancestors & Rituals Gallery, the band takes audiences on a musical journey, from traditional morin khuur repertoire to original contemporary works that weave together influences from across cultures.

About GIMA Band
Guitarist / Lead Vocalist: Marco Zhang Yaotian
Morin Khuur Player / Lead Vocalist: Anarva Wang Jing

Rooted in Singapore's multicultural landscape, GIMA BAND brings together traditional and contemporary music to explore the cross-cultural encounters, emotional connections, and creative expressions that emerge where ethnic and world music meet.

The band is committed to forging a distinctive new sound for Singapore. It also champions cultural and artistic exchange within Singapore, across ASEAN, and internationally.

Image credit: GIMA Band

Between Borders: Mongolian horsehead fiddle x guitar performance with GIMA Band

Image credit: GIMA Band

Dances of the Ancient Road with Shen Xiao

Sun, 18 Oct, 3pm
Ancestors & Rituals Gallery, Level 2
Free

Xinjiang sits at the heart of the ancient Silk Road, a crossroads of cultures, landscapes, and living traditions. This performance traces the heritage through three distinct dance forms: the joyful energy of Uyghur dance from the oasis cities, the free-spirited grace of Kazakh dance from the grasslands, and the majestic solemnity of Tajik dance from the Pamir Plateau. Through performances and hands-on dance movements, the session tells the story of a region where many cultures have long lived, moved, and celebrated side by side.

About Shen Xiao
Shen Xiao has 10 years of experience teaching dance in Singapore government schools and dance training institutions. He has led schools and students to excellent results in many local and Chinese dance competitions, and has long been involved in government and private dance performance.

Dances of the Ancient Road with Shen Xiao

REGISTERED ACTIVITIES

Join hands-on workshops that bring rarely seen crafts into everyday life. Learn new techniques and create something of your own!

Wines of China: Tasting workshops with The Smallest Wine Fair

Fri–Sun, 16–18 Oct
Various timings
Discovery Room, Basement
$25 per participant; register on Peatix
Ages 18 and up

Explore Chinese wine with The Smallest Wine Fair through wine tasting workshops, each with a different focus.

The New Frontier: An Introduction to the Wines of China
Fri, 16 Oct, 7:30–9pm
Trace the ancient and modern routes of Chinese wine. This session goes beyond commercial labels to uncover artisanal producers, distinct regional microclimates, and low-intervention methods shaping China’s ever-evolving wine movement.

Oasis Terroir: The Ancient Vineyards of Gansu & the Hexi Corridor
Sat, 17 Oct, 5–6:30pm
Held in celebration of the Sacred Caves exhibition, this session explores the historic artery of the Silk Road. We dive into the desert viticulture of Gansu, where extreme day-night temperature swings, high altitude and mineral-rich soils produce distinctive, characterful wines along one of the world's most historic trade routes.

Helan Mountain High: Craft & Terroir in Ningxia
Sun, 18 Oct, 5–6:30pm
Discover Ningxia’s Helan Mountain East Foothills, widely regarded as the epicentre of China’s modern fine wine renaissance. This masterclass examines how boutique, family-run estates handle extreme continental conditions to craft energetic wines that have earned global acclaim.

About The Smallest Wine Fair
The Smallest Wine Fair is Singapore’s first independent wine festival focused on organic and biodynamic wines. It celebrates artisanal wines and the people behind them, with no pretence, no velvet ropes, and no gatekeeping. Just good juice, curious drinkers, and topics relevant to an ever-evolving industry.

Click here to register

Wines of China: Tasting workshops with The Smallest Wine Fair

Click here to register

Resist-Dyeing a Warp: An Ikat-Inspired Activity with Craft Atelier

Sat, 17 Oct, 2–3.30pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$15 per participant; register on Peatix

Learn about ikat, a resist-dyeing and weaving tradition practised across cultures. Experience how bundles of yarn are tied to create the resist effect before dyes are painted on by hand, then create a unique piece to take home and display.

About Craft Atelier
Craft Atelier is a local fibre and textile studio for making with care and intention. It hosts workshops, studio visits, and one-to-one consultations for people curious about fibre craft, or looking to deepen an existing practice. Its approach values clarity of intention, thoughtful pacing, and attention to process. Everyone is welcome, whether just beginning or returning to making after time away.

Click here to register

Resist-Dyeing a Warp: An Ikat-Inspired Activity with Craft Atelier

Click here to register

Brewing Teas of the Silk Road: A Tea Appreciation Experience with Tea Chapter

Sun, 18 Oct, 2–3.30pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$15 per participant; register on Peatix

What stories can a cup of tea tell? Journey through Chinese tea culture and discover the teas that travelled across ancient trade routes, from the Silk Road to the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Guided by a tea practitioner, learn to brew and appreciate two teas through their aromas, flavours, and stories.

About Tea Chapter
Established in 1989 by a group of Chinese tea enthusiasts, Tea Chapter is one of Singapore’s largest and oldest teahouse. Deeply rooted in culture and heritage, Tea Chapter has been devoted to the renaissance of Chinese tea drinking.

Awarded the SG Heritage Business Scheme in 2025 by the National Heritage Board, Tea Chapter continues to promote and preserve the art of Chinese tea and culture.

Click here to register

Brewing Teas of the Silk Road: A Tea Appreciation Experience with Tea Chapter

Click here to register

Collectible Zine

Start your journey with a free, limited-edition collectible zine. Discover stories behind selected objects and snag a fold-out poster featuring the Roads Less Travelled.

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DROP-IN ACTIVITIES

Movie Nights: Romance, Adventure, and Wes Anderson

ALCHEMY: A Craft & Experience Market by Wings of Childhood

THE CARAVANSERAI

Asiatic Archery Demonstration and Experience by Traditional Archers Singapore

Into the Dream of Dunhuang by Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre

Rhythms of the Silk Road with Al Bedouin

GALLERY EXPERIENCES

Echoes of Time: A Contemporary Sound Journey by Dmitry Soul

Between Borders: Mongolian horsehead fiddle x guitar performance with GIMA Band

Dances of the Ancient Road with Shen Xiao

REGISTERED ACTIVITIES

Wines of China: Tasting workshops with The Smallest Wine Fair

Resist-Dyeing a Warp: An Ikat-Inspired Activity with Craft Atelier

Brewing Teas of the Silk Road: A Tea Appreciation Experience with Tea Chapter

Collectible Zine

DROP-IN ACTIVITIES

Movie Nights: Romance, Adventure, and Wes Anderson

ALCHEMY: A Craft & Experience Market by Wings of Childhood

THE CARAVANSERAI

Asiatic Archery Demonstration and Experience by Traditional Archers Singapore

Into the Dream of Dunhuang by Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre

Rhythms of the Silk Road with Al Bedouin

GALLERY EXPERIENCES

Echoes of Time: A Contemporary Sound Journey by Dmitry Soul

Between Borders: Mongolian horsehead fiddle x guitar performance with GIMA Band

Dances of the Ancient Road with Shen Xiao

REGISTERED ACTIVITIES

Wines of China: Tasting workshops with The Smallest Wine Fair

Resist-Dyeing a Warp: An Ikat-Inspired Activity with Craft Atelier

Brewing Teas of the Silk Road: A Tea Appreciation Experience with Tea Chapter

Collectible Zine