Marina Square Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Nostalgic Photo Spots, Community Memories & Creative Family Workshops

Marina Square will be hosting an exhibition and interactive event series to give parents a chance to share a bit of their own childhood with their kids, take nostalgia-filled family photos, and participate in weekend craft workshops.

Venue: Marina Square, Level 2, Marina Foyer (opposite Turtle), 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
Dates: 23 October 2026 to 31 March 2027
Admission: Free entry to exhibition and photo zones; workshops and photography sessions are ticketed or require registration

For nearly four decades, Marina Square has been a central fixture for family outings in Singapore. From its opening in 1986 on reclaimed land in the emerging Marina Centre precinct to hosting iconic spots like the former Tokyu and Metro department stores, Eng Wah Cinema, SuperBowl, and its outdoor steps, the mall holds a special place in the childhood memories of many Singaporean parents.

Before Marina Square closes its doors on 31 March 2027 for a major redevelopment project to transform the precinct into Singapore’s first hyper-mixed development, the mall is hosting a special 40th anniversary celebration titled 40 Years & Beyond: A Place That Grew With Us.

Running from 23 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, the exhibition and interactive event series give parents a chance to share a bit of their own childhood with their kids, take nostalgia-filled family photos, and participate in weekend craft workshops.

Walk Through 4 Decades of Memories Across 3 Interactive Zones

Located at the Level 2 Marina Foyer, the anniversary exhibition takes families on a journey through Marina Square’s past, present, and future across three curated zones:

• The Bay Takes Shape: Learn how Marina Centre and the surrounding Marina Bay skyline evolved from reclaimed land into the bustling city centre it is today, featuring architectural concepts designed by John Portman.

• Everyday Routines & Childhood Memories: Explore archival photographs and displays recalling former shopfronts, cinema outings, and everyday family visits from the 1980s and 1990s.

• The Next 40 Together: A forward-looking space where visitors can share their own stories and see what lies ahead for the mall's upcoming redevelopment.

Recreate Family Photos at Nostalgic Photo Settings

Parents who grew up visiting Marina Square can take a trip down memory lane with specially built photo installations inspired by the mall’s most recognizable heritage features:

• The Original Octopus Fountain: Step back into a classic 1980s meeting spot that once anchored the mall’s central court.

• The Iconic Outdoor Steps: Recreate old group photos on the steps where generations of students and young adults gathered.

• The Pioneer Outdoor Food Court: Pose against settings inspired by Singapore’s earliest outdoor mall food court layout.

40 Years, 4,000 Moments: Add Your Family Photo to a Living Digital Archive

Families can contribute directly to the exhibition's community installation, 40 Years, 4,000 Moments.

Simply scan the QR code located on the interactive touchscreen panel at the Level 2 Foyer to upload a family photograph taken at Marina Square—whether it is an old film photo from your own childhood or a recent family snapshot. Your photo will immediately appear on the circular digital display wall, joining thousands of shared memories contributed by visitors throughout the event period.

Hands-On Weekend Workshops & Creative Drop-In Sessions

To complement the exhibition, Marina Square is hosting a rotating lineup of 27 activity days featuring 36 creative workshop sessions. It is a great way for parents and kids to spend a quiet weekend afternoon making personalised keepsakes to take home.

Drop-In Craft Sessions (1.00pm – 5.00pm)

• Wax Sealing: 24, 25 & 31 October 2026 | 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 & 30 January 2027

  Decorate commemorative anniversary cards using traditional coloured wax seals.

• 2027 Calendar Art Journaling: 14, 15, 21, 22 & 28 November 2026 | 5, 6, 12 & 13 December 2026

  Assemble a custom A3 2027 family calendar using collage materials inspired by Marina Square’s architectural details.

• Water Marbling Coasters: 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 February 2027 | 6, 13 & 14 March 2027

  Try liquid water marbling techniques to design ceramic drink coasters.

Guided Craft Workshops

• Photo Embroidery (Selected dates in Oct 2026 & Mar 2027): Add colourful embroidery stitches and patterns onto printed archival images.

• Cyanotype Printing (Selected dates in Nov 2026 & Jan 2027): Learn sunlight-sensitive blue-and-white printing techniques to create custom cyanotype postcards.

• Loom Weaving (Selected dates in Dec 2026 & Feb 2027): Practice hand-weaving on a commemorative acrylic loom frame.

Note: Workshop timings and registration requirements can be checked on the Marina Square website or via the Marina Square Rewards app.

Architectural Photography Walk & Workshop

For families with older children or teens interested in photography, Marina Square is hosting a hands-on 40th Anniversary Architectural Photography Workshop on Saturday, 14 November 2026 at 4.00pm.

Led by professional photography trainer Gautami in collaboration with Cathay Photo, this two-hour guided walk teaches participants how to capture architectural lines, perspectives, and lighting across the mall's unique spaces before redevelopment begins.

• Fee: $25 per participant (Limited to 40 slots; open to smartphone users and camera owners)
• Inclusions: Includes a complimentary afternoon treat (two drinks and a slice of cake) at dal.komm COFFEE.

Participants can submit their best photo taken during the session to stand a chance to win a Canon EOS R50 camera kit worth $1,189.

Getting There & Admission Details

• Venue: Marina Square, Level 2, Marina Foyer (opposite Turtle), 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594

• Exhibition Period: 23 October 2026 – 31 March 2027

• Nearest MRT Stations: Esplanade MRT (Circle Line) via underground linkway, Promenade MRT (Circle/Downtown Line), or City Hall MRT (North-South/East-West Line)

• Parking: On-site basement parking available at Marina Square

For the full workshop schedule, photography walk registration, and exhibition updates, visit the official Marina Square Website or download the Marina Square Rewards app.