Two New Exhibitions Open at ACM This May: Elegant Sounds: Music, Craft, and the Literati & ACM & ME

Step into a world of music, culture, and creative play at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) – opening 23 May 2025!

Get ready for a double treat at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) this May! On 23 May 2025, ACM welcomes visitors of all ages to explore two exciting new spaces—a beautifully refreshed gallery for adults and a playful new zone just for kids and families. Whether you’re into music and heritage or looking for hands-on fun with your little ones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Elegant Sounds: Music, Craft, and the Literati

Venue: Scholars Gallery, Level 2, Asian Civilisations Museum
Date: From 23 May 2025
Time: 10am to 7pm (Sat to Thu) | 10am to 9pm (Fri)
Admission: Free for Singaporeans and PRs | $25 for Foreigners

Step into a peaceful and poetic world where music meets craftsmanship. Elegant Sounds: Music, Craft, and the Literati is a brand-new multi-sensory exhibition that brings the ancient Chinese zither—the qin—to life. Played by Chinese scholars for over 2,000 years, this special instrument isn’t just about music; it represents mindfulness, reflection, and artistic expression.

Discover ancient instruments, intricate artworks, rare books, and beautifully made furniture from as far back as the Han dynasty. Try your hand at a digital interactive featuring a real qin, enjoy recordings by qin master Dr Kee Chee Koon, and watch a behind-the-scenes video by craftsman Ning Qunhui to learn how these timeless instruments are made. It’s the perfect experience for anyone who enjoys music, history, or quiet moments of inspiration.

ACM & ME – A Playful New Space for Kids

Venue: Contemporary Gallery, Asian Civilisations Museum
Date: From 23 May 2025
Time: 10am to 7pm (Sat to Thu) | 10am to 9pm (Fri)
Admission: Free

Just in time for the June school holidays, ACM is launching ACM & ME—a colourful and creative space specially designed for kids and families!

Explore three fun zones—Who am I?, What’s my story?, and What can I create?—each packed with playful activities that help little ones learn more about themselves and the world around them. Kids can build magnetic self-portraits, invent their own mythical creatures inspired by ACM’s galleries, and dance through a magical space filled with lights, colours, and music!

Created with input from local art studio Arterly Obsessed and early learning experts, ACM & ME encourages imagination, creativity, and meaningful family moments. Look out for helpful conversation prompts (developed with the Singapore Association for Mental Health) that invite parents and children to connect, reflect, and grow together.

Perfect for toddlers, big kids—and even adults who are young at heart—every visit to ACM & ME is a chance to discover something new.

Plan Your Family Day Out

Mark your calendar for 23 May 2025 and spend the day exploring both new exhibitions at ACM! Admission is free for Singaporeans and PRs, so it’s a great chance to enjoy a day of learning, play, and discovery with the whole family.

For more details, visit: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/acm.