National Museum of Singapore is inviting children and adults into a world of playful nostalgia at an iconic new toy exhibition. Play: Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play is a new experiential pop-up focused on toys and nostalgic memories. Wonderfully, it is free-entry and runs until January 5, 2025.
Toy Exhibition – Singapore
The new toy exhibition boasts five larger-scale artworks, that brings together artists and toy collectors, with more than 250 locally and globally recognised toys from across generations. It was developed as part of the Museum’s Collecting Contemporary Singapore initiative. The immersive experience begins with a showcase on the exterior of the museum’s facade which features a toy-influenced artwork.
Inside the museum visitors will follow a colourful story of excitement, curiosity, and learning of various toy figures through the years. Highlights include beloved McDonald’s collectibles and vintage Hot Wheels racing cars with interactive elements to tell the stories behind some of these playtime icons.
Iconic collections
Wander through three collections displaying the likes of famous miniature characters, Barbie dolls, car racers like Scooby Doo’s mystery van and Mr. Bean’s green bar, and plenty of locally-designed figurines from companies like POP MART and Disney.
Other exciting activities to look forward to at the unique toy exhibition in Singapore are retro games of the past like Pac-Man, Hello Kitty, and Tamagotchi, as well as special handheld consoles by the likes of Nintendo.
Additionally, visitors can play digital games for a small fee like customising their own avatars and play arcade-inspired games such as Memory Match, Brick Battle, Roadblock Highway, to name a few. Otherwise, snap pictures with your Play: Mate at a photo booth or discover other Instagram-worthy spots around the museum.
Plus, you can’t miss the chance to purchase nostalgic and traditional toys and games from the Museum Martket by ABRY. It’s a partnership with the historic Holland Village party shop Khiam Teck. Meanwhile, you can donate your old toys dating from the 1980s to present to give them a new lease of life.
In August, there will be additional programmes in association with the Singapore Night Festival 2024.
Toys play an important role in all of our lives and created some of the fondest childhood memories. Therefore, Play: Date is an excellent exhibition to provoke some nostalgia through unique and immersive storytelling.
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