A Lighter Side of History: Making Waves – Fashioning the Future of Care

This workshop explores the evolution and adaptability of fashion, and its ability to address human needs by unlocking physical and social mobility.

The programme will begin with a brief showcase of the historical evolution and changing styles of fashion over time, with reference to images from the National Collection.

Thereafter, Claudia Poh, the founder of Werable, will discuss the role of fashion in shaping inclusion and accessibility, showcasing the brand’s innovative work in creating functional and adaptive garment solutions. The workshop will include an interactive alteration desk where participants can modify their clothes into an adaptive fashion prototype.

Each participant may bring along one item of clothing (limited to a dress or a top that is made of either non-stretch or non-knit fabric) for modification during the interactive alteration desk segment. Please note that only minor modifications will be made such as adding straps, magnets, buttons or zips.

About the Facilitator

Claudia Poh is the founder of Werable, an award-winning adaptive fashion studio based in Singapore. A graduate of Central Saint Martins and Parsons, she designs with high-performance mobility and accessibility in mind. For many years, Werable has championed inclusion in fashion and has been recognised by various institutions and magazines, including DesignSingapore Council, Vogue Singapore and Tatler. The brand demonstrates empathy in action, making inclusive design the rule, not the exception.

Swirls of the Sea: A Marbling Art Drop-In Craft Activity

Join us at the opening weekend of our special SG60 exhibition, Once Upon a Tide, and get ready to dive into the art of water marbling! Explore the flow of colours as you create your own marbled keychain, inspired by the tides and connections of Singapore’s past. Let your creativity swirl in this hands-on, colourful experience! Craft materials are limited, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Migrant Tales: Meet Three Early Migrant Characters

Travel back in time and meet some of Singapore’s early pioneers in this interactive character meet-and-greet! Engage in role-play with a samsui woman, rickshaw puller, or iced-water seller as they share stories on migration and life in early Singapore. Ask questions, join the conversation, and discover the history behind their work in shaping Singapore!

*Characters will start off from the exit of Singapore History Gallery, Level 1 and roam along the Concourse and Main Rotunda thereafter.

Voices Under the Dome

Don’t miss our special performance featuring the Cantaré Children’s Choir, a local ensemble of young singers aged 8 to 20 years, led by Mrs Kwek-Puah Hwee Khee! Come celebrate their talent and dedication as they showcase their voices in these memorable live performances.

In-Gallery Performance: Toy Piano Performance by Margaret Leng Tan

Catch a special guest performance by Margaret Leng Tan, the world’s first toy piano virtuoso, on her concert toy piano! Look out for her iconic first toy piano on display in the gallery and discover her journey to performing on the global stage.

The performance line up will include:

• Suite for Toy Piano by John Cage
• Rosie: A Musical Horror Tale by Anastasha Suchin

Image credit: Photo by Kong Chong Yew | CultureLink Sg

The River Hunt: A Mission-based Artefact Hunt Activity

Join The River Hunt for an exciting adventure through the National Museum’s special SG60 exhibition, Once Upon a Tide! Follow clues, answer questions, and unlock the ultimate treasure. Complete the mission and redeem a prize sponsored by Staedtler, while stocks last!

Faces of Singapore: A Selection of Short Films

Saturday, 24 May: 1.30pm – 6pm
Sunday, 25 May: 10am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 6pm
Saturdays and Sundays, 31 May – 1 June, 7–8, 14–15, 21–22 & 28–29 June: 10am– 12.30pm & 1.30pm–6pm

Enjoy a series of heartwarming films celebrating ordinary people and their contributions to building Singapore’s identity, from creating vibrant HDB neighbourhoods to shaping our music culture and a more caring society. Films will be played on loop, with a total duration of approximately 35 minutes.

Tomorrow’s Champions – A special competition in conjunction with Faces of Singapore: A Selection of Short Films

Inspired by the stories presented in Faces of Singapore: A Selection of Short Films? Take part in our special competition, Tomorrow’s Champions, and share what event or activity you would like to represent Singapore in or who inspires you to succeed. The top 20 most compelling stories will win a pair of adult-child tickets to the Singapore 2025 World Para Swimming Championships, sponsored by the Singapore Disability Sports Council.

Please scan the QR code at the Children’s Season Information Counter outside the Gallery Theatre, Basement Level, for more information. Prize tickets apply to Singapore residents only and winners will be notified via email by end July 2025.

Interactive Storytelling: "So Much to See! So Much to Hear! A Week with Ari” by Migrant & Me

Discover the diverse sights and sounds of our migrant workers’ work environments through the captivating story So Much to See! So Much to Hear! A Week with Ari written by local author, Gracie Chai. Join us for hands-on games, storytelling, and a chance to dress up as we explore the challenges and contributions of migrant workers in a fun and engaging way for young audiences! Spaces are limited, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sensory Play: A Playful Journey through Singapore’s Past by Hommeet

Embark on a hands-on journey through history with four interactive play stations, where young children can experience life as a builder, trader and hawker in early Singapore!