Arts and heritage events will delve into S’pore history to mark SG60

SINGAPORE - New museum exhibitions and art in public spaces will be put up as part of a series of events to mark Singapore’s 60th year of independence, inviting Singaporeans to reflect on its history and identity.

Soft-launching the SG60 celebrations last November, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had said the milestone is an opportunity for Singaporeans to connect with one another, reflect on shared values, and renew their commitment to the country.

The three upcoming arts and heritage events include an immersive multimedia journey by the National Museum of Singapore, a new exhibition by National Gallery Singapore, and Singapore Biennale 2025.

The experience at the Glass Rotunda by the National Museum of Singapore in July will take visitors back in time to explore key moments in Singapore’s history and learn how the sea has shaped its place in the world over the past 700 years.

A new exhibition opening in July at the National Gallery Singapore will showcase Singapore’s history through art, from the 19th century to the present.

Called Singapore Stories: Pathways And Detours In Art, the exhibition will examine how the works of local artists reflect the evolving narratives of society here.

From October 2025 to March 2026, the Singapore Biennale 2025 will allow audiences to explore Singapore’s evolving identity by using contemporary art to transform familiar public spaces such as colonial landmarks, green areas and shopping centres, including Fort Canning Park and the Rail Corridor.

Other upcoming events include the third instalment of the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS), a Singapore Kindness Movement initiative, and a line-up of community activities.

ICCS will focus on how multicultural societies can maintain cohesion in the face of forces pulling societies apart, such as misinformation, radicalisation and migration.

The conference will bring in policymakers, religious leaders, community practitioners, academics and youth leaders from around the world.

ICCS will aim to showcase ways of building bridges, including experiential visits to places of worship.

The Singapore Kindness Movement will hold Kindness Day SG on May 23 to invite people to join initiatives designed to encourage small acts of kindness over a month.

Primary school pupils will take part in initiatives in school to express gratitude to those who have a positive impact on their lives.

Various grassroots organisations under the People’s Association (PA) will organise efforts to encourage residents to connect with each other and care for others, like the elderly and families in need.

Public arts performances and workshops will be held around Singapore every month by ArtsEverywhere@CDC.

ArtsEverywhere@CDC is a collaboration between the National Arts Council, the PA and the five Community Development Councils, and is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY).

The theme of SG60 is Building Our Singapore Together. It is meant to build on the Forward Singapore exercise, while celebrating the nation-building journey and allowing citizens to reflect on shared values such as multiculturalism, boldness, resilience and openness.

Programmes throughout the year will encourage Singaporeans to reflect, uphold and live out these values, MCCY said earlier.