SingaPop! A Vibrant Dive Into 60 Years of Singapore Pop Culture

circular connection
Aug 21
2 min read

From kopitiams to catchy tunes and colourful shophouses, explore Singapore’s unique cultural identity in this lively new ArtScience Museum exhibition.

Bright yellow poster for SingaPop! event featuring Singapore icons and architecture. Text: "60 Years of Singapore Pop Culture," and partner logos.

Step into a kaleidoscope of stories, songs, and sights at SingaPop!, a celebratory showcase of Singapore’s vibrant pop culture, now showing at the ArtScience Museum until 28 December. Curated by the iconic Dick Lee, this immersive exhibition spans six decades of cultural evolution, spotlighting everything from hawker fare to National Day songs in a tribute to the island’s rich, multicultural heritage.

Images: Facebook/SingaPopsg

Through five thoughtfully curated chapters, SingaPop! captures the creative spark and resilience of a nation shaped by diverse influences. Visitors can explore the evolving aesthetics of fashion and architecture, revisit nostalgic moments in local television and music, and even learn how Singlish and local expressions became cultural cornerstones.

Vintage cafe setting with empty wooden chairs, tables with cups, and a menu board. Signs read "Hai Lum Chicken Rice" and "Fried Carrot Cake."

Images: Instagram/singapopsg

One of the standout experiences is SingaMakan, a dedicated section celebrating the heart of Singapore’s food culture, hawker centres. From early street stalls to air-conditioned food courts, every dish tells a story, making this a truly delicious way to connect with history. Visitors can interact with installations like a nostalgic satay stall setup and even vote for their favourite dish, making the experience as participatory as it is meaningful.

What sets SingaPop! apart is its invitation to reflect, not just on the past, but on the shared spirit that continues to define Singapore today. It is more than a look back. It is a celebration of the rojak mix that makes this island nation truly one of a kind.