This June hols, children here have a new place to play. A rather unlikely place to run and hop around but why not? We all know that the best way to learn is through fun and play. So, once again, to encourage children and families to learn a bit more about our own heritage, the good folks at the National Museum is bringing back the highly popular Children’s Season!
The Children’s Season at the National Museum of Singapore returns with another fun-filled exhibition to celebrate the June school holidays. Join us at Masak Masak 2015 which features familiar playgrounds, interactive installations by Singaporean and international artists including Jeremy Hiah, Mademoiselle Maurice and Crystal Wagner.
We were invited to its media preview and found the exhibition very engaging. Best of all, these creative installations create wonderful opportunities for parent and child to bond. Through these ‘masak masak’ activities, parents and grandparents can recount memories of these childhood games to their young.
Here are some highlights:
ART INSTALLATIONS
1. Playgrounds on the Lawn
Available for play every Sat & Sun, 10am to 12pm & 4pm to 6pm
Have a bouncing good time at these massive inflatable playgrounds inspired by familiar mosaic playgrounds in the 1970s and 80s!
You can’t miss this and you shouldn’t. This ‘heritage’ version of the bouncy castle comprises of replicas of the ‘Watermelon’, the Elephant’ and the iconic ‘Dragon’ playgrounds – children slides of yesteryear that invoke a deep sense of nostalgia for adult Singaporeans. This can now be passed down to our children in the best way possible albeit in an modern ‘bouncy’ version. It’s great fun!
2. Spectrum of Paper by Mademoiselle Maurice (France)
This is an absolutely beautiful and poetic piece. Step into a rainbow wonderland at the Rotunda and immerse yourselves in a kaleidoscope of colourful, suspended origami boats and planes! The dazzling colours continue in the Salon with more intricate origami creations by Mademoiselle Maurice. Be amazed by this spectacular display of origami flowers and animals, big and small!
3. Queen of the Forest by Jeremy Hiah (Singapore)
The ‘Wayang Kulit’ or Shadow Puppet is a dying art here. While it is an important aspect of our heritage here, sadly due to the erosion of time, t is near impossible to see any ‘Live’ one these days. But here, Jeremy Hiah will enthrall you with his re-creation of an enchanting tale of nature via an installation of shadow puppets in Queen of the Forest! Don’t miss the special performance!
Puppetry Performance Schedule: Sat & Sun, 30 & 31 May, 13 & 14, 20 & 21 June and 8 & 9 August | 2.30pm (20 min session each)
4. Simple Pleasures in Life & Life’s Best Journey is with The One You Love by Jeanette Aw (Singapore)
Here the kids get to do their part in the exhibition by coloring on the installation itself! Colour in the drawings and bring them to life with your kids at Simple Pleasures in Life. Guide them as they etch out and discover what it means to be truly happy at Life’s Best Journey is with The One You Love.
Photo Credit: NMS
5. Wanderlust by Crystal Wagner (U.S.A.)
Adventures await in this enchanting forest that recreates earth’s many glorious landscapes. Together with your young ones, immerse yourself in this fantastical forest world created from simple daily materials. Explore narrow thicket passageways and crawl under overhanging branches – all within the museum!
Photo Credit: NMS
6. Luma-City by NUS Industrial Design (Singapore)
Let your kids’ imaginations run wild in this immersive space filled with larger-than-life toy vehicles! Give the toys a little push and watch them come alive with luminous magic. This is seriously cool. Not to be missed!
7. Memory Stations by Koeh Sia Yong (Singapore) & Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Singapore)
Take a walk down memory lane with your child and explore the intricate art of woodblock printing! Artist Koeh Sia Yong used woodblock prints to reflect Singapore’s changing geographical and social landscapes in the 1950s and 60s. In this collaboration, Koeh mentors students from his alma mater, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, creating prints that captures moving stories of childhood memories and family life.
Photo Credit: NMS
8. Dancing Solar Flowers by Alexandre Dang (France)
Alexandre Dang blends renewable energy with art, breathing life into a field of flowers and transforming it into a beautiful, hypnotic piece of work. Poetic and playful, this installation inspires children to question our current use of energy, and to think about sustainable energy sources for the future.
This is a wonderful installation to show our children how solar power works and tell them about the importance of alternative energy and the green initiative.
9. Garden Games by School of the Arts (Singapore)
Students from SOTA recreate nostalgic games with a modern twist! Join your kids as they say “Hello, Hello!” with tin-can phones. Be prepared for ‘Flag Attack!” and see who is crowned the champion of larger-than-life eraser-flipping. Plus, take on the tilt and manoeuvre a ball through a vertical maze!
Masak Masak 2015 is part of Children’s Season 2015 and recommended for children aged 3 to 7. Don’t miss the slew of art-oriented activities where the young ones can indulge in a fun-filled day at the Museum this school holidays!
I must say this year’s “Masak Masak” is my favourite so far. For a complete list of installations and activities, download the Storybook-Guide. Be sure to participate in these educational ‘Artist Workshops’ open to the public this Children’s Season:
ARTIST WORKSHOPS
1. Fun with Origami by Mademoiselle Maurice
Parent and child 4 to 7 years old
Date: 30 May (Sat) & 31May (Sun)
Time: 10.30am (1.5 hr session)
Venue: Seminar Room, Level 2
Admission: $20 per ticket (excludes SISTIC booking fee)
Child 8 to 12 years old
Date: 30 May (Sat) & 31May (Sun)
Time: 1.30pm (2 hr session)
Venue: Seminar Room, Level 2
Admission: $12 per ticket (excludes SISTIC booking fee)
2. Shadow Puppetry – Let’s Play & Learn! by Jeremy Hiah
Date: 6, 13, 20 & 27 Jun
Time: 10.30am (1.5 hr session)
Venue: Seminar Room, Level 2
Admission: $20 per ticket (excludes SISTIC booking fee)
Masak Masak: My Childhood @ National Museum of Singapore (NMS)
National Museum of Singapore (NMS)
93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 6pm
Till 9.30pm on Fri & Sat, 20 & 22 Jun
Enquiries: Tel: 6332 3659 or 6332 5642
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