If your kids are digital natives whose playtime involves devices, prepare to snatch them away from their tech and bring them for a playful romp around town. Centred around elements of play, the National Museum of Singapore’s newest exhibition, Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play, features over 250 locally and globally recognisable toys spanning the eras. Running from now until January 5, 2025, the free showcase promises to be eye-opening for both children and adults.
Photograph: National Museum of Singapore
As part of the Museum’s Collecting Contemporary Singapore initiative, the showcase aims to recognise toys and play as important to Singapore’s cultural heritage. From the moment you arrive at the museum, it immerses you in a world of imagination and nostalgia. Along the building’s facade are five large-scale artworks by five local artists that have both interactive and tactile elements. Even stepping into the museum through the tunnel entrance is an awe-inducing experience brought on by the kaleidoscope projection of digital toy figurines on the walls, designed by local artist Lioncolony.
The highlight is an immersive showcase that provides the perfect opportunity for children to explore toys of yesteryear and for adults to reminisce about their childhood. The showcase is divided into three main sections: ‘It’s A Small World’, ‘Drive-Through Time’, and ‘Batteries Included’.
Photograph: National Museum of Singapore
Kicking off the showcase is ‘It’s A Small World’, featuring a selection of rare character figurines from recognisable brands like McDonald’s, Mattel’s Barbie, and Disney. Spot the local McDonald’s collectibles from before the 2000s and toys from major brands made in collaboration with local companies, like the SIA Barbie doll. Fans of POP MART collectibles will be happy to see the Pucky Rose Knight figurine, the Singapore-exclusive figurine designed to commemorate the opening of Southeast Asia’s first POP MART store in Singapore.
Photograph: National Museum of Singapore
If you’re a fan of toy cars and other vehicles, head to ‘Drive-Through Time’, where iconic toys from all-too-familiar brands like Hot Wheels, Tamiya, and Matchbox take centre stage. Snap a photo of the miniature Tamiya Rover Mini Cooper, designed to resemble the iconic green car of the British sitcom character, Mr Bean, and personally autographed by Tamiya’s CEO, Mr Shunsaku Tamiya. Even if you’re not a toy car enthusiast, you will be impressed with the section’s display of ‘The Original 16’, Hot Wheels’ legendary first-ever collection of cars released in 1968.
Photograph: National Museum of Singapore
‘Batteries Included’ will appeal to gamers everywhere. This section features a variety of retro game consoles, capturing the shift from tactile to digital toys. A nostalgic reminder of the days before touchscreen technology, you might find your memory jogged at the sight of iconic toys like the Japanese Tamagotchi and special handheld consoles by Nintendo and Casio.
Photograph: National Museum of Singapore
A trip to the toy museum wouldn’t be complete without playing a game or two. Buy the $5 Booster pack, which gives you five credits to play games that include complex memory challenges and thrilling races. Snap some pictures for Instagram through a retro 8-bit filter camera and customise a digital avatar at the ‘Discover Your Play-sonality’ booth. Afterwards, head over to the MUSEUM MARKET by ABRY if you’re in the mood for some old-school knick-knacks.
Photograph: National Museum of Singapore
Find out more about Play:Date at its official site. If you can’t get enough of the theme of play, check out the Singapore Night Festival running from August 23 to September 7.