The Pop Mart craze shows no signs of abating, judging by the perpetually long queues at the retail store in ION Orchard. Now, there's something else to line up for – and that's the MEGA SPACE MOLLY: Hello, Moon Exhibition, which just landed at ION Art Gallery.
First, for those who need an introduction, Molly is a highly popular Pop Mart character created by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong in 2006. Her character was inspired by Kenny's chance encounter with a young girl at a charity event – you'll recognise her from her short hair, enormous eyes, and adorable little pout.
The "Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon" exhibition focuses on the beloved Mega Space Molly series, which features the iconic doll in a spacesuit designed in a wild range of themes, from Donald Duck to the Minions. We got the chance to visit the Hello, Moon exhibition before it opened to the public – here's what to expect.
Event-exclusive merchandise you'll want to take home
Take some time to read the Hello, Moon exhibition blurbs, which give a great introduction to the creation of Molly's character and the spirit of exploration that underlies the Space Molly series.
Right after this is a section showcasing all the event-exclusive merchandise. The most valuable of the bunch is the 1000% Hello, Moon, featuring Space Molly holding a glowing moon orb. You can (carefully) lift the orb in and out of her hands and watch the light switch on and off. This, alongside the 400% Hello, Moon figurine and 400% Robot figurine, is for sale via a raffle system – scan the QR code to join, and winners can buy the figurines (nope, you don't get them for free). It's worth noting that the 1000% and 400% Hello, Moon dolls are all individually treated, so no two are the same.
Other adorable buys include the Molly Hello, Moon 1/8 Action Figure ($89.90). This doll's really special: not only is it wrapped in a furry spacesuit, but it's also ball-jointed, so you can make Molly stand or sit. There's also the Hello, Moon Ambient Moon Lamp ($389.90) (which should make for a lovely but expensive night light), as well as rugs and multi-functional lanyards, all available for pre-order.
Wall art, archival pieces, and an animated short
The greater part of the exhibition is filled with Space Molly wall art and archival pieces. Some standout series include Smitten Love, Jon Burgerman, and Pantone. There are also non-Space Molly figurines on display, like the mega-popular Mega Royal Molly in the Van Gogh Museum Almond Blossom design.
In the spirit of SG60, the curators have also teamed up with local artist Lioncolony, whose fantastical works have made quite the splash on TikTok. His Mega Space Molly animated short brings her dreamy, lunar world to life in bold, 3D style. You can watch the short near the event-exclusive merchandise section.
Blind boxes from $18.90, a Singapore exclusive, and a special anniversary collection
What's POP MART without blind boxes? There are three collections available: the MEGA Space Molly 100% × emoji™ Series, the Mega Space Molly 100% Series 02, and the Mega Space Molly 100% Series 03. We picked up the MEGA Space Molly 100% × emoji™ Series and drew the Unicorn (Secret Edition)! So, try your luck.
Besides the blind boxes, look forward to a Singapore-exclusive: a Vanda Miss Joaquim-themed Mega Space Molly doll in honour of our national flower. This goes on sale on July 30 at ION Art Gallery. There's also a special anniversary collection dropping on August 1 at ION Art Gallery called the Mega Space Molly 100% Anniversary Series 4 – take a sneak peek here.
See the Hello, Moon exhibition in other parts of Asia
The MEGA SPACE MOLLY: Hello, Moon Exhibition is free and open to walk-ins at ION Art Gallery on Level 4 of ION Orchard. It runs from July 30 until August 24, from 10am to 10pm daily.
This same exhibition will also be running in other parts of Asia – stay tuned for dates and locations. In the meantime, check out the POP MART store here.
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