The best things to do in Singapore this week (March 16-22)

Explore the human body through Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy at the ArtScience Museum. This landmark exhibition, in partnership with the Getty Research Institute, traces how the body has been imagined from the 16th century to today. This Singapore edition highlights Asian perspectives, featuring over 40 objects from the Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and insights into Ayurveda. With 160+ artefacts, including life-sized illustrations, medical manuscripts, and scientific specimens, it’s a deep dive into medical history and art.

This March, the Marquee line-up taps into concert season energy. On March 6, a SEVENTEEN-themed party celebrated the global K-pop powerhouse ahead of their show at the National Stadium. Coming up on March 18, the Live Yours After Party hosted by Central Cee, gives fans another chance to keep the momentum going after his Singapore stop at Pasir Panjang Power Station.

If you’re after a nightclub that pairs scale with strong programming, MARQUEE delivers every Friday, Saturday and eve of public holidays – and it doesn’t clock off until 6am. Find out more here.

Ever thought a pillow could change your life? Dunlopillo thinks it can. From March 4 to 25, Dunlopillo's limited-time pop-up at Takashimaya Orchard is the place to test-drive its Takashimaya-exclusive latex pillow range, thoughtfully designed to support your spine, enhance sleep quality, and make mornings feel less “ugh” and more “ahhh.” Sink into the eco-chic Organic Specialty, customise your support with Kapok Ergonomic, or go full plush with LanaWool Latex. Step into smarter sleep with Talasilver, Dunlopillo’s nano-silver latex innovation crafted for a cleaner, healthier rest. And for those chasing indulgence? The European Talalay Opulence Collection stands out with exceptional softness, breathability and temperature regulation. Pop in, flop down, and let Dunlopillo’s sleep experts guide you to your perfect match. It’s hands-on comfort you’ve got to try before taking home. Find out more here.

Iconic Filipino bakery Mary Grace opens its first-ever international outlet at Tanjong Pagar’s Tras Street. Known for fluffy ensaymadas and cheese rolls, the 28-seat café replicates the homely, cottage-inspired feel of its original outposts. Enjoy Singapore-exclusive flavours like salted egg ensaymada and kaya pandan cheese rolls, or try hearty Filipino brunch staples like Angus beef tapa. Founded in 1994, this household name brings decades of comfort-food heritage to our shores.

Heritage meets play at the first-ever LEGO Shophouse Experience at Design Orchard. Wander through a reimagined Peranakan home built entirely of bricks, featuring a living room, dining area, and bedrooms. Collect stamps to complete a heritage-inspired postcard and create your own LEGO Peranakan mosaic tile at the craft station. Don't forget to guess the number of bricks in the vibrant LEGO tile wall for a chance to win a brand-new set!

For its 11th sakura display, Gardens by the Bay welcomes iconic Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty to the Flower Dome. Transport yourself to Ishikawa Prefecture, wandering through landscapes framed by 30 types of cherry and plum blossoms. Experience a unique rain installation mimicking Ishikawa’s famously wet climate before immersing yourself in traditional tea ceremonies and mochitsuki demonstrations.

Don't miss the Castle in the Sky screening or Anime Garde on March 21 and 22, featuring J-pop acts and international cosplayers. From pink-hued blooms to high-energy festivals, it’s a full immersion into Japanese culture.

Musical theatre royalty Lea Salonga returns to Singapore for her first concert in over a decade. The Disney icon will perform classics from Miss Saigon and Les Misérables, alongside nostalgic favourites like "Reflection" and "A Whole New World." Accompanied by her band and the Singapore Lyric Opera Chamber Orchestra, the Tony Award winner will also debut songs from her Broadway tribute to Stephen Sondheim. It’s a spectacular three-night celebration of a legendary career.

Experience the dark theatrics of Shakespeare's Macbeth reimagined as a sweeping opera by Giuseppe Verdi. Presented by Lirica Arts, this production follows a couple's descent into murder and madness after a supernatural prophecy.

Featuring a stellar cast including Singapore’s Martin Ng and Chinese baritone Zhang Feng, the show is accompanied by The Philharmonic Orchestra. Expect eerie witches' choruses and a dramatic score that brings this tale of ambition and guilt to life.

South Korea’s giant pink teddy bear, Bellygom, lands at Changi Airport Terminal 3 for a massive Hawker Carnival. Snap a photo with a 7-metre-tall inflatable or play hawker-themed games like "inflatable wok" to win plushies and vouchers. Beyond the carnival, hunt for Bellygom against nostalgic backdrops like kopitiams and HDB void decks. It’s a joyful, pink-hued pop-up spreading cheer across the terminal until May.

Watch polite conversation devolve into absolute chaos in God of Carnage, a dark comedy by Yasmina Reza. Presented by Nine Years Theatre and directed by Nelson Chia, the play follows two couples trying to settle a playground fight between their sons.

Translated into Mandarin with English surtitles, this production stars local favourites like Oon Shu An and Cavin Soh. It’s a messy, hilarious meltdown exploring the complexities of parenthood and human nature.

Love the beach and exercising? The inaugural Sentosa Beach Fest transforms Siloso Beach into an action-packed arena with over 30 sports and wellness experiences. Channel your inner ninja at Singapore’s first beach Ninja Challenge Arena, featuring a day-to-night obstacle course, or hit Adventure Land’s inflatable course. If that sounds too intense, the Refuel zone offers light bites and cold brews. As the sun sets, the coastline turns into a nightlife spectacle with light displays and DJs spinning throwback R&B and hip-hop. There’s something for every fitness level under the sun.

Keep your kids entertained this March school holidays at the Singapore Oceanarium. Its first-ever Ocean Kids Festival invites marine enthusiasts to discover the deep blue through interactive workshops. A main highlight is the Little Ocean Expert Series, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour to meet marine life professionals like veterinarians and divers. Kids can even dress up in uniforms for a special photo op! The family fun continues at the Open Ocean zone with performances by the Singapore Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and free ocean-themed craft activities at the Research and Learning Centre.

Books are most definitely not dead. Steidl Book Culture. Magic on Paper celebrates the printed word in a world of digital overconsumption. Presented by DECK and Goethe-Institut Singapore, this exhibition marks legendary publisher Gerhard Steidl’s return to Singapore after nearly a decade. Immerse yourself in sculptural installations by powerhouse artists Dayanita Singh, Theseus Chan, and Jim Dine as they explore the craft of bookmaking. Don’t miss public programmes, artist conversations, and the Steidl Bookshop pop-up, where you can browse and buy limited edition releases and the latest titles.

Mandai Wildlife Reserve comes alive with month-long Easter celebrations! Join a massive egg hunt at Bird Paradise or solve digital riddles at the Singapore Zoo to spin the largest Hot Egg Balloon Gachapon. Highlights include Easter-themed enrichment with Gentoo penguins and 100 larger-than-life egg installations designed by local social enterprise The Animal Project. Plus, get up close with scarlet macaws and Papuan hornbills. The best part? Kids enjoy complimentary admission to Bird Paradise with every full-paying adult – just in time for the school holidays. 

The works of 10 Singaporean women artists unite in Inhabitant, a reflective exhibition honouring their roles in shaping the country’s art history. Set within an intimate Tiong Bahru walk-up, the showcase presents an eclectic mix of sculptures and paintings, including private pieces dating back to the 1940s. Each room is dedicated to a single artist – such as pioneering sculptor Han Sai Por – allowing visitors to engage intentionally with the works. What ties the exhibition together is a shared spirit of persistence, celebrating women who forged their own paths in the art world.

Calling all Pokémon fans, a Pokémon truck might be headed your way. From now until June, this roving gaming station is travelling across Singapore and various shopping malls to let you step inside its new Pokémon Pokopia world. The game, to be released on Nintendo Switch 2 this March, is a cosy life simulation where you play as the character Ditto to rebuild a desolate world with the help of your new Pokémon friends. Try out the game at four demo stations in the truck, head to the colouring zone, or snap a picture at the Pokémon Pokopia-themed photobooth.

You can also cop exclusive Pokémon Pokopia merch to add to your collection and get the chance to meet with Pikachu himself. His appearance is limited to selected sessions, so keep an eye out for his whereabouts.

Discover the art and culture of tea at Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie, a brand-new exhibition by the Asian Civilisation Museum, in collaboration with CHAGEE. This multi-sensory showcase goes beyond the taste and smell to trace the history of tea, from how it has shaped different rituals, practices and cultures for centuries to its role in our daily lives. The exhibition features collections from the past, such as historic tea wares and 3D-printed replicas, as well as newly commissioned contemporary art from local creatives. Step into an atmospheric display of tea leaves in floating paper forms, or tease your ears with a series of ASMR-inspired videos produced that explore the symphonic experience of tea.

The exhibition also extends outside of the gallery walls with a CHAGEE pop-up along the Singapore River. It offers a menu of its standard beverages alongside exclusive merchandise, including a horse plushie charm available in two special variations: blue and light brown.

Celebrate the craft and heritage of French winemaking through a heady mix of performances, tastings, concerts, and cultural experiences.

French Excellence Programme – À TABLE! is an immersive theatre journey that guides you from room to room, unfolding scenes of poetry, song, and monologue. Elsewhere, wander through an immersive gallery tracing the rich tapestry of French winemaking, complete with sensorial zones where you can explore aromas, learn the art of pairing, and unpack the processes behind red and white wines. Music lovers can opt for a music-and-wine programme, where three wine pairings mirror the musical arcs of early 20th-century music. There’ll be live performances too, blending piano and drums with contemporary dance, poetry, and cinematic visual art.

Chinatown is galloping full speed into the Year of the Horse, and you’re invited along for the ride. For a whole two months from January, the precinct will be decorated in festive cheer as the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations return with a dazzling street light-up, cultural performances, hands-on workshops and the much-loved International Lion Dance Competition.

The streets officially light up on January 30, with the ceremony broadcast live from Kreta Ayer Square. Stroll along South Bridge Road, Upper Cross Street, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street as they come to life once the sun sets. The ceremony, officiated by Minister Mrs Josephine Teo, will also feature a performance showcasing Singapore's multicultural identity, melding Chinese dance with Malay kuda kepang, Indian Rajasthani horse dance, and Western styles. 

Start the year with a visit to Singapore Art Museum’s latest installation, Nafasan Bumi – An Endless Harvest, featuring works by Indonesian artists Elia Nurvista and Bagus Pandega. The exhibition explores the environmental costs of economic growth in an era of climate crisis, while exploring how the items we use today may leave their mark on the future.

This immersive environment brings together kinetic, multimedia and sculptural installations that trace the impact of extractive economies across regional and global networks. Highlights include batik and palm oil sculptures depicting plantation labourers, mechanical systems powered by biofeedback from live plants and more.

In this larger-than-life artwork taking over the National Gallery’s Padang Atrium, contemporary Thai artist Navin Rawanchaikul captures the dynamic and passionate cultures and lives that make up the diverse Singaporean community. Following a year-long engagement with migrant workers, indigenous groups and faith organisations, the artist’s revelations and discoveries are translated into spectacular billboard paintings, video interviews and a travelogue that celebrates their vibrant stories and voices.

The showcase is supported by an enriching two-part programme that highlights the people who have inspired the installation. Join in on fireside chats with the artist to explore behind the scenes and the empowering migrant stories. Singaporama Unfolded Part I centres on Kaugnay, an organisation for Filipina domestic workers, and its fabulous Trashion Show, while Part II traces the history of migration in Singapore. The latter presents a performance of a traditional Indian folk dance by Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) Ambassadors, alongside a discussion on identity, community and collaboration.

Five women, over 50 artworks and one shared mission. This exhibition brings Southeast Asian artists Amanda Heng (Singapore), Dolorosa Sinaga (Indonesia), Imelda Cajipe-Endaya (Philippines), Nirmala Dutt (Malaysia) and Phaptawan Suwannakudt (Thailand) to display their work together in Singapore for the very first time. But more than just an art showcase, Fear No Power is a space to have a conversation about meaningful change and the artists’ decades-long commitment to it. Featuring photography, paintings, sculptures and performances that date all the way back to the 1960s, this multidisciplinary exhibition examines the concept of communal world-building across the region and what it means to forge a community. Every piece of work is an intimate and powerful reflection deeply rooted in care, collaboration and resistance.

In case you missed the news, Changi Airport has already begun work on its much-anticipated Terminal 5, slated to open in the mid-2030s. While the countdown continues, you can catch a preview of what’s to come at the T5 in the Making exhibition.

The immersive showcase unfolds across five multisensory zones, blending AI and high-tech elements to trace Changi’s journey from bare land to award-winning aviation hub. It also highlights how smart technologies are reshaping labour-intensive operations and strengthening climate resilience, alongside an interactive station that invites visitors to imagine their own vision of Terminal 5.

These days, we’ve maybe taken Singapore’s multicultural society for granted – because have we actually ever thought about what it was like before this vision was established? This exhibition presented by Founder’s Memorial is a step back into a crucial time in Singapore’s history to chronicle the key moments between the ’50s and ’70s that defined and shaped the foundation of this nation into what it is today. Unpack, explore and learn from the honest dialogues shared by real-life citizens and political figures of that time to understand the dilemmas and tension that led to the momentous change. Showcased in the multimedia exhibition are archival photographs, artworks, illustrations and artefacts like the original letters between Ministers Ong Pang Boon and S. Rajaratnam on the National Pledge in 1966. There’s also a three-part audio play inspired by S. Rajaratnam’s “A Nation in the Making”.

Not Mere Spectators culminates in present-day Singapore, where it encourages the audience to reflect and appreciate the nation’s multicultural journey, what it means to us, and how it needs to be upheld for the years to come.

How much do you really know about lion dance, apart from the loud drums and colourful costumes? Find out more about the history and heritage behind lion dance at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s vibrant exhibition just in time for Chinese New Year. The exhibition showcases over 50 artefacts, including rare lion head designs in Hainan and Fujian styles. You’ll also be able to learn more about different lion dance styles, local lion dance troupes, and lion dance culture in Singapore today. Admission to the exhibition is free.

Whether you’re a peacock enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures uncovers the majestic bird’s impact across Asia. Featuring over 100 artefacts, from ceramics and clothing to intricate jewellery,  the exhibition traces the peacock’s symbolism, especially in Peranakan art and wedding traditions. It also debuts Thousand Eyes, a new ecological reinterpretation of the motif by Singaporean artist Ernest Goh.

Beyond the displays, visitors can explore peacock species and behaviours through holographic tech and interactive stations. Round out your visit with curated public programmes or join a guided tour for deeper insight into the stories behind the pieces.

Mahjong, congkak, Go...there innumerable Asian games we're sure are part of your fondest childhood memories. This September, the Asian Civilisations Museum is exhibiting Let's Play! The Art and Design of Asian Games, which takes a look at how these games, whether sporty or strategic, have evolved and shaped communities and traditions over time. Explore more than 150 games, and actually try them out at interactive installations. There'll be fun outdoor set-ups and talks and programmes throughout the exhibitions long run, too (until June 7, 2026).