28 of the best things to do in Singapore this weekend (Aug 4-6)

Sydney Opera House, Taj Mahal, the Acropolis – these are just a few of the world’s iconic landmarks that have been recreated into massive LEGO installations. Marvel at the craftsmanship that went into each one, and participate in the Brick by Brick art project, where you can add LEGO pieces to create a topographical map of Singapore.  

She’s famed for her iconic polka dots and pumpkin motifs – and you’ll get to admire an extensive collection of Yayoi Kusama’s works with over 120 paintings, installations, videos and sculptures on display alongside the Japanese artist’s experiential infinity mirror rooms. It all comes together in an examination of the societal and personal challenges that Kusama’s overcome to create an impact in the world of art.

Chinese traditions and modernity are given a boost at the newly opened Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. Steep yourself in the works of illustrator Lee Xin Li, Supermama founder Edwin Loh, filmmaker Kirsten Tan (of Pop Aye) and more. There’s art installations, photographs, short films and graphic art pieces to be admired, each exploring the values and beliefs of local Chinese culture through the eyes of the modern generation.

A rainforest sprouting from the floors of the ArtScience Museum? You'll get just that, thanks to a virtual reality adventure that'll take you on an immersive journey into the thick of Southeast Asia's rainforests. Spot orangutans and endangered Sumatran tigers, then plant a virtual tree – because for every one planted, an actual tree's planted in Rimbang Baling, Sumatra.

Wax, crystal, chicken, marble, reindeer horn and ostrich: if you’re wondering what these have in common, they're all part of an exhibition featuring 148 one-of-a-kind eggs. And not just any eggs, but ornate and delicate pieces – some of which were even hand-carried – from the Liechtenstein National Museum. Admire a glass egg containing ashes from the Mt Helena volcanic eruption of 1980; a chicken egg with tiny horseshoes nailed onto its surface; and a pair of imperial porcelain factory eggs from 1914 that survived the civil revolutions and World War I.

The titular Xiu Hai Lou Collection is the largest private collection of ink art here and claims to be among the best in the world. Marvel at the elegant strokes of ink masters from China and Singapore, and examine the influences that shaped the discipline from the late 19th to 20th century. 

The Vietnam-born, Denmark-raised artist’s first outdoor installation in Singapore is a special commission for the National Gallery’s Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden. Vo’s pieces explore cross-cultural identity, history and politics, especially those in relation to 20th century Vietnam.

To mark – not commemorate – the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore, there'll be an exhibition set in the Old Ford Factory, which was where the British surrendered to the Japanese forces on February 15, 1942. Spread across four zones, take in the diary entries, identity cards and war campaign documentary paintings on display, then reflect on the solemn beginnings of our nationhood.