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Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco reunites a set of 84 hand-carved model pagodas for the first time in over a century. Originally made in Shanghai, they travelled thousands of miles away to San Francisco for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915 – a massive world’s fair that attracted over 18 million visitors during its 288-day run.
Exquisitely detailed, the models are based on real structures, and embody the diversity of iconic pagodas from different regions and historical periods. For many visitors to the exposition they offered a first, tantalising glimpse of China’s rich architectural heritage. Together with related works, they paint a vivid picture of cosmopolitan Shanghai and San Francisco at the turn of the twentieth century.
Pagoda Odyssey will be complemented by Towers of Faith, a photography display of religious landmarks in Singapore, and Journey into the Pagoda, a virtual reality fantasy experience. The exhibition will also be accompanied by a series of public programmes, including weekend festivals, curator-led tours, and talks.
Look out for upcoming programmes' registration details on our website or at acmevents.peatix.com.
31 May 2024 – 1 June 2025 Level 2 Museum operating hours Free admission
Visit this interpretive space to learn about aesthetic and cultural significance of Chinese pagodas, as well as how they continue to shape our understanding of Chinese architecture today. Be inspired by pagoda tales and create layered paper art, touch and explore 3D-printed replica pagodas, and immerse yourself in a fantastical VR experience inspired by a pagoda from the special exhibition.
31 May 2024 – 1 June 2025 Level 2 Discovering Chinese Pagodas activity space Museum's operating hour Free admission
Step into an architectural marvel and immerse yourself in its intricate design in this VR experience inspired by the architecture and folklore of the Pagoda of Six Harmonies in Hangzhou.
31 May 2024 – 1 June 2025 Lobby Museum operating hours Free admission
The LEGO brick models on display in this space are inspired by models from the special exhibition. Build your own pagoda with paper templates or LEGO bricks, or try your hand at creating LEGO wall art.
Activity Trail Booklet 31 May 2024 – 1 June 2025 Suitable for ages 7 and up Free Available in English or Chinese, onsite and online. ENGLISH download here. CHINESE download here.
Pick up an activity trail booklet, collect “treasures” on the Pagoda Quest, and redeem exclusive stickers at the Visitor Services Counter upon completion.
Suitable for ages 7 and up. Available in English or Chinese.
1 – 2 June; 11am to 5pm Free admission to most activities Enjoy discounted admission to Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco during programme hours ($10 for Singapore citizens/PRs; $20 for foreign residents/tourists).
Embark on a whimsical journey at ACM this Children’s Season, where innovation and creativity collide. Explore quirky objects in the galleries and uncover the spellbinding stories behind them. Put on your inventor’s cap and unleash your imagination through craft and design activities. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the wonders of innovation! Collect a mystery voucher worth $5 when you purchase a museum admission ticket.* *Giveaways are on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited to the first 50 visitors per day during programme hours. Limited to one voucher redemption per ticket. While supplies last.
8 – 9 June; 4pm to 9pm Free admission to most activities Enjoy discounted admission to Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco during programme hours ($10 for Singapore citizens/PRs; $20 for foreign residents/tourists). Embark on a journey into a realm beyond our world. For one weekend only, explore the mythologies of Asia through exciting activities and performances.
About Crossing Cultures at ACM Taking inspiration from objects in the galleries, Crossing Cultures explores ACM's collection through performing arts, craftsmanship, food traditions, wellness practices, and other aspects of intangible cultural heritage – past and present. Dive deep into Asia’s rich heritage with these special weekend programmes. Learn, explore, and create with us at ACM. Crossing Cultures at ACM takes place on the first weekend of March, June, September, and December. Stay tuned for more details about our upcoming sessions.
9 August; 1pm – 6.30pm Free admission to most activities Enjoy discounted admission to Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco during programme hours ($10 for Singapore citizens/PRs; $20 for foreign residents/tourists).
Experience Singapore’s rich heritage and collection through an outdoor installation, hands-on activities, and captivating tours for the family at the National Day Open House at ACM.
25 August; 11am – 3pm Free admission to most activities Enjoy discounted admission to Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco during programme hours ($10 for Singapore citizens/PRs; $20 for foreign residents/tourists).
Discover the beauty of Asian architecture through a storytelling session in the galleries and an interactive drama performance. Then, create your own miniature pagoda.
Dates to be announced Enjoy discounted admission to Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco during programme hours ($10 for Singapore citizens/PRs; $20 for foreign residents/tourists).
The museum transforms into a dazzling wonderland at Light to Night at ACM 2025. Join interactive installations, captivating performances, and vibrant festivities as we illuminate the night and celebrate the magic of creativity!
28 Jun, 26 Jul, 23 Aug, 27 Sept 2024; 7.30pm $25 per participant
Join curator Kevin Lam on an exclusive tour of the Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco special exhibition. Discover fascinating facts about the 84 pagoda models and get behind-the-scenes insights into the curation of the exhibition.
22 – 23 Feb 2025; 11am to 5pm Enjoy discounted admission to Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco during programme hours ($10 for Singapore citizens/PRs; $20 for foreign residents/tourists).
Embark on an East-meets-West cultural odyssey! Experience different cultural traditions blending together through mesmerising performances, engaging hands-on activities, and interactive exhibits.
Look out for a series of talks accompanying the special exhibition, which bring together experts from different fields to discuss various aspects of pagodas. Visit the ACM website for the updated schedule: What's On at ACM (nhb.gov.sg)
1–23 June 2024
Embark on a whimsical journey at ACM this Children’s Season!
31 May 2024, 7-9 pm
Explore the intriguing history of Jesuits in China with two talks by speakers from the Ricci Institute in Boston, Massachusetts
Various timings daily
See the in-museum guided tour schedule for this month. Guided tours are available in English and various other languages.
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Collectors in an Exhibition: Lee Chor Lin
