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ACM's permanent galleries celebrate Asian imagination, craft, and aesthetics through three broad cross-cultural and pan-Asian themes.
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Discover the multicultural influences that have led to the creation of iconic Asian dishes and find out where your favourite foods come from. Delve into cross-cultural flavours at our Food Fiesta, accompanied by music and dance from Asia and the Americas. Join expert chefs and food historians as they take you on a culinary journey that started with the Manila galleons. Then, dance away to the sound of salsa to end the night!
This programme is presented in conjunction with special exhibition, Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas. Enjoy discounted admission to the special exhibition during programme hours ($10 for Singapore citizens/PR; $20 for foreign residents/tourists).
Dive into the galleon spirit with performances from the Philippines, Mexico, and Spain. Groove to the music, or dance alongside the performers as they showcase various types of music and dance.
Friday, 1 Dec:
Saturday, 2 Dec:
Sunday, 3 Dec:
[In the event of wet weather, performances will be held in the River Room, Level 2].
Sample an array of international culinary creations at the outdoor Food Fiesta market, then head indoors for craft activities and buzzing after-hours Latin parties.
1, 2 Dec, 4–10pm 3 Dec, 4–9pm ACM Green; Free admission
Feast on flavours from Asia to the Americas! Our special market includes foods from the Philippines, Mexico, Spain, and Singapore! Try specially curated menu items, purchase unique ingredients, and hear from chefs and culinary professionals about the stories and recipes that emerged from the Manila galleon trade.
Participating vendors:
1–3 Dec, 4–9pm Lobby, Level 1
Taste the difference of Filipino-sourced cacao beans and learn about sikwate (Filipino hot chocolate) with The Chocolate Chamber.
[Be one of the first 50 per programme day to show proof of your Manila Galleon special exhibition ticket to redeem a free hot chocolate at the kiosk!]
1 Dec, 7pm onwards Ngee Ann Auditorium, Basement 1 Free admission
Watch three top chefs prepare dishes using ingredients once carried by the galleons. Carlos Montobbio (Esquina), Maurice Espinoza (Papi’s Tacos), and Kurt Sombero (Kubo) come together to cook and share a communal meal, where they discover the unexpected similarities between their cuisines and food culture.
Short film produced by ACM and Production 55.
1 Dec, 4–10pm Lobby, Level 1; Free admission
Be inspired by the Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas exhibition, and craft your own miniature galleon using air-dry clay. Enclose your galleon in a decorative bauble and take it home to display.
2 Dec, 4–10pm
Lobby, Level 1; Free admission
Make your own mini star piñata, a popular Mexican celebratory decoration perfect for the holiday season! Learn about their historical significance with friendly facilitators from the Mexican Association in Singapore.
3 Dec, 4–9pm Lobby, Level 1; Free admission
Participate in a parol-making activity guided by members of the Filipino community. Parols are traditional lanterns from the Philippines which are crafted and illuminated as part of Christmas decorations. Join fellow museum visitors in assembling parols, which will be displayed at ACM throughout the Christmas season!
1, 2 Dec, 8–10.30pm* Foyer, Level 2; Free admission
It’s party time! Join after-hours salsa sessions featuring two live Latin DJs spinning salsa and bachata beats for an unforgettable night. Whether you bring a partner or make new friends on the dance floor, it’s all about the joy of social dancing! *Last admission at 10pm
Learn from experts through workshops and talks that introduce the nuances of cross-cultural ingredients, techniques, and crafts — all inspired by the Manila Galleon exhibition.
1–3 Dec, 5–6pm Lobby, Level 1; $10 refundable deposit (Admission to Manila Galleon and prior registration required); register on Peatix
Join a culinary journey through the ACM galleries! In this guided tour with our docents, learn about objects linked to the cuisine and the globalisation of food during the 250 years of the Manila galleon trade.
Register here
2 Dec, 4–5pm Discovery Room, Basement 1 $15 per participant; register on Peatix
Join Chef Sebastián Álvarez from COACOA as he introduces the use of corn, the most important staple in Mexican gastronomy. Discover its historical significance and traditional applications while learning how to make your own tortillas!
2 Dec, 6–8.30pm Discovery Room, Basement 1 $25 per participant; register on Peatix
This workshop teaches the basics of creating your own galleon-inspired blue-and-white ceramic plate. You will build your own unique plate, then paint it with vivid blue illustrations inspired by the objects from the exhibition.
3 Dec, 4–5pm Discovery Room, Basement 1 $15 per participant; register on Peatix
Delve into the world of Mexican cuisine with Chef Sebastián Álvarez from COACOA, and explore the origins of ingredients now integral to Southeast Asia’s everyday diet. Experience a tasting session featuring these ingredients in sorbets made by Chef Sebastián, while he explains the fascinating story of this delicious ingredient exchange!
3 Dec, 5.30–7pm River Room, Level 2 $10 refundable deposit; register on Peatix
Don’t miss this one-off opportunity to interact with two top chefs – Carlos Montobbio (Esquina) and Kurt Sombero (Kubo). This special presentation will discuss the similarities and differences found in their shared yet distinct culinary heritage, as they each demonstrate a signature dish.
(Please note that due to unforeseeable circumstances, Chef Mauricio Espinoza will not be participating in this session, as originally planned.)
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.
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Information is correct at time of publication and is subject to change, due to unforeseeable circumstances.
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Fashion as a Business
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