Gallery Children's Biennale 2023

One of our favorite kids event in Singapore, the Gallery Children's Biennale 2023 is jam packed with exciting exhibits and programmes that are sure to captivate kids and parents alike.

This year's edition of the Children's Biennale will feature 11 new immersive works of art created by local and international artists, each highlighting one of the core values: Care, Collaborate, Imagine, and Respect.

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With the theme of "Let's Make a Better Place", the exhibits encourage children to think deeply about the world we live in today and ponder questions such as "what kind of world do we live in today, and "what kind of world would you like to live in?".

Through the art installations, children will learn about relevant issues in a way that is engaging and easy to understand.

Every artwork is connected to one of the 4 core values and designed to spark meaningful conversations between parents and children, inspiring them to take an active part in creating a better world.

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Adding to the experience, there will also be a variety of on-site programmes and performances for kids such as roving theatre performances, sonic exploration sessions, and craft workshops.

What's more, admission to this event is free for all! So whether you're a family of art enthusiasts or just looking for a fun day out with your kids, the Children's Biennale is an experience not be be missed.

Come and see for yourself why this event keeps growing each year, and discover the magic of art with your little ones.

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Art Installations

The Gallery Children's Biennale's theme of "Let's Make a Better Place" is brought to life through 11 installations: 

1. We Move This City by Chiang Yu Xiang
2. Can you see the forest for the trees? | Izziyana Suhaimi
3. I Love You by Arahmaiani
4. Hutan - LittleCr3atures® × Jevon Chandra × Lynette Quek
5. When I Am With You by Ly Yeow
6. Tide by Wang Ruobing
7. Optical Paths by Tawatchai Puntusawasdi
8. Compound by Tawatchai Puntusawasdi
9. SAMA-SAMA (TOGETHER) | Fadilah Karim
10. The Magic Forest by International Museum of Children’s Art
11. Foundation Wave | Kumi Yamashita

The installations will be located throughout the National Gallery Singapore, all of which will be free and open to the public.

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We Move This City by Chiang Yu Xiang

Toddler Friendly | City Hall Foyer | Level 1 | City Hall Wing

This toddler-friendly artwork takes inspiration from people who are always on the move - whether on the road or public transport.

Combining moving visuals with larger-than-life soft tetris blocks which children are encouraged to play around with, this installation even has its own MRT cabin.

This work invites children to let their imagination run free, envisioning vehicles and modes of transport of the future.

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Can you see the forest for the trees? | Izziyana Suhaimi

The Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium Anteroom | Level B1 | City Hall Wing

Made from repurposed textiles and recycled materials, this artwork aims to raise awareness about the impact of landfill on communities.

Children can get involved by creating and attaching their own embroidered sculptures using the materials provided.

There is also an art corner where kids can have fun learning about weaving patterns.

Don't miss out also on the chance to take part in workshops led by the talented artist.

Registration is available on the Gallery Children's Biennale's website.

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I Love You by Arahmaiani

Supreme Court Foyer | Level 3 | Supreme Court Wing

Explore this fascinating artwork based on Arahmaiani Jawi's explorative works.

The artwork helps children learn about empathy, acceptance, and harmony in diverse environments, and children are invited to express love for one another and showcase their creations in the space.

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Hutan - LittleCr3atures® × Jevon Chandra × Lynette Quek

Toddler Friendly | Concourse Gallery | Level B1 | Supreme Court Wing

Step into an enchanting world of nature and spirituality, where the Tree of Life and Southeast Asian forests come alive.

Explore this immersive space alongside your children, as you encounter captivating experiences such as glowing mushrooms and an ever-changing soundscape.

As you move through the exhibit, you'll be able to delight in the sights and sounds of HUTAN's forest.

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When I Am With You by Ly Yeow

Padang Atrium | Level 1 | Supreme Court Wing

This installation allows children to immerse themselves in the wonders of the intertidal zone, fostering a connection with the marine life that resides there.

Drawing from Ly's own memories and experiences, visitors can touch, feel, and interact with the artwork.

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Tide by Wang Ruobing

City Hall Foyer | Level 1 | City Hall Wing

Inspired by the ebb and flow of the tides and ocean, this immersive kinetic artwork sends a powerful message about the importance of keeping our oceans clean.

Using marine debris collected from the coastlines of Singapore, the artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the environmental dangers posed by pollution.

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Optical Paths by Tawatchai Puntusawasdi

Outside Koh Seow Chuan Concourse Gallery | Level B1 | Supreme Court Wing

With the clever use of lines, colors, and space, this visual optical artwork pushes the boundaries of perception and creates a "one-point perspective" that can make objects seem larger or smaller.

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Compound by Tawatchai Puntusawasdi

Padang Atrium | Level 1 | City Hall Wing

Tawatchai Puntusawasdi's masterpiece takes inspiration from the home and invites you to explore the sculpture from every angle.

By distorting and skewing everyday objects, he challenges our perception of reality and triggers our innate curiosity.

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SAMA-SAMA (TOGETHER) | Fadilah Karim

Opposite Keppel Centre for Art Education | Level 1 | City Hall Wing

This artwork is a beautiful reflection of the artist's own life, inspired by the special moments she shares with her daughter Aira.

Experience the magic of childhood from a parent's perspective and create your own artworks inspired by your most cherished memories.

Visitors are also invited to build a fort and draw portraits of your loves ones.

It's a chance for parents and children to make memories together through art and play.

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The Magic Forest by International Museum of Children’s Art

Opposite Keppel Centre for Art Education | Level 1 | City Hall Wing

Presented by the Norway Institution, this exhibition showcases artwork created by children and aims to inspire visitors to respect their surroundings and imagine the future they want to create together.

Marvel at the art displays, unleash your creativity at the activity table, and make your mark in the growing Magic Forest.

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Foundation Wave | Kumi Yamashita

Supreme Court Foyer & Corridor (Opposite Odette) | Level 1 | Supreme Court Wing

This artwork comprises a wall of hand-drawn human profiles along the Supreme Court Foyer and a sculpture at the Foyer.

Children are invited to participate by recording their heartbeats and listening to them play throughout the space.

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Onsite programmes and performances for Children

Aside from the art installation, children can also look forward to a whole host of complementary on site programmes such as:

• Drop-in craft activities
• Choral performances by Voices of Singapore
• Sonic exploration workshops by LittleCr3atures
• Craft workshops
• Interactive theatre
• Music & Movement Workshops

Visit the Gallery Children's Biennale's website for more details on upcoming programmes.

My Biennale Buddy

My Biennale Buddy is an awesome companion to the Biennale for kids.

It's a booklet packed with the inside scoop on every artwork, artists, programs, and fascinating questions to expand children's knowledge of each core value.

And that's not all - if you're eager to explore beyond the Biennale, the booklet even includes details on four permanent collection artworks that focus on one of the four core values.

My Biennale Buddy is also packed with interactive features.

Navigate the Biennale like a pro with the comprehensive map and collect stamps along the way after visiting each artwork.

Once you've collected all 10 stamps, you can even redeem a complimentary souvenir at the Visitors Services Counter!

Kids can also get creative and design their own character which will come to life and interact with the artworks using Augmented Reality (AR).