National Museum of Singapore Welcomes Groundbreaking Exhibition: “Plastic: Remaking Our World”

Dive into the controversial yet revolutionary world of plastic at the National Museum of Singapore (NMS) as it hosts the Asian premiere of the travelling exhibition “Plastic: Remaking Our World.” From January 27 to June 23, 2024, visitors will embark on a journey through the history, evolution, and sustainable future of this ubiquitous material.

Evolution of Plastic Unveiled

“Plastic: Remaking Our World” is a collaborative exhibition by the Vitra Design Museum, V&A Dundee, and maat, Lisbon. With over 300 objects, posters, films, and photographs, the exhibition traces the meteoric rise of plastic in the 20th century, addressing its environmental impact and showcasing cutting-edge solutions for sustainable plastic usage. It delves into Singapore’s unique history with plastics, presenting a blend of physical and digital displays from the National Collection.

Immersive Sections

Kalpa: An immersive film installation contrasts the long-term formation of oil with the rapid generation of plastic waste.

Synthetica, Petromodernity, and Plasticene: Chronicles the development of early natural and synthetic plastics, the evolution of the material, and changing perceptions.

Re-: Explores achieving a circular plastic economy, sparking conversations on sustainable plastic usage. The exhibition extends outside the gallery with a sorting zone and an injection machine repurposing waste plastic into functional items.

Interactive Learning Experience

Visitors will encounter iconic artifacts like Barbie dolls and Plack picnic ware, discovering unique uses of plastics in the home. Educational elements and programs, such as the Green Detective’s Challenge, engage visitors of all ages. A new dining room and a participatory installation, the Shore Debris Table, will be introduced in March.

Commitment to Sustainability

NMS is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials for displays and organizing internal collection drives for recycled items. The exhibition showcases local innovative efforts championing greener uses of plastic.

Public Call for Contributions

Residents in Singapore are invited to contribute stories and photos of objects related to plastic and sustainability. Selected submissions may be accessioned into the museum’s collection.

Admission Details

“Plastic: Remaking Our World” is a ticketed showcase, with tickets priced at $5 for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (Adults). The exhibition promises a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the past, present, and future of this transformative material.