Step Into History and Innovation at Battlebox’s ‘Portals’ Exhibition

This March, Battlebox at Fort Canning will undergo a mesmerizing transformation as it becomes the stage for Portals, an innovative visual arts exhibition that bridges Singapore’s wartime history with cutting-edge creative technology. Presented by Global Cultural Alliance (GCA) and running from 28 March to 29 June 2025, this immersive experience redefines artmaking, captivating both tech enthusiasts and traditionalists.

Where Heritage Meets Technology

Commissioned as part of cmd.exe (“command prompt”), a pioneering platform by TRCL that explores the convergence of heritage and technology, Portals reimagines the historic World War II bunker into a multi-sensory artistic landscape. Featuring seven Singapore-based artists—Anthony Chin, Dongyan Chen, Ernest Wu, Jake Tan, Huijun Lu, Victoria Hertel, and Zul Mahmod—the exhibition invites visitors to engage with the past in extraordinary ways through interactive installations.

Curated by Jonathan Liu and Shireen Marican, the exhibition explores powerful themes such as power, surveillance, conflict, time, and the intersection of nature and defense. Expect to experience:

• Reimagined wartime communication systems
• Immersive light displays
• Installations that respond to sound and movement, bridging history with contemporary perspectives.

Pushing Creative Boundaries

To enhance the artistic experience, Portals collaborates with creative technology studio SERIAL CO_, empowering artists to explore new tools and techniques. This partnership drives creative experimentation, ensuring each installation is technically refined and artistically captivating.

Engage and Interact: Public Programmes

The exhibition goes beyond visual experiences with a series of interactive public programmes running from April to June, including:

• Artist talks and workshops led by the creators themselves, offering insights into the artistic process and contextual research behind the works.
• Exclusive curator’s tour on 29 March with Jonathan Liu and Shireen Marican, unveiling the inspirations and artistic journeys behind the exhibition.

An Unforgettable Opening Experience

The journey begins with a dynamic opening party on 28 March, curated by Butoh artist XUE in collaboration with Mervin Wong, Jack Lim, and Josh Tirados. This roving movement-sound performance will interact with the installations, crafting a multisensory experience that breathes life into the artworks.

Event Details and Admission

• ‘PORTALS’ Dates: 28 March to 29 June 2025
• Day & Time: Wednesdays – Sundays (incl. Public Holidays) | 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
• Venue: Battlebox (Fort Canning Park, 2 Cox Terrace Singapore 179622)
• Admission:
  • Basic Experience – Includes entry to the Battlebox and Portals exhibition. Limited slots only, advance bookings must be made via Klook.
  • Enhanced Experience – Includes entry, 40-minute audio guide and exclusive access to two 270° projection rooms at the Battlebox; and entry to the Portals exhibition. Available via Klook.

For more details and to book your visit, check out here or follow @battleboxsg on Instagram.