Play Meets Culture at ACM: New Interactive Space ‘ACM & ME’ Opens This May

The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is launching an exciting new family-friendly experience, ACM & ME, on Friday, 23 May 2025, in its Contemporary Gallery. Blending play, art, and storytelling, this vibrant space invites visitors of all ages to explore culture and identity through hands-on activities, immersive artmaking, and sensory zones — making it a perfect stop for both curious kids and the young at heart.

A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Art and Play

Designed with young minds in focus and guided by the Ministry of Education and the Early Childhood Development Agency’s “Nurturing Early Learners” framework, ACM & ME offers three thematic zones that encourage creativity, self-expression, and emotional wellbeing:

• Who am I? – Create self-portraits with stamps and paper templates to be displayed on a growing community art wall, or experiment with magnetic play stations and mirror reflections amidst a pagoda-inspired backdrop.
• What’s my story? – Dive into imaginative storytelling at two stations. Craft mythical beasts with colourful acrylic shapes at “Fantastic Creatures,” and use nostalgic overhead projectors to bring these legends to life. At “Everyday Stories,” explore early animation with spinning silicon mats inspired by 18th-century Canton and modern-day Singapore.
• What can I create? – Get moving with interactive light and shadow play, or build big with oversized soft blocks in a padded play area that encourages safe, collaborative fun for little builders.

Each activity area includes thoughtful prompts co-developed with the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), designed to spark family conversations around feelings, creativity, and identity. ACM is also partnering with SAMH on six upcoming wellbeing workshops based on the exhibition’s themes.

Thoughtful Design for All Ages

Designed by local art collective Arterly Obsessed, ACM & ME is full of colour, joy, and inclusivity. The space can welcome up to 60 visitors at a time and includes:

• Stroller-friendly pathways
• Padded flooring for crawlers
• Comfortable seating
• A Calm Corner – a sensory-friendly space for those needing a quiet break

Weave Your Story

Before leaving, visitors can contribute to a community weaving wall using upcycled fabric strips. Choose a colour to reflect your emotions and weave it into the shared tapestry — a meaningful end to a day of connection and creativity.

Special Programming for Children’s Season in June

From 31 May 2025, ACM & ME will come alive with Children’s Season: The World We Make, offering interactive performances, object trails, craft workshops, and design activities for the whole family.

ACM & ME opens 23 May 2025 at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Entry is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.