Istana Open House 2026

Discover the complex interplay of ecology, labor, and material culture at Elia Nurvista and Bagus Pandega: Nafasan Bumi ~ An Endless Harvest, on view from Jan. 16 to May 31, 2026, from 10 AM to 7 PM, at SAM, Level 3, Gallery 3, Tanjong Pagar Distripark. This immersive exhibition explores how relentless extraction — from plantations to electric futures — affects the very “breath of the Earth,” tracing the afterlives of materials that persist long after their use.

Through kinetic installations, sculptures, and mixed-media works, the artists examine cycles of labor shared by humans, machines, and the living world. Bagus Pandega integrates programming, industrial systems, and plant biofeedback to reveal the environmental and socio-political impact of Indonesia’s extractive economies, while Elia Nurvista interrogates the politics of food, inequality, and ecological sustainability through batik, sculpture, performance, and video. Together, their works envision the future shaped by human and non-human entanglements and provoke reflection on the consequences of ceaseless productivity.

The exhibition also offers interactive programs including a Coffee Grounds Soap Workshop and a Guided Artist & Curator Tour on Jan. 17, 2026, led by the artists and curator Syaheedah Iskandar. These experiences allow visitors to engage with materials, processes, and ideas central to the exhibition, creating a meaningful, hands-on connection with the artwork.

Event information edited for consistency and clarity by The Beat Asia.

Discover tea as a deeply human ritual at Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie, a landmark multi-sensory exhibition presented at the Asian Civilisations Museum from Jan. 28 to June 7, 2026. This global-first showcase is jointly organized by Asian Civilisations Museum, CHAGEE, and the Singapore Tourism Board, inviting visitors to experience tea through sight, scent, sound, touch, taste, and reflection.

Journey through six thoughtfully curated zones that explore tea’s cultural, social, and spiritual significance across Asia. Historic tea wares are presented alongside contemporary interpretations, immersive soundscapes, sculptural installations inspired by tea leaves, and tactile encounters with tea-making tools. Each space is designed to slow the pace, encouraging mindfulness and contemplation while revealing how tea rituals have shaped daily life across centuries and cultures.

The experience extends beyond the galleries with a CHAGEE pop-up along the Singapore River, offering exclusive beverages, merchandise, and limited-edition plush charms inspired by ancient tea routes. Admission is part of the Asian Civilisations Museum All Access Ticket, with prices starting at S$12 for Singapore residents and S$25 for non-residents. Get your tickets now!

Event information edited for consistency and clarity by The Beat Asia.