Fashion and art enthusiasts rejoice; the Asian Civilisations Museum is finally unveiling its third-floor galleries this Apr 4, and it’ll focus on style and jewellery as it marks the completion of the refurbishment the museum has been undergoing.
Check out two brand-new galleries—Fashion and Textiles, as well as Jewellery. And together with the refreshed Ceramics gallery, look forward to admiring 300 precious and finely-crafted pieces that tell stories of Asian identities, histories, and cultures.
Fashion and Textiles gallery. Credit: Asian Civilisations Museum
First, get to explore Asian identities through clothing pieces and adornment, as the Fashion and Textiles gallery presents a diverse range of materials through its ever-changing displays that showcases cross-cultural elements too. This is particularly apparent in its first display, Fashion Revolution: Chinese dress from the late Qing to 1976. With over 40 stunning examples of Chinese dresses, including rare and elaborate dragon robes, early styles of the iconic qipao, and even a zhongshan zhuang aka the Mao Suit, be sure to note the reflection of political, economic, and socio-cultural changes in China and the world in these pieces.
Jewellery gallery. Credit: Asian Civilisations Museum
Meanwhile, the Jewellery gallery will be the first permanent exhibition in the world to spotlight island Southeast Asian jewellery, thanks to pieces of varied and complex styles. Find a showcase of objects from the Neolithic period to the 20th century here.
Ceramics gallery. Credit: Asian Civilisations Museum
Finally, the refreshed Ceramics gallery continues to offer an insight to Asian materials, by presenting a comprehensive survey of Chinese ceramic production. In particular, see a large selection of the ACM’s collection of white Dehua porcelain (blanc de chine) on display.
With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic plaguing nations worldwide, the ACM is also aware that this isn’t the most optimal time for museum visits. Which is why the museum is looking to bring the galleries to visitors online, so stay tuned for those updates. You’ll be able to stay cultured in the comfort of your own home, and that’s just as (if not more) exciting.
The two new galleries open Apr 4; admission is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. More information about the new Asian Civilisations Museum exhibitions available here.
