Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is marking its 30th anniversary with a jam-packed July and August lineup — and the centrepiece is a free-admission SAM Art Carnival on 25 July 2026. Whether you’re a regular at the galleries or haven’t visited SAM in years, there’s never been a better time to drop by.
SAM Art Carnival — Free Admission on 25 July 2026
The annual SAM Art Carnival returns on Saturday, 25 July 2026, offering free admission to Singapore Art Museum for the day. Expect a festive weekend of hands-on art-making activities, live performances, and special giveaways — all completely free. The Carnival is the museum’s signature community event, and celebrating its 30th year means this edition is particularly special.
On the same day, catch curator tours, artist talks and live performances across three current exhibitions: Hiroshi Sugimoto: Form Is Emptiness, Talking Objects, and The Living Room. Note that Talking Objects and The Living Room both close on 2 August, so 25 July is among your last chances to catch them.
Hiroshi Sugimoto: Form Is Emptiness (Until 4 October 2026)
If you haven’t yet seen Hiroshi Sugimoto: Form Is Emptiness — the legendary Japanese photographer’s major solo exhibition at SAM — make the SAM Art Carnival your occasion. The exhibition runs until 4 October 2026, and it’s the kind of quietly arresting show that rewards a slow, unhurried visit.
Momentary Pulses: Moving Encounters in the CBD (Until 19 July)
Act quickly on this one — Momentary Pulses: Moving Encounters wraps up on 19 July 2026. Part of SAM’s broader Momentary Pulses: Art in the Central Business District initiative, this series of guided walks, performances and conversations takes participants through Singapore’s CBD, exploring themes of movement, memory and embodied encounters in unexpected urban spaces.
Two Who Remember the Sea at Wessex Estate — 18 July
On 18 July 2026, SAM presents a special evening programme at Wessex Estate featuring artists Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Guo-Liang Tan — a new way to experience their Singapore Biennale commission, Two Who Remember the Sea. The Wessex Estate setting adds an evocative, atmospheric quality to this one-night event.
Brandon Tay: Sangkalan at Regional Libraries
Brandon Tay: Sangkalan continues its journey through Singapore’s regional libraries. Currently at Tampines Regional Library until 19 July, the travelling exhibition moves to Jurong Regional Library from 22 July to 6 September. A playful and quietly profound piece — worth seeking out at whichever library is nearest you.
Also Coming Up: Maria Taniguchi: Afterimage (Opens 24 July)
If you’re planning your visit around the SAM Art Carnival on 25 July, you’ll also be there for the opening weekend of Maria Taniguchi: Afterimage, which opens the day before on 24 July. This first Singapore museum show dedicated to the acclaimed Filipino artist features her iconic brick paintings, sculptural works and video installations. Perfect timing for a full SAM day.
SAM is located at 39 Armenian Street and 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore. Admission to the galleries is $20 for adults, with free admission on 25 July for the Art Carnival. Check singaporeartmuseum.sg for updated programme details and ticketing.
