ArCH Square Singapore has unveiled a new line-up of May offerings that invite the public to engage with Singapore’s archaeology — through maritime artefacts, hands-on workshops and public conversations. Presented in conjunction with Singapore HeritageFest 2026, the programme is anchored by ArCH Square’s first-ever gallery rotation: SHIPPED!: Memories from the Sea.
SHIPPED!: Memories from the Sea
The maritime-themed showcase features underwater artefacts retrieved from Singapore waters, most of which are making their first-ever public appearance. Anchored by materials linked to the Empress of Asia and ceramics produced at renowned kiln centres such as Jingdezhen, the showcase traces each object’s journey — from production and exchange to submergence, recovery and interpretation.
Among the highlights are a fragment of a dragon plate decorated with a dragon motif (Chinese export ceramics produced for overseas markets), a ceramic parrot figurine reflecting the popularity of animal imagery in export wares, and a Shishi (mythical lion-dog) bowl that combines symbolic meaning with everyday use in traded ceramics.
Through stories, science and conservation, the rotation reveals how maritime archaeology works in practice — and surfaces the cultural significance and ethical questions involved in working with submerged heritage.
Public Programmes Throughout May
Beyond the showcase, ArCH Square has curated a series of public programmes for May 2026:
- Coffee Cultures: Maritime Routes and Everyday Rituals — a guided tasting and hands-on coffee-making workshop exploring Southeast Asia’s coffee cultures through maritime trade.
- Framing the Sea: Maritime Heritage as Evidence and Interpretation — a public conversation with maritime archaeologist Dr Michael Flecker.
- Archaeology 101! — a four-week introductory workshop for beginners interested in Singapore’s archaeology, including hands-on post-excavation practice.
What Is ArCH Square?
ArCH Square is the first education and outreach centre dedicated to archaeology and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Singapore and the region. Managed by HeritageSG, a subsidiary of the National Heritage Board, it functions as a platform for practitioners, academics and enthusiasts to transmit knowledge, build capabilities and foster community.
The new gallery rotation and programme line-up underscores ArCH Square’s role as a dedicated space for meaningful public discovery and heritage volunteerism — and slots neatly into our wider list of things to do in Singapore this May 2026.
How to Participate
For more information on programme dates, ticketing and the digital media kit, visit ArCH Square’s official channels. Members of the media may direct queries to Kwan I-Jing or Jiaxuan Seah at Tate Anzur.
For more on Singapore’s cultural calendar, see our Things to Do coverage and our recent feature on the Somerset Belt Youth CoLab, which is shaping a new chapter for *SCAPE and Orchard Road’s youth precinct.
Source: Media release from Tate Anzur on behalf of HeritageSG, 28 April 2026. Cover image: Unsplash (illustrative).
