Elegant Sounds: Music, Craft, and the Literati, a new multi-sensory exhibition opening at the Scholars Gallery on 23 May. Marking the first major refresh to the gallery since 2015, the exhibition examines the significance of the qin 琴, later known as the guqin 古琴 (Chinese zither), in Chinese culture.
Elegant Sounds: Music, Craft, and the Literati
From 23 May 2025
Daily, 10am–7pm | Fridays, 10am–9pm
Level 2, Scholars Gallery
Asian Civilisations Museum
Free admission for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents; $25 for Foreigners
Music, craft, and the ideals of the Chinese literati converge in a new multi-sensory exhibition opening in the Scholars Gallery of the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore (ACM). The first major refresh to the gallery since 2015, the exhibition examines the significance of the qin 琴, later known as the guqin 古琴 (Chinese zither), in Chinese culture, where it has been played for over two thousand years.
Visitors will be able to appreciate the artistry of the qin through diverse objects dating from the Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 220) to today, including ancient instruments, bronzes, paintings, ceramics, rare books, and furniture. As part of the museum’s commitment to innovation, the exhibition features a dedicated space within the gallery to create opportunities for new and meaningful connections between art and audiences. Serving as a space for performance and reflection, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the contemplative tranquillity of literati culture, complemented by a tactile digital interactive featuring an actual qin. Highlights include a series of recordings by renowned qin master Dr Kee Chee Koon, and a video presentation by master craftsman Ning Qunhui that reveals how the unique voice of each instrument is created.
As visitors uncover the unique voices of the qin, they are invited to reflect on the enduring role of music in fostering mindfulness and artistic appreciation.
Also opening on the same day is a new and exciting children’s space, Curiosity Cove, where young explorers can play, create, and discover what makes us all unique. Developed in alignment with MOE and ECDA’s Nurturing Early Learners framework, the family-friendly space will bring museum treasures to life to encourage self-discovery and cultural appreciation through creative expression.
Curiosity Cove
23 May 2025 onwards
Daily, 10am–7pm | Fridays, 10am–9pm
Contemporary Gallery, Asian Civilisations Museum
This June Holiday season, look forward to a new and exciting children’s space at ACM, where young explorers can play, create, and discover what makes us all unique!
Developed in alignment with MOE and ECDA’s Nurturing Early Learners framework, the family-friendly space will bring museum treasures to life through three thematic zones – “Who am I?”, “What’s my story?” and “What can I create?” – each designed to encourage self-discovery and cultural appreciation through creative expression.
With fun activities and vibrant spaces designed with local art studio and collective Arterly Obsessed, visitors will be able to craft self-portraits using magnetic shapes, reimagine mythical creatures inspired by the ACM galleries, and dance away in a magical space of colours, lights, and music. In each zone, look out for conversational prompts developed in partnership with the Singapore Association for Mental Health, which will guide families to connect meaningfully with one another, and to grow together.
Perfect for children (and adults!) of all ages, every visit promises new discoveries and unforgettable family moments. Come experience the magic of heritage through play!
