The international debut of the thought-provoking showcase guides visitors through evocatively designed zones and experiences, including a specially curated installation exclusive to Singapore.
Being “caged” is perhaps our most familiar state of reality – we are limited by the boundaries around us, whether they are self-imposed or social constructs. Yet, even as we yearn for freedom, we find ourselves constantly drawn back to the safe and familiar. This liminal space created by the possibilities and dilemma of choice is explored in SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Singapore, an immersive and thought-provoking showcase that encourages visitors to examine their sense of self through the deeper narrative behind the popular SKULLPANDA character. The showcase runs at the National Museum of Singapore from 12 December 2025 to 22 February 2026.
Presented by POP MART in collaboration with the character’s creator, Chinese artist Xiong Miao, and in partnership with the National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board, SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Singapore presents a visual journey that delves into the tensions between containment and release that exist within our decisions. Through creative spatial design and unique visual language, the showcase is a space for contemplation, where visitors are invited to stand with SKULLPANDA, and confront how our choices are shaped by the multiple layers of our identity: as an individual, a part of a larger community, and more.
“I’m truly excited and honoured to present SKULLPANDA‘s work outside of China for the first time through the immersive showcase SKULLPANDA CAGE–UNCAGE. Singapore, with its unique charm—balancing tradition with innovation, structure with creativity—is a truly fitting venue for an exhibition that explores the tension between contrasting ideas and perspectives,” said Chinese artist Xiong Miao, creator of the original SKULLPANDA character series.
While the National Museum presents the shared narratives that have shaped our nation, SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Singapore turns the lens inward, inviting visitors to examine the personal choices, contradictions, and conflicts that shape their own stories and identities. Through this self-reflective meditation, the museum creates a space for introspection that deepens one’s understanding of self. The showcase also continues the museum’s exploration of the enduring appeal of contemporary collectible culture, building on its popular 2024 showcase Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play, which demonstrated how this resonates across generations. These presentations represent the museum’s commitment to examining contemporary Singapore culture through fresh perspectives and unique experiences, creating new pathways to engage diverse audiences.
Uncovering the Complexities and Contradictions of Choice Through Six Zones
Based on the SKULLPANDA The Paradox Series, the showcase unfolds across six thematic zones that reflect the different aspects of everyday life: Emotion, Direction, Fortune, Rules, Life, and Exploration. Using visual metaphors such as locks and keys, each zone presents an interactive and sensory experience that transforms abstract ideas into tangible reflections on life, engaging visitors through touch, movement, and sound. Throughout the journey, visitors are encouraged to draw from their own lived experiences and to physically connect with the installations and sculptures, discovering the possibilities that lie within.
Visitors begin the experience with The Key, where fragmented mirrors and keys invite reflection on the boundaries between reality and infinite possibilities, and continue into the six sections:
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Emotion: Opposing locks and keys within a floating sphere explore the tensions between perception and truth
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Direction: Transparent, interactive pages with symbols signify imprisonment, revealing diverse paths to freedom
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Fortune: Mirrors and crystals are utilised to reflect the duality of wealth as being both dazzling and confining
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Rules: A spinning top and precarious scale explore time, gravity, and discipline through motion and balance
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Life: A meditative exploration through flowing sand and glass globes, reshaping how we view existence
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Exploration: Interactive blocks that transform static symbols into dynamic meanings, encouraging new perspectives
At the heart of the showcase lies The Room, where two SKULLPANDA sculptures hold keys within mirrored walls, creating an infinite maze that invites visitors to ponder the paradox of constraint and freedom.
Exclusive Highlights at SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Singapore
Exclusive to the Singapore edition of the showcase is an installation that pays homage to bird singing, a beloved pastime enjoyed in Singapore’s housing estates among enthusiasts. Suspended bird cages present the original prototype figurines from the SKULLPANDA The Paradox Series, with an accompanying video artwork specially created by Xiong Miao, featuring her signature butterfly emblem gliding past familiar Singapore locales before finding its current home at the National Museum. This installation introduces a unique perspective to the showcase, inviting international audiences to discover a lesser-known aspect of Singapore life that continues to unite bird singing enthusiasts, much like the shared passion of contemporary collectible fans.
Beyond the gallery spaces, the showcase extends its presence across the National Museum. Visitors will be greeted by a large SKULLPANDA sculpture on the museum’s front lawn, with additional installations and fittings at the Rotunda and LED wall outside the Salon, creating an immersive entry into the showcase and memorable photo opportunities.
Showcase-exclusive Merchandise and Visitor Information
Showcase-exclusive merchandise will be available for purchase at the Gallery Theatre retail zone to ticket holders only and is subject to eligibility and purchase limitations. Additional POP MART merchandise can be purchased at the POP MART POP-Up store at the museum’s Longer Concourse, which is open to the general public. Visitors can look forward to a special θ SKULLPANDA Plush Doll-Cage-Uncage, and POPOP, POP MART’s jewellery line making its Singapore debut at the showcase for a limited time only. Details on available showcase-exclusive merchandise can be found at this link. Details on purchase conditions may be found at this link.
SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Singapore officially opens its doors to the public at the National Museum on 12 December 2025 and will run till 22 February 2026. Both Early All Access and Standard All Access tickets are now available for sale. An exclusive SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Singapore gift will be given to the first 4,500 visitors to the showcase.
Tickets can be purchased at this link or through the showcase’s ticketing partner, Trip.com. Admission to SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Singapore will be by timed entry to ensure a comfortable visitor experience. Visitors are encouraged to book their preferred time slot early when purchasing tickets online. Tickets also include entry to the National Museum’s current exhibitions, Once Upon a Tide: Singapore’s Journey from Settlement to Global City andSingapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time.
