SKULLPANDA Siege Theme Space Exhibition
Identity, Choices, and Conflict: The SKULLPANDA Siege Theme Space Exhibition in Singapore Embarks on a Journey of Self-Exploration
"Being besieged" may be the reality we are most familiar with: whether self-imposed limits or social discipline, we are always bound by the surrounding boundaries. However, even with a heart full of longing for freedom, we unconsciously cling to the safety and familiarity of a harbor. The immersive exhibition brought by Pop Mart—the SKULLPANDA Siege Theme Space Exhibition Singapore edition—focuses on this critical space constructed by the possibilities and dilemmas of choice. Through the deep narrative behind the trendy IP SKULLPANDA, it invites the audience to start an inner dialogue about the "self." The exhibition will be held at the National Museum of Singapore from December 12, 2025, to February 22, 2026.
The SKULLPANDA Siege Theme Space Exhibition Singapore edition is jointly presented by Pop Mart and Chinese artist Xiong Miao, in collaboration with the National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board. The exhibition uses a visual journey as a carrier to deeply explore the inner tension between "imprisonment" and "release" in the decision-making process. Through creative space design and unique visual language, this becomes a place for contemplation where visitors stand shoulder to shoulder with SKULLPANDA, facing the multiple dimensions of individual identity—how being an independent individual, a member of a community, and other roles shape every choice we make.
"I am incredibly excited and honored that through the SKULLPANDA Siege Theme Space Exhibition, SKULLPANDA works are stepping out of China for the first time," said Xiong Miao, the original series designer and Chinese artist behind SKULLPANDA. "Singapore, with its unique charm of tradition and innovation, order and creativity, is the ideal place to hold an exhibition exploring the tension between opposing concepts and diverse perspectives."
The National Museum of Singapore has always focused on presenting the shared narratives that shape the nation, while the SKULLPANDA Siege Theme Space Exhibition Singapore edition turns the perspective inward, inviting visitors to examine the choices, contradictions, and conflicts that shape personal stories and identities. Through this journey of exploration, the museum creates a space for introspection, inviting everyone to meet themselves here. At the same time, the exhibition continues the museum’s enduring exploration of contemporary trendy collectible culture. Following the popular 2024 exhibition "Playmates: Opening the Toy Box of Memories," which showcased intergenerational resonance, this exhibition further fulfills the museum’s commitment: interpreting contemporary Singapore culture with fresh perspectives and unique experiences, creating new engagement paths for diverse audiences.
Six Themed Exhibition Areas Reveal the Complexity and Contradictions of Choices
Inspired by the SKULLPANDA "Gate of Advance and Retreat" series, the exhibition sets up six themed areas corresponding to core dimensions of daily life: Emotion, Direction, Fortune, Rules, Life, and Exploration. The exhibition uses "locks and keys" as the central visual metaphor. Each area offers an interactive sensory experience, transforming abstract concepts into tangible reflections on life, engaging visitors through touch, movement, and sound. Visitors are encouraged throughout to connect their own life experiences with the installation art and sculptures, discovering infinite possibilities within.
The exploration journey begins at "The Key," where shattered mirrors and keys provoke thoughts on the boundaries between reality and infinite possibilities, followed by the six themed areas:
Emotion: Locks and keys confront each other inside floating spheres, exploring the tension between cognition and truth.
Direction: Transparent interactive pages printed with symbols layer to unfold imagery of siege, revealing multiple paths to freedom.
Fortune: Mirrors and crystals reflect the dual nature of wealth—both dazzling and confining.
Rules: Spinning tops and balanced scales explore the meanings of time, gravity, and constraints through motion and equilibrium.
Life: Flowing sand and glass spheres create a meditative space, showcasing the multiple dimensions of existence.
Exploration: Interactive modules transform static symbols into dynamic meanings, inspiring new perspectives.
The core area of the exhibition is "The Room," where two SKULLPANDA sculptures sit back-to-back inside mirrored walls, tightly holding keys, constructing an infinitely extending visual maze that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the paradoxical perspectives of finiteness and infinity, siege and confinement.
Exclusive Highlights of the Singapore Edition Integrate Local Cultural Features
The Singapore edition features a special installation paying tribute to the beloved leisure activity of birdwatching among residents of Singapore’s public housing estates. Hanging birdcages display original prototype figurines from the SKULLPANDA "Gate of Advance and Retreat" series, accompanied by a video work created by Xiong Miao specifically for this exhibition—the artist’s signature butterfly totem flies over iconic Singapore landmarks and finally rests at the National Museum of Singapore. This installation injects a unique local perspective into the exhibition, allowing international visitors to discover a lesser-known side of Singapore life. Alongside the shared passion of contemporary collectible toy enthusiasts, birdwatching culture also embodies community emotions.
Beyond the exhibition halls, the experience extends throughout the National Museum of Singapore: a giant SKULLPANDA sculpture will stand on the museum’s front lawn, and exclusive installations and displays will be set up on the LED walls outside the circular hall and salon, creating an immersive entry experience and memorable photo spots for visitors.
Limited Merchandise and Exhibition Information
Limited edition merchandise for this exhibition is available exclusively to ticket holders and can be purchased at the retail area in the Gallery Theatre. Specific purchase qualifications and restrictions are subject to on-site rules. The general public can buy other regular items and merchandise at the Pop Mart limited-time pop-up store in the museum’s central lobby. Notably, the exhibition-exclusive SKULLPANDA Siege Theme Space Exhibition plush toys will be launched simultaneously, and Pop Mart’s jewelry line POPOP will make its debut in Singapore with a limited-time appearance at the exhibition.
The SKULLPANDA Siege Theme Space Exhibition Singapore edition will officially open to the public at the National Museum of Singapore on December 12, 2025, running until February 22, 2026. "Priority Full Pass" and "Standard Full Pass" tickets are now fully on sale, and the first 4,500 visitors will receive a Singapore-exclusive commemorative gift from the SKULLPANDA Siege Theme Exhibition.
Visitors can purchase tickets through the exhibition’s ticketing partner Trip.com. To ensure a comfortable viewing experience, the exhibition adopts a timed entry system, and visitors are advised to book their preferred time slots online in advance. Exhibition tickets also grant access to concurrent exhibitions at the National Museum of Singapore: "Once Upon a Tide: Singapore's Journey from Settlement to Global City" and "Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time."
The National Museum is quite small, so reservations are essential. You can find reservation methods and guides on Xiaohongshu (a Chinese social media platform). There are generally two tours during the week and three on weekends, but on-site reservations are required. As for the history, you'll have to see it for yourself to learn.
Went to Skullpanda Cage-Uncaged showcase which runs from 12 December 2025 to 22 February 2026. The curation was actually pretty nice and you can tell a lot of thought went into the setup. It’s split between the ground floor (level 1) and basement though, I kinda wish it was all in one space because the vibes reset when you move between areas.Price is affordable, but didn’t fully hit the “worth it” feeling for me. I expected more wow or more immersive Skullpanda world...some sections felt a bit empty or disconnected (e.g. the balancing beam section). Still a good experience overall, just wish it pushed the concept further! 🥺[p.s. Got our tickets via Trip.com; smooth transaction, zero hassle getting in]
The building is magnificent, with exhibitions on the basement, first, and second floors. There aren't many physical exhibits; it's mostly pictures and light shows. The viewing environment is excellent—quiet and orderly, and the visitors are all very well-behaved. The Pop Mart special exhibition was very interesting; I even won my first ever Labubu and Star Man blind boxes in the shop next door—I loved them!
The exhibits in the museum are quite rich, and it is impossible to take pictures of them all. From historical and cultural relics to the entire development history, it is very complete and very helpful for understanding the history of Singapore! It is especially suitable for parent-child travel, and it is very beneficial to bring children to increase their knowledge! (There is a place in the museum where you can eat and rest, the price is reasonable, and you need to clean up after the meal)
The National Museum of Singapore was established in 1887. It has a history of more than 120 years and is the oldest museum in Singapore. However, it embodies the young and innovative spirit of the country. The design concept of this museum is for the general public. It tells the history of Singapore in the most advanced and colorful way, and interprets the new connotation of traditional museums.
People who don't know English at all are not recommended to come here, otherwise you can only feast your eyes and take pictures. I have read most of the introductions in it, which shows the history of Singapore very well, especially Lee Kuan Yew's contribution to Singapore. I also saw that they made arduous and outstanding resistance during the Anti-Japanese War just like us. The garden dome on the second floor is beautiful. I was amazed in the video I uploaded.
The Singapore Museum is a very worthwhile place for children to visit and learn. The literature and pictures inside are very interesting. It introduces many historical and cultural monuments and numerous development histories of Singapore. It also introduces the hardships of overseas Chinese in those days. It is really a good place to learn.
National Museum of SingaporeThe National Museum of Singapore is a captivating gateway to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Housed in a beautifully restored neo-Renaissance building dating back to 1887, it seamlessly blends heritage architecture with cutting-edge multimedia galleries. Wander through immersive exhibitions like the Singapore History Gallery to trace the nation’s journey from colonial port to modern metropolis, then dive into the Living Galleries for interactive.