2026 First Art Post!
Join us at the spectacular Singapore National Museum for a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture! The SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Showcase is making its thrilling international debut in Singapore after a remarkable first run at the Gate M West Bund Dream Center in Shanghai, China. The exhibition, which runs until the 22nd of February, 2026, invites you to dive into an unforgettable experience that will ignite your imagination!

Produced by POP MART in partnership with the visionary Chinese artist Xiong Miao, founder of the North Studio art workshop and the brilliant mind behind the original SKULLPANDA character series created in 2018, the SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Showcase revolves around the captivating character who embodies the complexities and enigmas of life. Drawing from Xiong Miao’s rich background in game concept design, this showcase transforms collectibles into powerful works of art and storytelling. Prepare for a multi-sensory and immersive journey that deepens the artistic vision behind the character, inspiring visitors to reflect on the boundless possibilities and challenges of choice through six fundamental themes woven into the fabric of everyday life — Emotion, Fortune, Rules, Exploration, Life, and Direction.

“The SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Showcase represents our commitment to supporting artists like Xiong Miao in exploring deeper themes through collectible design,” said Mr. Justin Moon, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at POP MART. “We’re delighted to bring the showcase to Singapore, making its international debut outside of China, allowing us to share with a wider audience the vision of SKULLPANDA not just as a beloved character, but as a vehicle for meaningful reflection on the human experience.”

Ms. Chung May Khuen, Director of the National Museum of Singapore, passionately shared: “As the people’s museum, we are overjoyed to host the SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Showcase, continuing our vibrant exploration of collectible culture that initiated with Play:Date. Our unwavering commitment to understanding contemporary Singapore compels us to engage with cultural movements like collectible culture, enabling us to seize this phenomenon’s widespread allure to connect with diverse audiences through the artistry of SKULLPANDA and unlock new avenues for richer museum experiences.”

Through the captivating lens of SKULLPANDA, this co-curated, Singapore-exclusive installation is inspired by the cherished tradition of bird singing—a pastime that has thrived over generations. This section invites international visitors to discover a lesser-known facet of Singapore’s heritage, paying tribute to a beloved community activity that binds people together, much like the vibrant world of collectible culture.

Visitors can eagerly anticipate larger-than-life art installations and sculptures featuring SKULLPANDA, engaging interactive opportunities, and immersive environments where everyday symbols such as door frames, locks, and keys are transformed into a visual language, inviting reflection on the profound questions of confinement, freedom, choice, and self-discovery.

“International collaborations such as the SKULLPANDA CAGE-UNCAGE Showcase demonstrate Singapore’s dynamism as a location to showcase world-class creativity rooted in our own distinctive destination identity. By fostering connections between local museums and global creative leaders such as POP MART, we’re delivering unique experiences that visitors cannot find anywhere else,” said Mr. Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Marketing Group), Singapore Tourism Board. “This tripartite partnership exemplifies our Tourism 2040 vision of building an attractive destination where history and contemporary culture intersect meaningfully, creating the memorable and transformative experiences that today’s Gen Z and Millennial travellers seek.”