Media Room

The new Supertree Observatory at Gardens by the Bay opened today, offering visitors 360° views of the surrounding Marina Bay area. At 50m above ground, it is perched on top of the tallest Supertree at Supertree Grove.

Visitors ascend to the top of the Supertree Observatory via a lift concealed within the trunk of the Supertree. At the top, there are two main areas for visitors to access:

• The open-air circular rooftop deck, the highest point in Gardens by the Bay, offers an unblocked 360° view of the Gardens as well as the Marina Bay area.
• The observatory space located one level below the rooftop deck, which consists of an indoor area with full-height glass windows, as well as a peripheral outdoor walkway. Here, visitors can also experience a message about the effects of climate change creatively conveyed through digital media.

In addition, visitors can download the Supertree Observatory smartphone app from the App Store or Google Play for an enhanced experience of Gardens by the Bay with AR technology. With the app, they can scan the skyline with their smartphone and tap on landmarks of the Marina Bay area to get information, learn more about Gardens by the Bay, play a game where they collect items to build their own Supertree, as well as take a selfie and decorate it with Gardens-themed stickers.

Refreshments such as cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks and light snacks, are available at the café at the observatory space, so visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery with a light bite.

Tickets for Singapore residents cost between $6 and $10, and can be purchased at Gardens by the Bay’s ticketing counters or online.

The Supertree Observatory, which can accommodate 120 visitors, was developed in consideration of the limited capacity of the popular OCBC Skyway. The OCBC Skyway is a 128m-long aerial walkway that is 22m above ground and can accommodate 80 people at any one time.

With the addition of the Supertree Observatory, more visitors can enjoy the panoramic views that Gardens by the Bay has to offer.

The floating ovoids that have been increasing in number on the Dragonfly Lake and piquing the curiosity of the public is just one example of the transformation that is to come at Gardens by the Bay for the immersive art exhibition #futuretogether.

Organised in support of the Singapore Bicentennial commemoration, #futuretogether is the capstone event of the bicentennial year. It is jointly presented by Gardens by the Bay and GIC, with art by art collective teamLab, and will officially open on January 16 next year.

The floating ovoids are part of the digital art installation Autonomous Resonating Life on the Water and Resonating Trees – Dragonfly Lake, which is among the seven indoor and outdoor exhibits of #futuretogether. The exhibits encompass three themes – Aspirations, Connectivity and Possibilities – that relate to how Singaporeans look forward to the future as the bicentennial year comes to a close.

Touching the ovoids on the boardwalk will trigger magical shifts in colour and sound across the hundreds of others floating on the Dragonfly Lake. This exhibit represents the theme of Connectivity.

Free for Singapore residents

There is no admission charge to both the outdoor and indoor exhibits for Singapore residents, but they are required to reserve tickets to the indoor exhibits online as entry is time-stamped.

For non-Singapore residents, the cost of a standard ticket to the indoor exhibits is $10. The outdoor exhibits are free.

Advanced ticket reservations begin December 15 at www.gardensbythebay.com.sg.

Proceeds from the sale of tickets will go to Gardens by the Bay’s Gift of Gardens. This community outreach initiative provides complimentary access to the cooled conservatories to Singapore residents who may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit, such as those who lack the resources, or individuals with disabilities.

Soft opening on December 15

Ahead of the official opening next year, two of the outdoor exhibits of #futuretogether will soft open to public on December 15. They are Autonomous Resonating Life on the Water and Resonating Trees – Dragonfly Lake and Flowers and People – Giant Lattice Mass, a Whole Year per Hour.

In Flowers and People – Giant Lattice Mass, a Whole Year per Hour, flowers bloom and scatter across Gardens by the Bay’s iconic lattice structure according to the movement of people. This exhibit is symbolic of the theme of Aspirations – the lattice structure was once representative of SG50, and has now been integrated into a bicentennial capstone event that contemplates Singapore’s future.

Gardens by the Bay CEO Felix Loh said, “This is a special year in Singapore’s history, and it is an honour for Gardens by the Bay to be the place where Singaporeans cap off the bicentennial with a magical light and sound experience, even as we look forward to the future together filled with exciting possibilities.”

GIC CEO Lim Chow Kiat said, “We are pleased to work with Gardens by the Bay to support this art exhibition by teamLab. Their works transform everyday environments into surprising art pieces, and generate insights beyond the obvious. As the manager of Singapore’s foreign reserves, we too aspire to be anchored yet innovative, so as to secure the financial future of Singapore.”

Selected community and charity groups will get to enjoy special previews of the indoor exhibits, ahead of the official opening of #futuretogether in January next year.
 

#futuretogether official opening
Date: 16 January 2020 - 15 March 2020
Outdoor exhibits: 7.00pm - 12.00am
Indoor exhibits: 9.00am - 9.00pm (last entry at 8.30pm)
Location: Bayfront Plaza
Details: Admission charge to the outdoor exhibits is free. Advanced tickets to the indoor exhibits can be booked online from December 15 from www.gardensbythebay.com.sg.

#futuretogether soft opening
A showcase of two outdoor exhibits:
• Autonomous Resonating Life on the Water and Resonating Trees – Dragonfly Lake
• Flowers and People – Giant Lattice Mass, a Whole Year per Hour
Date: 15 December 2019 - 15 January 2020
Time: 7.00pm - 12.00am
Location: Bayfront Plaza
Details: Admission charge to the outdoor exhibits is free.

Hashtag: #futuretogether
Visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/futuretogether for more details.

Please refer to the Annex for information on the exhibits of #futuretogether.

The newest exhibits in Gardens by the Bay’s cooled conservatory Cloud Forest – Orchids of the Amazon and the Tree virtual reality experience – may seem different, but both share a common environment-focused message.

Orchids of the Amazon is a display of exotic orchids that are native to the Amazon rainforest. Showcasing these orchids in Singapore brings the beauty and diversity that exist there closer to people living in this region, and raises awareness of the importance of protecting the Amazon rainforest.

Tree allows users to “become” a rainforest tree through the use of virtual reality. They will feel what it is like growing from a seedling to a full-fledged tree, then meeting a fate determined by the callous acts of mankind. This empathetic experience, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017, is in Singapore for the first time.

Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee launched both exhibits today.

Orchids of the Amazon

In Orchids of the Amazon, 50 varieties of epiphytic orchids are showcased amidst a lush green landscape of ferns, aroids and bromeliads that bring to mind the dense foliage of the rainforest. Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants, and get their nutrients from the air and the surrounding environment.

The Amazonian rainforest is home to more than 700 species of orchids. The Orchids of the Amazon display showcases some of these orchids with interesting and unusual features. One species of note is Polycycnis Silvana, which bears numerous flowers which have arching columns that resemble the necks of graceful swans – “polycycnis” is derived from the Greek word for “many swans”. Another species to look out for is Warczewiczella amazonica, which is named after the Amazon, and whose lightly-scented white flowers are regarded as the largest in the Warczewiczella genus.

With the Amazon rainforest being home to a wide variety of biodiversity, the display also includes replicas of animals of the region such as capybaras, sloths and macaws.

A part of the biannual changing orchid displays in Cloud Forest, Orchids of the Amazon is the second orchid display for this year, and will run until March 29 next year.

Alongside the Orchids of the Amazon display is the Portraits of a Miniverse photo exhibition by Singaporean photographer Shannon Heng. In this exhibition, photographs of miniature orchids which are endemic to the Amazon region showcase the unexpected beauty of such tiny blooms, the smallest of which only measures 3mm. Portraits of a Miniverse will run until February 16 next year.

Tree

The Tree virtual reality experience is created by Milica Zec and Winslow Porter, in partnership with the Rainforest Alliance. The experience leverages on stimulating the four senses of sight, touch, smell and sound to enhance the user’s immersion in becoming a tree.

Since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, Tree has been showcased around the world in countries like USA, Hong Kong, Dubai, Denmark and the Netherlands. This year, it has travelled to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland as well as the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Cloud Forest’s Crystal Mountain section will house two booths where visitors can experience Tree. Tickets are priced at $5, which does not include the admission charge to Cloud Forest.

Tree at Gardens by the Bay will run until February 16 next year and is supported by Woh Hup, HP Inc, Bose Corporation and SUBPAC Inc.

Orchids of the Amazon
Date: Thursday, 14 November 2019 – Sunday, 29 March 2020
Time: 9.00am – 9.00pm
Location: Cloud Forest
Details: Admission charge to the conservatories applies
Social Media: #OrchidsoftheAmazonGBB

Portraits of a Miniverse
Date: Thursday, 14 November 2019 – Sunday, 16 February 2020
Time: 9.00am – 9.00pm
Location: Cloud Forest
Details: Admission charge to the conservatories applies

Tree
Date: Thursday, 14 November 2019 – Sunday, 16 February 2020
Time: 9.00am – 9.00pm
Location: Cloud Forest
Details: Tickets to Tree are $5 and can be purchased from the ticketing counter at The Canopy. Admission charge to Cloud Forest applies.

Please refer to the Annex for the media factsheets on Orchids of the Amazon, Portraits of a Miniverse and Tree.

Embark on a whimsical journey through five Nordic countries this holiday season as Gardens by the Bay presents its first-ever Nordic-themed floral display in Flower Dome.

This year’s Poinsettia Wishes, which features some of the iconic architecture found in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, is creatively directed by the Ambassador of Denmark to Singapore Her Excellency Dorte Bech Vizard.

Reflecting the theme and nature of the display, Her Excellency Dorte Bech Vizard was joined at the launch today by Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Singapore His Excellency Antti Tapani Vänskä, Ambassador of the Republic of Iceland to Singapore Her Excellency Sigridur Asdís Snaevarr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Singapore Her Excellency Anita Nergaard, and Counsellor & Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden in Singapore Ms Helena Reitberger.

CEO of Gardens by the Bay Mr Felix Loh said, “There’s something magical about our year-end seasonal floral display, coupled with the winter-like conditions in the Flower Dome, that never fails to evoke a sense of wonder and joy. Our creative team is always looking for new ways to share the joy of the season with our visitors. We are honoured to have the opportunity to work with Her Excellency Dorte Bech Vizard to bring a slice of Nordic Christmas to the tropics for this 2019 edition.”
 

Iconic Nordic landmarks feature in annual display

Peppered across the Flower Dome are Christmas scenes that incorporate a number of Nordic landmarks, such as the Bolgen building in Denmark, Santa Claus Village in Finland, Hallgrimskirkja church in Iceland, Vennesla library in Norway, and Triangeln train station in Sweden.

A choir of adorable Nordic gnomes called Nisse add to the festive cheer as a conductor leads them in song.

Widest range of poinsettia varieties to date

The yuletide scenes are set amidst a landscape of poinsettias – a flower closely associated with Christmas. Some 7,500 poinsettia plants of over 30 varieties – the widest range to date in Flower Dome – will be featured throughout the duration of the display. These are mostly cultivated in the Netherlands by Dümmen Orange, the world’s largest breeder and propagator, including 15 varieties that will be introduced in Gardens by the Bay for the first time.

New varieties include the vibrant ‘Golden Glo’, with a bright yellow hue that complements the traditional red poinsettias; the unusual ‘Winter Rose Early Red’ with ruffled bracts that contrast with the typical flat-bracted poinsettias; and the delicate ‘Premium Marble’ with creamy white bracts and a light pink blaze down the centre.

Poinsettia Wishes runs till 5 January 2020.

Poinsettia Wishes
Date: 8 November 2019 – 5 January 2020
Time: 9am – 9pm
Location: Flower Dome
Details: Admission charge to Flower Dome applies.
Website: www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/poinsettia
Social Media: #GardensbytheBay #PoinsettiaWishesGBB

Please refer to the Annex for highlights of Poinsettia Wishes.

Next month, Singaporeans will have the opportunity to take a first look at the five shortlisted designs for the Founders’ Memorial, and choose their favourite design. The shortlisted designs will be part of the Founders’ Memorial Design Showcase, which will travel island-wide from November to December 2019. Beyond the travelling showcase, Singaporeans can also choose their favourite design online. One of these five designs will eventually become the Founders’ Memorial, slated to open in 2027.

Mr Lee Tzu Yang, Chairman of the Founders’ Memorial Committee, said: “Singaporeans have contributed their views on the development of the Founders’ Memorial at key junctures, since it was first proposed in 2015. We have heard from Singaporeans at different stages, from the Memorial’s objectives and concept, to its physical features and location. As a landmark for us to be collectively inspired by the values and ideals of our founders, we invite Singaporeans to be a part of the making of the Memorial – by choosing their favourite design.”
 

The Making of the Founders’ Memorial

Located at Bay East Garden¹, the Founders’ Memorial is envisioned to be an integrated building and garden experience, with exhibition galleries, landscaped spaces and art installations. When complete, it will feature stories on values exemplified by the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Singapore’s first generation of leaders, and other key personalities who have played important roles in Singapore’s path to independence and in its early years. These values include those captured in our National Pledge, such as multiracialism, and others like boldness, adaptability, integrity and resilience. The Memorial’s vision and concept were distilled following various phases of engagements with Singaporeans, who expressed their hope for a Founders’ Memorial that is unique to Singapore, a landmark that shares the values and ideals that built our nation, and inspires future generations.

To turn the vision of the Founders’ Memorial into a reality, a two-stage international architectural design competition was launched in January 2019 to gather the best ideas for this landmark². Stage One of the competition closed on 5 April 2019, with a strong response of 193 submissions from both local and foreign firms. Five designs were selected anonymously by the Jury Panel to proceed to Stage Two of the competition. By Stage Two, all shortlisted design entries are required to have local architectural firms in their teams.

Public engagement workshops were held end May 2019, where members of the public were invited to view the shortlisted conceptual designs, and offer their views on the visitor experience as potential visitors of the memorial. Feedback from these workshops was shared with the shortlisted teams for their consideration. In Stage Two, the shortlisted architectural teams developed and refined the design concepts according to more detailed requirements. Their final designs were subsequently submitted at the end of Stage Two of the competition on 30 September 2019.
 

The Five Shortlisted Designs

The five shortlisted designs and teams are (in alphabetical order):

8DGE + RSP Architects

The Founders’ Memorial is a beacon that guides Singapore into the future. The architecture is designed as a circle rising above a landscaped podium. The podium is an open space where visitors are channelled into the centre. This is called the Origin: a symbolic common space for everyone, regardless of race, language or religion. Rising above is the circle, representing harmony and inclusiveness. The circle tilts towards the sky, as if Singapore’s aspirations have taken flight, against all odds. The journey cumulates in the viewing gallery, where a panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline awaits, upon which we reflect on our past and embrace the future.

Ms Tan Ming Yin, 8DGE Founder & Design Principal, said: “Founders’ Memorial is about more than remembrance. It is also about hope and a reflection of our founders’ values. 8DGE designed for a journey that not only looks inwards – a contemplative space where we ponder on our beginnings – but also outwards, where we set our sights upon the future. The architecture conveys both a contemplative yet expressive presence. At night, the Founders’ Memorial lights up, like a shining star in the universe.”

Cox Architecture + architects61

The Singapore flag is the inspiration for the site, which is marked by five pathways – representing the five stars and the abstracted crescent moon – the Memorial. Each pathway is a physical celebration of the ideals that each star of the flag represents – democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality.

The social history, trials, tribulations and victories of the Singaporean people act as the inspiration for the internal makeup of the Memorial. It is a place of internal and collective reflection whereby the act of procession through the building is a journey to understanding the rich and complex history of the nation.

Mr Philip Cox, Founder, Cox Architecture, said: “The Founders’ Memorial is an abstraction symbolising Singapore bridging the past and the future over water and land within a park environment. It incorporates Singapore’s history of development through a series of spaces climaxing with stunning views of Singapore today. The building is timeless in its expression, a shape that is elegant, enticing and evocative of its content.”

DP Architects

The memorial is a quiet yet powerful tribute to our founding fathers and their selfless giving to nation building. Shaped like a cradle, its curved form is inspired by the hands of our founding fathers – hands that have worked tirelessly, placing nation above self, to nurture a young nation into the independent Republic it is today.

Its form, cupped in a gesture of giving, nestles the iconic Singapore skyline in its cusp. It expresses our founders’ commitment and aspirations; where our present successes and future of our nation are possible through the core values we have inherited from our founders.

Ms Angelene Chan, CEO, DP Architects, said: “The human hand is a compelling symbol, universally resonating with strength, guidance, hard work and honesty – these are the hands of our founders; and formed the starting point of our design. From this, we created a Form that represents their contribution to Singapore’s growth. Like a cradle of cupped hands, it presents the gift of our nation to a future generation. In this gesture of giving, our design is an expression of gratitude for how they have raised a nation.”

Johnson Pilton Walker + RDC Architects

We have crafted a memorial design that rises out of the earth to evoke the crescent moon of the national flag; symbolising a young, rising nation. It looks to the future.

To honour the past, the arrival experience celebrates the diversity of Singapore’s people, who are gathered together from all corners of the world to the central plaza, united by shared founding values. This is the epicentre of the experience, engraved in many languages.

Set on the water, amidst lush gardens, and with panoramic skyline views, this is a timeless, civic place accessible for all and allowing growth into the future.

Mr Brendan Murray, Senior Associate, Johnson Pilton Walker, said: “Our design has people at its heart. We were inspired by the idea that people from different cultures can come together and live in harmony: Singapore has this remarkable story to tell. And so, the place we’ve created comes straight from the heart: the design draws people together to a central focal point, to meet each other and be reminded of the values that unite them. It’s an emotional and inclusive experience, evoking a young nation rising to the future.”
 

Kengo Kuma & Associates + K2LD Architects

The Founders’ Memorial draws from monuments of the past and the context of the present to create a space for the future.

The concept originates from a path; a journey retracing the legacy of the founders. Multiple paths shape the architecture and landscape, inviting visitors to reflect, learn, and share while contemplating the dynamic skyline or the lush gardens. All paths lead to the memorial amphitheatre where visitors gather for milestone events.

As a living memorial, the proposal extends the legacy of The Garden City into the future for generations to come.

Mr Kengo Kuma, Principal at Kengo Kuma & Associates, said: “More than a building, we envision a garden park: a place for all people to gather close to nature. The basis of the design, The Founders’ Path, is a central spine, which cuts through the garden, defining the new topography with memorial slopes emerging from the landscape to house the programme. A network of meandering paths and canopies reaches out from the garden, drawing visitors inward; offering glimpses of the memorial, and finally revealing the city skyline beyond.”

Please refer to Annex A for more images of the five shortlisted designs.
 

Bringing the Memorial to Life – Garnering Public Feedback on the Designs

The five shortlisted designs will be publicly displayed this November and December, as part of the Founders’ Memorial Design Showcase. At the showcase, which will be in all four official languages, visitors can view the five designs, and choose their favourite at interactive feedback stations. They can also learn more about the Founders’ Memorial project. To enable visitors to better understand each design, an architectural model, accompanied by information boards and a video on the design concept and features, will be on display. The showcase will kick off at IMM on 4 November 2019, and later rove to venues island-wide. Please refer to Annex B for the dates and venues of the travelling showcase.

Beyond the travelling showcase, Singaporeans can also view the five designs online and choose their favourite design at foundersmemorial.sg, by 31 December 2019. The public feedback from both the showcase and online³ will be collated and provided to the Jury Panel, who will take it into account as they evaluate the submissions and select the winning design. The Jury will also consider several other factors such as functionality and technical feasibility of the schemes. The winning design will be announced by Q1 2020.

Please refer to:

• Annex C for the Site Map of the Founders’ Memorial
• Annex D for the Architectural Design Competition schedule
• Annex E for the Jury Panel

¹ Bay East Garden was chosen through public consultation as it symbolically captures Singapore’s journey as a nation: The panoramic view of the evolving cityscape, is a nod to Singapore’s economic growth and urban development; the site on reclaimed land along the Marina Reservoir reminds us how we have dealt with our water and land constraints; and the garden setting reflects our development as a ‘Garden City’, and now ‘City in a Garden’.
² Beyond comprising a series of internal and external spaces that are intended to convey the story and meaning of Singapore’s founding values and ideals, the Founders’ Memorial is envisaged to have significant civic presence, integrate architectural and landscape design, and be accessible to visitors.
³ Only feedback received before 31 December 2019 will be considered.

A newly enhanced Auto Rider that will offer on-demand autonomous shuttle service and a novel night-time ride experience was unveiled today at Gardens by the Bay.

The Auto Rider at Gardens by the Bay became the first fully operational autonomous vehicle in Asia when it debuted in 2015. The new fleet, which boasts enhanced features including the ability to carry more passengers and operate for a longer period, is the product of collaboration between ST Engineering and a consortium of partners. Designed and manufactured by French company NAVYA, a global leader in autonomous vehicles and driving systems for the transport of passengers and goods, it will be operated jointly by WILLERS, the Singapore subsidiary of Japan’s largest private bus operator, and CarClub, Singapore’s largest car-sharing operator.

From Saturday, 26 October, visitors at the Gardens will be able to book a shuttle ride using the Auto Rider @ Gardens by the Bay mobile app or at self-ticketing kiosks located at the boarding and alighting points. A cashless payment system has also been integrated with the booking system, offering greater convenience.

The new Auto Rider will also boast a state-of-the-art transparent film technology that incorporates light effects and projects artistic images onto the windows. In the evening, the effects are visible from outside the vehicles, and does not affect the transparency of the windows for the passengers looking out from within.

Dr. Lee Shiang Long, President, Land Systems of ST Engineering said, “Over the years, ST Engineering has been building up autonomous capabilities. From the Auto Rider at Gardens by the Bay to the STROBO Bus on Sentosa, we continuously engage customers and gather public feedback. These insights accelerate our understanding of the engineering challenges and application of this new technology, enabling us to deliver customised and practical autonomous mobility solutions that offers positive user experience.”

Said Mr Shigetaka Murase, CEO of WILLERS, “Autonomous vehicles have the potential to be a new mobility solution in resolving social issues in different countries. At Gardens by the Bay, we aim to provide an autonomous shuttle that will deliver a new user experience to make visits more enjoyable. It shall not only make travelling more convenient, but also provide an entertaining and exciting ride experience.”

Mr Etienne Hermite, CEO, NAVYA, said, “NAVYA is excited to work with ST Engineering, WILLERS and CarClub to bring its globally deployed autonomous shuttle to Gardens by the Bay. It is an ideal environment to showcase the ways in which driverless vehicles integrate into our everyday lives.”

Mr Felix Loh, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, said, “Gardens by the Bay has always been known to break new ground in the way that we connect people and plants, and this includes tapping on technology to reach out to an urban generation. The new Auto Rider not only provides an alternative mode of getting around, but enhances the overall visitor experience of the Gardens. Its extended operating hours also complement our myriad offerings in the day and night.”

The new Auto Rider will ply a 1.5km route in the Gardens, between Bayfront Plaza (next to Bayfront MRT station) and the cooled conservatories, from 10am to 9pm daily.

Please refer to Annex A and Annex B for features of the Auto Rider and screenshots of Auto Rider @ Gardens by the Bay booking app.

For the first time in Singapore, visitors to Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome will get to experience the lush blooms of more than 80 varieties of rhododendrons, which have been brought in for the inaugural Rhododendron Radiance floral display. Rhododendron Radiance will run from today until October 28.

Rhododendrons are flowering bushes well-loved by gardeners around the world for their showy flowers that bloom in clusters, and run the gamut of colours from red and pink, to yellow and white.

Some of the varieties of rhododendrons to look out for are Rhododendron ‘Mount Loma Prieta’ which has striking pink flowers with apricot-yellow centres; Rhododendron ‘Meadow Lemon’, whose red-hued buds eventually become pale yellow flowers; and Rhododendron ‘Sierra Sunset’, whose bold blooms combine orange, yellow and cream tones.

The floral display also features more than 10 varieties of azaleas, a close cousin of the rhododendron.

These rhododendrons and azaleas were brought in from New Zealand. Due to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand’s four seasons run counter to countries in the Northern Hemisphere, such as those in Europe and East Asia, as well as North America.

Spring in New Zealand begins in September, which is when the rhododendrons in the country’s renowned parks and gardens bloom. With perpetual spring in the climate-controlled Flower Dome, visitors to Flower Dome will get to enjoy the beautiful rhododendrons of New Zealand the same time that New Zealanders are experiencing these blooms.

Visitors will also get to see Gardens by the Bay’s bear mascots enjoying outdoor activities amidst the masses of brightly-coloured flowers. See the eight bears try their paws at camping, fishing, zip-lining and even hot air ballooning – activities reminiscent of the outdoor life in the national parks of New Zealand.

Rhododendron Radiance floral display
Date: Friday, 27 September – Monday, 28 October
Time: 9am - 9pm
Location: Flower Dome
Details: Admission charge to the conservatories applies.
Visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/rhododendron for more details.

At Gardens by the Bay’s upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival 2019, visitors will be able to stroll into the “Giant Revolving Lantern” (巨型走马灯), which envelops an iconic Supertree and offers visitors an immersive experience of the legend of Chang E and Hou Yi.

It is a reinterpretation of the traditional “Zou Ma Deng”, or “trotting horse lamp”, where heat from a candle causes paper cuttings hanging within the lamp to rotate, casting moving shadows on the outer panels.

Gardens by the Bay’s version measures 30 metres across and has 4.5-metre-high inner panels, which rotate and tell the story of Chang E and Hou Yi through artwork inspired by Chinese shadow puppetry, as Chinese instrumental music plays in the background.

The “Giant Revolving Lantern” is one of the 14 lantern sets that will light up the Gardens during Mid-Autumn Festival 2019. This year’s festival is themed “Legacies” (传承) and will run from August 30 to September 15.

Other lantern sets of note include “Water Colours” (山明水秀), which brings to life a Chinese landscape painting, and “Martial Arts” (武山徒步), which showcases characters practising their moves amidst nature. These two lantern sets complement each other and stretch over 120 metres on water – the longest lantern installation in the Gardens to date.

There is also “Joyous Union” (喜结良缘), a depiction of a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony where the groom brings his bride home in a sedan chair; “String Puppet” (传承布袋戏), a depiction of the art of Chinese puppetry; and the dramatic “Dragon Dance” (武龙戏珠) where a dragon’s winding body forms a 47-metre-long archway.

On August 30, Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will launch Mid-Autumn Festival 2019 at the newly opened Bayfront Plaza, a community space next to Bayfront MRT station. This is the first time that Gardens by the Bay’s Mid-Autumn Festival is launched under the beautiful lattice structure, from which 90 lanterns will be hung. The launch will continue with an energetic lantern procession led by an LED dragon dance, festival mascots and guides holding colourful fish lanterns on poles.

In addition, from Wednesdays to Sundays during the festival, 10 local arts groups will delight the crowd with free cultural performances. Visitors can also look forward to community displays featuring more than 2,250 lanterns hand-painted by Singaporeans from all walks of life, engaging games, and a food street.

Mid-Autumn Festival 2019 is organised by Gardens by the Bay, in partnership with the Chinese Media Group of Singapore Press Holdings, People’s Association, SMRT Experience, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Tote Board. The event is supported by the National Arts Council, and sponsors Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, and Sheng Siong Group.

MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL 2019
Date: Friday, 30 August – Sunday, 15 September
Time: 7pm – 11pm
Location: Gardens by the Bay
Details: Programmes are free unless otherwise indicated. For more details, visit gardensbythebay.com.sg/midautumn.

From August 30 to September 15, Gardens by the Bay’s Mid-Autumn Festival 2019 (滨海花园庆中秋) pays tribute to Chinese folklore, traditions and practices with brand new lantern concepts, while complementary performances and activities immerse visitors in the Chinese culture.

Dazzling Lantern Sets
An enthralling display of 14 Lantern Sets (巨型灯展) will be on show throughout Gardens by the Bay.

Taking centre stage this year is the Giant Revolving Lantern (巨型走马灯), which measures 30 metres in diameter and is wrapped around a Supertree. This lantern set is a reimagining of the traditional “Zou Ma Deng” (走马灯), which rotates because of the heat of the candle within and casts shadowed designs of a horse trotting on its panels. Gardens by the Bay’s version, located at the Supertree Grove, is the first lantern in its seven years of Mid-Autumn Festivals to offer an immersive experience for visitors, as they can walk through the lantern set to see the story of Chang E and Hou Yi unfolding on the panels.

The Dragonfly Lake will be illuminated with two floating lantern sets – Water Colours (山明水秀), a Chinese landscape painting of mountains and a waterfall brought to three-dimensional life, and Martial Arts (武山徒步) where characters practise their moves amidst nature. Spreading over 120 metres on water, they form the longest lantern installation in the Gardens to date.

Visitors can also look forward to Lattice of Lights (光彩花灯), consisting of 90 one-metre-tall lanterns hanging from the roof of the lattice structure at the newly opened Bayfront Plaza. For the first time, Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will launch Mid-Autumn Festival at Bayfront Plaza on August 30 with this beautiful setting as a backdrop.

AIRMESH
This lantern-inspired pavilion designed by lecturers from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) invites visitors to explore different perspectives of the Gardens depending on where they stand within the structure. A reinterpretation of the traditional lantern, AIRMESH (轻亭) is the first structure in Singapore made out of 3D-printed stainless steel that complies with building codes and is inhabitable for people.

Community Displays
Singaporeans from all walks of life have also come together to hand-paint 2,000 lanterns that form the Colonnade of Lights (灯廊), while Illuminations of Joy (挂灯结彩) celebrates the festivity of Mid-Autumn through 250 lanterns painted by seniors from seven social service organisations. In Leaps of Joy (鱼跃欢腾), the six koi fish featured were repurposed from a previous collaboration with community groups.
 

Mass Lantern Walk, Cultural Performances, and other activities
To encourage community participation, members of public are invited to join in a Mass Lantern Walk led by a magnificent LED dragon and stilt walkers at Bayfront Plaza on September 14. They can also collect a free lantern, while stocks last.

Visitors will also be treated to free Cultural Performances (传说传艺庆中秋) every Wednesday to Sunday for the duration of Mid-Autumn Festival 2019. Ten home-grown arts groups will showcase Singapore’s different ethnic heritage through music and dance.

Other activities include Lantern Riddles (猜灯谜) where wit and skills will be put to test. And of course, no festival is complete without food – the popular Food Street (美食街) will make its return with a spread of Asian delights to satiate hungry stomachs.

This year’s Mid-Autumn celebration is organised by Gardens by the Bay, in partnership with the Chinese Media Group of Singapore Press Holdings, People’s Association, SMRT Experience, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Tote Board. The event is supported by the National Arts Council, and sponsors Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, and Sheng Siong Group.

MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL 2019
Date: Friday, 30 August – Sunday, 15 September
Time: 7pm – 11pm
Location: Gardens by the Bay
Details: Programmes are free unless otherwise indicated. For more details, visit gardensbythebay.com.sg/midautumn.

Please refer to:
• Annex A for Mid-Autumn festivities at Gardens by the Bay
• Annex B for description of lantern sets
• Annex C for bios of arts groups

The touching tale of the friendship between a snake and a village girl was brought to life under the beautiful lattice structure at Bayfront Plaza today, as actors and musicians involved in Legends of Singapore rehearsed for its premiere tomorrow.

Legends of Singapore is a series of performances retelling two local fables, The Friendly Snake and The Scourge of the Swordfish. It will take place at Gardens by the Bay’s outdoor gardens over two weekends, August 2 to August 4, and August 16 to August 18, and is part of the Gardens’ line-up of National Day celebratory activities.

Today, visitors got a sneak preview of the tale of The Friendly Snake, which was retold through a vibrant combination of song, dance, drama, and puppetry. SAtheCollective, a group of musicians who put a contemporary spin on ethnic instruments, provided the music.

The other local tale in Legends of Singapore, The Scourge of the Swordfish, is the story of how Bukit Merah got its name, and will take place at the Malay Garden. Orkestar Trio, who play traditional Malay instruments with a modern interpretation, will provide the music for The Scourge of the Swordfish.

CEO of Gardens by the Bay Felix Loh said, “The outdoor gardens at Gardens by the Bay are beautiful spaces, some showcasing the rich heritage of Singapore through plants and landscaping, and serve as wonderful settings for events. We hope to introduce these lesser known, but nonetheless charming, green spaces to our visitors by holding more activities here.”

Legends of Singapore is produced by Dick Lee Asia, with creative direction by Dick Lee and costume design by designer Yang Derong. It is scripted by Jean Tay, and directed by Lewin Bernard with Bright Ong serving as assistant director and puppet consultant.

All performances are free. For more information, visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/legends.

Performance schedule for Legends of Singapore

Please refer to the Media Factsheet for more information.
 

Other National Day events at Gardens by the Bay:

To commemorate Singapore’s bicentennial year, visitors to Gardens by the Bay can look forward to a myriad of diverse activities celebrating National Day. The majority of these events have no admission charge.

Starting things off is the Orchid Extravaganza – ‘Our SingaPop’ Edition floral display in Flower Dome. This year’s wildly colourful Orchid Extravaganza, which opens on July 26, was put together under the creative direction of Dick Lee, and designed by costume designer Yang Derong.

Then on two weekends – August 2 to August 4 and August 16 to August 18 – two areas of the outdoor gardens will come to life with performances in Legends of Singapore. Produced by Dick Lee Asia under the creative direction of Dick Lee, performers will enact The Scourge of the Swordfish – the story of how Bukit Merah got its name – and The Friendly Snake. All performances are free.

On August 10 and August 11 of the National Day weekend, the two-day Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert will take place at The Meadow. Featuring acts such as Kit Chan, Dick Lee, Rahimah Rahim, Jasmine Sokko, Kumar, Aisyah Aziz and Fakkah Fuzz, the concert is free for all to attend. President Halimah Yacob is the guest of honour on August 10.

In addition, Garden Rhapsody, the popular nightly light and sound show at Supertree Grove will be playing a brand new local theme from August 1 to August 29. This commemorative edition, Garden Rhapsody – Songs of Singapore, features 11 well-loved Singapore songs performed and re-arranged by local musicians including Joanna Dong, Rani Singam, Vocaluptuous and Linying.

Gardens by the Bay CEO Felix Loh said, “The love and support of our local community is a big part of why Gardens by the Bay is what it is today. As a way to thank all Singaporeans, we have curated a line-up of exciting events in our Gardens, most without admission charge. With something that appeals to everyone, we hope Singaporeans will join us in this unique celebration of our bicentennial year."

Please refer to the Media Factsheet for more information.

Dümmen Orange, world’s largest breeder and propagator, and Gardens by the Bay, a premier horticultural attraction in Singapore, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 27, 2019, to develop and broaden their collaboration.

The MoU will create access to the best of both worlds in the following areas:

• Both parties will collaborate in the display of Dümmen Orange’s finest cultivars of flowers at Gardens by the Bay, including new cultivars that have yet to be introduced at the Gardens or in Asia Pacific.
• The collaboration will enrich Gardens by the Bay’s horticultural offerings and support its continual efforts in presenting flowers from around the world that are not commonly seen in Singapore and the tropics.
• The collaboration will help Dümmen Orange to select the best varieties for its broader Asia Pacific market.

Yeunjoo Park, President Dümmen Orange Asia, states, “Landscaping is an important segment that will drive growth for Dümmen Orange in Asia Pacific. Therefore, it is an honour to partner with a landmark landscape player like Gardens by the Bay. We are confident that Dümmen Orange is best positioned to serve Gardens by the Bay, based on our rich crop portfolio, cutting edge breeding and global network of our grower customers.”

Felix Loh, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, adds, “This collaboration perfectly complements Gardens by the Bay’s vision of bringing a world of gardens to Singapore for all to own, enjoy and cherish. We are delighted to be teaming up with leading industry players such as Dümmen Orange to showcase to our visitors the best of floral genetics from the horticultural world at Gardens by the Bay.”

Over 45 pre-schoolers from Global Mindz Eden Preschool gifted their toys during a visit to Children’s Festival 2019 at Gardens by the Bay today. They were participating in a toy donation drive that is being held in conjunction with the Children’s Festival, which runs till 30 June.

The toy donation drive builds on the community element of Children’s Festival, an annual free event at Gardens by the Bay where children gather for an enjoyable time with family and friends amidst nature. Children’s Festival hopes to foster community spirit where visitors are encouraged to bring along new or pre-loved soft toys, play sets, board games, and sports equipment, to the toy collection point at Supertree Grove. The toys collected will be gifted to some 300 children under the care of The Salvation Army, TOUCH Community Services (TOUCH Child Care), and Food from the Heart, at the end of the Festival.

"We find the toy donation drive very meaningful as it provides a great opportunity for our students to contribute in their own way and to put into action the values that they learn in school such as kindness and compassion," said Caroline Lim, Principal of Global Mindz Eden Preschool.

This year’s Children’s Festival at Gardens by the Bay sees the transformation of Supertree Grove into a colourful carnival filled with family-friendly games and activities, inspired by Buzz, Woody and the gang in an all-new Toy Story adventure. The event is made possible as part of the three-year collaboration between Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia (Disney) to provide unique and fun experiences at Singapore’s attractions and precincts, themed around Disney’s popular stories and characters.

Admission to the Festival is free. Visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/childrensfestival for more information.

Today marked the first “Seniors Tuesday” at Gardens by the Bay, an initiative that will provide Pioneer and Merdeka Singaporeans with complimentary admission to Flower Dome every second Tuesday of the month, for a year until May 2020. As of 3pm, more than 1,900 Singaporeans in their 60s, 70s or older enjoyed the offer and had the opportunity to catch the new Rose Romance floral display where more than 40 varieties of roses adorn a romantic European garden setting.

“Seniors Tuesday” is part of the expanded Gift of Gardens, a community outreach programme that aims to make the Gardens one that people from all walks of life can enjoy. The programme provides complimentary access to the cooled conservatories to local residents who may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit such as those who lack the resources, or individuals with disabilities. To date, more than 105,000 Singaporeans, including holders of the Comcare Long Term Assistance Scheme and the Developmental Disability Registry Card, have benefitted from Gift of Gardens, which has as Patron the President of the Republic of Singapore Madam Halimah Yacob.

CEO of Gardens by the Bay Mr Felix Loh said, “Gardens by the Bay would not have been successful without the popular support of all Singaporeans. The Gift of Gardens programme is a key channel for us to give back to the community and reach out to different segments of the population. The Pioneer and Merdeka generations have contributed much in building up Singapore and this is our way of honouring them for their important contributions.”

The next “Seniors Tuesday” will take place on 9 July. Pioneer and Merdeka Singaporeans can produce their Pioneer/Merdeka Generation card, or Merdeka Generation eligibility letter, at the entrance of Flower Dome to enjoy free admission.

SP Group (SP) and Gardens by the Bay announced plans to pilot a zero-waste solution at the Gardens. Using compact gasification technology to convert waste into thermal energy and biochar (carbonised biomass), the system could help to reduce carbon emissions by up to 20 per cent. The smart waste management system could enable sustainable zero-waste districts to be viable in Singapore, bringing the country closer towards a circular economy.

At the Ecosperity Week 2019, SP and Gardens by the Bay signed an agreement on the rollout of the system, supported by Temasek. The signing was witnessed by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Masagos Zulkifli.

Gasification is an alternative to incineration and it reduces waste to only five per cent of its original volume. There is also no need for the sorting of plastics from general or food waste. This addresses some of Singapore’s key waste disposal challenges.

Without the need to transport waste to offsite incineration plants, the use of refuse trucks will also be reduced significantly. This will help to ease traffic conditions and further reduce carbon emissions.

The pilot system can handle up to one tonne of waste per day and converts the waste into energy by-products as well as biochar for the Gardens. The main by-product is synthesis gas (syngas) that can be used for thermal heating. The biochar has been known to be used as a soil amendment in agriculture and horticulture, to condition the soil.

Mr Jimmy Khoo, CEO, Singapore District Cooling, SP Group, said, “We are developing district solutions to help Singapore achieve its sustainability goals. This paves the way for decentralised waste management for other businesses and residential estates. We are pleased to work with Temasek and Gardens by the Bay towards a zero-waste green space for Singaporeans to enjoy.”

Mr Felix Loh, CEO, Gardens by the Bay, said, “As a garden that values nature and sustainability, we have a responsibility towards finding innovative ways to protect our environment. Gardens by the Bay is uniquely placed to allow for the testing of such an onsite system because waste collected in the Gardens can be directly converted and repurposed into by-products, which can in turn be used in the Gardens.”

Besides providing an experimentation site and supplying waste for the pilot, Gardens by the Bay will also be studying the usefulness and viability of biochar in improving local soil conditions.

Waste generation in Singapore increased seven-fold over the past 40 years. In 2018, 7.7 million tonnes of solid waste was generated and this figure is projected to increase. Even with waste incineration, Singapore’s only landfill at Pulau Semakau will be full by 2035. Building new offshore landfill sites is also not sustainable in land-scarce Singapore.

Is there such a thing as a classic rose? Contrary to popular belief, the answer is a surprising no. At Flower Dome’s Rose Romance floral display, which runs until July 14, visitors can expect to learn about the rich heritage and variety of this well-loved flower – including cultivars that do not resemble the conventional rose.

The rose that comes to mind for most people when the flower is mentioned is the Hybrid Tea Rose cultivar, which was introduced in 1867 and gained widespread popularity in the 20th century. Roses of this cultivar are the most commonly seen today, whether sold at florists or depicted in popular culture, and are also mistakenly regarded as the “classic” rose shape.

But roses are a very ancient flower, with a history that dates back centuries. Through years of enthusiastic hybridisation, roses have become remarkably diverse, and blooms can differ greatly in shape and structure.

At the Rose Romance floral display, more than 40 varieties adorn a romantic European garden setting. These rose vines trail down from trellises and arches, growing amidst ruins reminiscent of castles of long ago, and surround a tower where Juliet on her balcony is wooed by Romeo in the courtyard below.

Gardens by the Bay Senior Director of Conservatory Operations Andy Kwek said, “While roses are well-loved, people may not be aware of the deep heritage and range of this remarkable flower that has existed through the centuries. Rose Romance will surprise and delight visitors with myriad and unexpected varieties that showcase the rich legacy of roses.”

Visitors can expect to see exclusive roses brought in from English and French rose nurseries with storied histories. For example, the late Peter Beales and David Austin are famed British rosarians who have won national recognition for their pioneering work in roses, and their eponymous nurseries carry on the work of their founders. The Lyonnaise nursery Roseraie Ducher has existed since 1845, and continues to hybridise exclusive roses until today.

Some roses to look out for are Princess Anne, a fragrant, deep pink rose named for British royalty; Lady of Shalott, which bears the name of the classic Tennyson poem and produces stunning salmon-pink blooms; and the surprising Angèle Pernet, with its whimsical and unusual colour gradation.

Rose Romance
Date: Until Sunday, 14 July
Time: 9.00am – 9.00pm
Location: Flower Dome
Details: Admission charge to Flower Dome applies.

Please refer to the Media Factsheet for more information on the roses of Rose Romance.

From 15 to 30 June, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story characters are set to take the spotlight at the annual Children’s Festival by Gardens by the Bay.

The Festival is part of the three-year collaboration between Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia (Disney) to provide unique and fun experiences at Singapore’s attractions and precincts, themed around Disney’s popular stories and characters.

Visitors can look forward to a Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story-inspired edition of Garden Rhapsody, a thrice-nightly light and music show by Gardens by the Bay. The show will bring visitors on an adventure filled with whimsical joy and friendships told through the medley of music from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story movies. Get ready to fly to infinity and beyond with the beloved characters as they appear on fluffy clouds amongst the Supertrees. This adorable trilogy of music, light artistry and projection media will delight and surprise visitors.

Children’s Festival 2019 also marks the very first visit of a Pixar Animation Studios artist to Singapore. Specially for the opening weekend on 15 and 16 June, Mara MacMahon, who is the character designer and character modeller lead on Toy Story 4, will teach visitors of all ages how to draw their favourite Toy Story characters through a series of three drawing workshops.

In celebration of the release of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 in Singapore on 20 June 2019, anchoring the Children’s Festival is a series of activities that encourages teamwork while forging new friendships, as inspired by Buzz, Woody and the gang. Some highlights include Star Adventurer and Bo Peep’s Adventure, where kids get to help the characters in a series of rescue missions; and the Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 themed Marble Run Track.

As part of the STB-Disney collaboration, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 Bobble Head figures will be exclusively available at the Children’s Festival. Festival-goers can purchase the figures from a giant capsule-dispensing machine, available in two different character designs featuring Buzz Lightyear or Woody.

In addition, visitors can also get up-close with Buzz Lightyear and Sheriff Woody at special meet-and-greet sessions on 15 and 16 June at various timings throughout the day!

Fun activities for the whole family

Families can also take part in the arts and craft, enrichment, and parent-child workshops, meant to spark the creativity of a child, develop and refine their motor skills, encourage self-expression and facilitate family bonding. A variety of stage programmes rounds up the slew of entertainment available.

Children’s Festival 2019 kicks off toy donation drive

In the same spirit of friendship and sharing, a toy donation drive by Children’s Festival 2019 will kick off on 15 June 2019. Festival-goers are encouraged to support this cause by bringing soft toys, play sets, board games, or even sports products such as basketball and skateboards to the collection point on-site. At the end of the Festival, the toys collected will be gifted to children under the care of the Salvation Army, TOUCH Community Services (TOUCH Child Care) and Food from the Heart.

“The Children’s Festival is a signature event of Gardens by the Bay, where children come together for an enjoyable time with their friends and family. This year, we are organising a toy donation drive and a series of activities for children from various social service organisations to join in the fun. Through these initiatives, we hope to put a smile to the faces of every child, while imparting lessons of sharing and caring for others to our festival-goers,” said Ong Chui Leng, Senior Director for Programming at Gardens by the Bay.

Please refer to Annex A for the highlights and experiences at Children’s Festival 2019, Annex B for the workshops, stage performances and fringe activities, and Annex C for recommended one-day itineraries to Children’s Festival 2019 and Gardens by the Bay for visitors. Information of the Festival can also be found at www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/childrensfestival.

Citrus, coconut and aromatic spices – these are not words one would typically associate with orchids. After all, orchids are appreciated more for their beautiful blooms and less so for their scents. With the new Scentsational Orchids display in Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay hopes to put the spotlight on a special, albeit small group of orchids that have developed a variety of smells to attract pollinators.

The interactive display features close to 1,500 orchids of more than 58 species and varieties, categorised into four scented groups – Delicate Floral, Sweet Floral, Spicy Floral, and Intense Floral. Visitors can take in the different scents by getting up-close with the orchids on display. There are also five Fragrance Boxes housing orchids with scented notes like pepper, tom yum, and bubble gum (scents may vary as the orchids in the Fragrance Boxes are refreshed periodically).

Highlights of the display include Maxillaria tenuifolia, commonly known as the Coconut Orchid as its fragrance resembles that of the tropical fruit; Rhynchonopsis Selina Kuok ‘Perfume Queen’, which brings to mind a spicy mix of cloves, cinnamon and mint; and Rhyncholaeliocattleya Duh’s Wisdom ‘Dreamy Star, which gives off a deep citrusy scent throughout the day and has been awarded the First Class Certificate by the American Orchid Society¹.

Scentsational Orchids runs till 22 September in the Cloud Forest conservatory at Gardens by the Bay.

Scentsational Orchids
Date: Till 22 September 2019
Time: 9.00am – 9.00pm
Location: Cloud Forest
Details: Admission ticket charges to Cloud Forest apply

Find out more

¹The First Class Certificate is a mark of excellence that is awarded by the American Orchid Society to orchids species and hybrids with high flower quality (i.e. a score of 90 points or more on a 100-point scale).

Singapore’s largest tulip festival, Tulipmania, returns to Gardens by the Bay and promises to be a feast for the senses as visitors get to enjoy a colourful tulip display and a taste of European cuisine and culture with the addition of a European-themed fair as part of the whole experience.

This is the first time a European fair is taking place at Tulipmania and it complements the country-style theme of this year’s tulip display.

Set in an idyllic pastoral landscape, Tulipmania floral display in Flower Dome draws inspiration from the Dutch countryside and explores the agricultural roots of the Netherlands. As visitors stroll through the tulip field dotted with thatched-roof farmhouses and adorable cattle and chicken sculptures, they can discover the different stages of growth in a tulip’s life cycle and step into a windmill to take a closer look at its clockwork mechanism within. Over 35 varieties of tulips will be on display from 12 April to 20 May including the vibrant red and white 'Singapura' which commemorates Singapore's Bicentennial.

Running alongside is the European fair from 12 to 21 April in Flower Field Hall, where visitors can enjoy an array of cultural programmes and fun activities, from dressing up in Dutch folk wear and decorating their own pair of wooden clogs.

Also on offer is a variety of European snacks such as Dutch stroopwafels and Gouda cheese, French chouquettes, and Spanish churros.

Tulipmania Floral Display
Date: Friday, 12 April 2019 – Monday, 20 May 2019
Time: 9.00am – 9.00pm
Location: Flower Dome
Details: Admission charge to the conservatories applies.
 

European Fair
Date: Friday, 12 April 2019 – Sunday, 21 April 2019
Time: 10.00am – 8.00pm
Location: Flower Field Hall
Details:

• On weekdays, entry to European Fair in Flower Field Hall is free. (Admission charge to the conservatories applies if visitors wish to also visit the Tulipmania floral display in Flower Dome.)
• On weekends and public holidays, visitors who wish to visit European Fair will require an admission ticket to the conservatories.

Our Guest-of-Honour,
President Halimah Yacob,

Ms Denise Phua,
Mayor for Central CDC,

Mr Niam Chiang Meng,
Chairman, Gardens by the Bay,

Mr Felix Loh,
CEO, Gardens by the Bay,

Excellencies and distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. I am very happy to join all of you today to open Bayfront Plaza, our latest addition to Gardens by the Bay.

Gardens by the Bay has done very well since its opening in 2012. I am sure if you speak to any observer, they will agree that the Gardens by the Bay has become a world-renowned garden, and a source of pride for many Singaporeans.

To date, more than 50 million guests have visited the Gardens. In fact, last year we just gave a prize to the 50 millionth visitor. This makes the Gardens easily one of the most visited gardens in the world.

Our two conservatories and Supertrees have become international icons. They are parts of our skyline recognisable to Singaporeans and tourists alike.

The Gardens’ success did not come about by chance. This was a strategic investment by the Government to carve out green space in the heart of our city – on prime land – for people to be able to relax after work, spend time with their family and friends, and connect with nature.

This is not just a one-time investment. We are continuing to invest and make the Gardens better for all to enjoy. Here, the team at GB certainly has an important role to play – from the Board, the management, to the staff – everyone in GB is continuing to work hard to see how the Gardens can be even better.

For example, we have changing shows throughout the year, like the cherry blossom show which was just completed, and the tulip show that was just opened. We have major events like the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Christmas Wonderland, which have now become popular events in the calendar.

We are constantly looking out for new attractions. Last year, we opened a new outdoor garden called the Serene Gardens, inspired by Japanese zen gardens.

Today, we are very happy to be able to open this new Bayfront Plaza. The site we are at was originally the site of the SG50 Future of Us exhibition in 2015. In fact, this iconic award-winning lattice structure was designed by students at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) specifically for the SG50 exhibition. Because it was so beautiful, we have retained, refurbished and integrated it with the design of Bayfront Plaza.

The Plaza itself also consists of a new floral-themed attraction called Floral Fantasy, which houses different garden landscapes.

You can also take a 4D simulated ride to view the Gardens from a new perspective – this is also in the Floral Fantasy attraction. This new simulator ride was developed together with ST Engineering. ST Engineering is more known for its military simulators, but I think it decided that it could expand its capability into a new area, and we are very happy to have this first-of-its-kind collaboration with a home-grown company.

We will continue to do more to ensure the Gardens remains appealing and inclusive.

First, the Gardens is enhancing its community spaces. The Bayfront Plaza itself boasts almost 2,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor community space, about one-third of a football field. Here, we will have pop-up weekend markets every weekend. These will offer a wide range of merchandise, and be a platform for social enterprises to showcase their products.

We also have the Bayfront Pavilion, which will be an indoor community space. I am happy to share that rental of the air-conditioned pavilion space will be free for community groups that wish to organise events. If you are a community group – a school, a VWO, a non-profit – and you wish to organise events, do make use of this indoor pavilion space. We hope to see more ground-up initiatives at the Bayfront Plaza to bring the community together.

The Gardens has also started work on an Active Garden – a new non-ticketed green outdoor space. This is envisioned as an inclusive space for people of all ages and abilities, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy, and it will be ready early next year.

Second, we will ensure all Singaporeans have access to the Gardens. We now have a Gift of Gardens programme which provides free admission for Singaporeans to the conservatories who have otherwise little resources to be able to visit these places.

Since the Gardens first opened, more than 90,000 Singaporeans have benefited from this Gift of Gardens programme. Many of them are lower-income, vulnerable families, as well as individuals with disabilities.

We want to do something more this year. This year is also special because it is our Bicentennial year. We want to recognise and show our appreciation for those who have contributed to building our nation.

I am very happy to announce that for a 1-year period starting this June, all Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation Singaporeans will enjoy free admission to the Flower Dome on the second Tuesday of every month. Please come and make full use of this complimentary admission.

I am very happy also to share that Madam President has agreed to be the Patron for the Gift of Gardens programme. This is an important programme for the Gardens to reach out to the community, and with Madam President’s support, I am sure we will be able to reach out to even more groups and bring more Singaporeans to enjoy the Gardens.

Third, the Gardens will be hosting an even wider variety of programmes this year.

In June, the Children’s Festival will be back. In August, we will be working with Dick Lee to showcase Singapore’s natural and cultural heritage. Over the National Day weekend, we will have a major concert featuring popular local artistes.

All of these programmes will be open to all and free-of-charge. We will be continuing to step up our programming to have an active range of events and activities throughout the year.

In a short seven years, the Gardens has grown to be an important and integral part of our city. It is something that all of us can be proud of.

It was our late founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew who recognised the value of a garden city. In his words, “we need the greenery of nature to lift up our spirits”. We are continuing this work today in improving our green spaces further to bring people together in our City in a Garden. This is reflected in the opening of the Bayfront Plaza today, along with the other community initiatives I have spoken about.

All of this is part of building a more liveable, sustainable city; a city that reflects who we are as a people – our spirit and values; a city that all of us can be proud to call home.

On this note, I encourage all of you to bring your family and friends to visit the Gardens and enjoy the various programmes lined up for you. Thank you and please enjoy the rest of the morning.

Gardens by the Bay opened a new space for the community called Bayfront Plaza today. The 5,000 sq m space, which is situated just next to Bayfront MRT station, houses indoor and outdoor spaces for the community, the Bayfront Pop-up Market, and themed attraction Floral Fantasy.

President Halimah Yacob, Guest-of-Honour for the event, launched Bayfront Plaza with Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance today.

Gardens by the Bay is at heart a People’s Garden for all Singaporeans. Bayfront Plaza is part of Gardens by the Bay’s push to provide more opportunities for all Singaporeans to enjoy the Gardens in the years to come. The amenities offered at Bayfront Plaza add to the 95 per cent of Gardens by the Bay that is non-ticketed.

At today’s launch, Minister Wong announced the upcoming non-ticketed spaces, as well as events and programmes with no admission charge, which the public can look forward to. He also announced that President Halimah is the Patron of Gardens by the Bay’s Gift of Gardens community outreach initiative. The initiative will be expanded to reach out to Singaporeans from the Pioneer and Merdeka generation.

CEO of Gardens by the Bay Mr Felix Loh said, “Since we began, Gardens by the Bay’s visitorship has surpassed expectations, and the success of the Gardens allows us to give back to the community. We hope to do this by establishing more beautiful non-ticketed spaces and curating myriad events and programmes without admission charges for Singaporeans from all walks of life to gather and enjoy themselves amidst nature.”

Since Gardens by the Bay opened in 2012, total visitorship to date has exceeded 50 million. Last year alone, the Gardens received more than 12 million visitors.
 

More non-ticketed spaces for the community

Bayfront Plaza is the newest non-ticketed space designed for the community, after the Japanese-themed garden Serene Garden opened in November last year.

It sits on the site previously occupied by the Future of Us exhibition that was part of the SG50 celebrations in 2015. The iconic lattice structure that was part of the exhibition has been retained and integrated into the design of Bayfront Plaza.

At Bayfront Plaza, the public can look forward to the Bayfront Pop-up Market every weekend featuring about 30 stalls selling a variety of merchandise. In line with Gardens by the Bay’s community focus, the Bayfront Pop-up Market provides a platform for social enterprises to showcase their products, with a third of the stalls intended to be run by social enterprises.

To encourage ground-up efforts among organisations to bring the community together, the indoor and outdoor spaces are available rent-free for community-focused events.

Aside from Bayfront Plaza, works have also started on the building of another non-ticketed green space called Active Garden. This is an activity area for seniors, which also aims to encourage inter-generational bonding. Active Garden is expected to be ready in early 2020.
 

A line-up of exciting events with no admission charge

Every year, Gardens by the Bay puts up a variety of events and programmes, many of them with no admission charge, for example Spring Surprise, Children’s Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. From this year, there are plans to expand the scale and variety of such events and programmes.

The long-running Children’s Festival makes a return to Supertree Grove in June, and for the first time, Gardens by the Bay is collaborating with Disney to bring to visitors the Toy Story theme. Families with children can look forward to games, performances and meeting the characters from the award-winning animated series.

In August, Gardens by the Bay will organise a mega-concert featuring popular artistes over the National Day weekend.

The month of August will also see the outdoor gardens at Gardens by the Bay transformed for the first time with a series of performances and storytelling sessions showcasing Singapore’s natural and cultural heritage. This special series is curated by Cultural Medallion recipient Dick Lee.

These programmes will have no admission fee.
 

Making Gardens by the Bay more accessible to all

In an effort to make Gardens by the Bay even more accessible, the Gardens’ community outreach initiative Gift of Gardens will be expanded to benefit Pioneer and Merdeka Generation Singaporeans, in recognition of their contributions to building Singapore.

From June 2019 to May 2020, the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation will enjoy free admission to Flower Dome on the second Tuesday of each month. This scheme will run for a year and is an expansion of Gardens by the Bay’s Gift of Gardens community outreach initiative.

Gift of Gardens, which began in 2012 when the Gardens opened, provides complimentary access to Gardens by the Bay’s cooled conservatories to local residents who may not otherwise have the opportunity to visit such as those who lack the resources, or individuals with disabilities.

To date, more than 90,000 Singaporeans, including holders of the Comcare Long Term Assistance Scheme and the Developmental Disability Registry card, have benefitted from Gift of Gardens.

Please refer to the media factsheet for more information on Bayfront Plaza.

As a destination of wonderful experiences for families and friends, Gardens by the Bay makes dreams come true by immersing young visitors into the colourful world of upcoming film Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 4 at its annual Children’s Festival. Held from 15 to 30 June, this year’s Children’s Festival by Gardens by the Bay is made possible as part of the three-year collaboration between Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia (Disney) to provide unique and fun experiences at Singapore’s attractions and precincts, themed around Disney’s popular stories and characters. Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 4 will be in cinemas across Singapore on 20 June 2019.

With free admission for all visitors, Children’s Festival 2019 will see the transformation of Supertree Grove into a colourful carnival filled with family-friendly games and activities, inspired by Buzz, Woody and the gang in an all-new Toy Story adventure. Young visitors will also learn about friendship and teamwork through the various activities.

Some of the experiences festival-goers can expect include Star Adventurer, where young visitors can race in self-driving cars in order to recharge Buzz Lightyear; and Bo Peep’s Adventure, a fun obstacle course for children to test their speed, agility and endurance. There will also be carnival game booths featuring Woody and Jessie.

To top it off, the Festival will feature the first ever Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 4 themed marble run track in Singapore. Happening twice every hour, visitors can gaze up to two of the Supertrees and follow the 1.5-metre-wide marble as it weaves around the towering structures and travels along the track that spans approximately 150 metres. This will be accompanied by familiar tunes from previous Disney•Pixar Toy Story films. The day ends on a magical note with a special Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 4 inspired-edition of the Garden Rhapsody, a signature light and music show by Gardens by the Bay, to dazzle visitors with the magnificent sight of the Supertrees.

Ms Ong Chui Leng, Senior Director for Programming at Gardens by the Bay, said, “The annual Children’s Festival at Gardens by the Bay invites families and friends to spend quality bonding time together as we transform the Supertree Grove into a wondrous play land. This year, we are delighted to bring characters from the well-loved animated feature film to the Gardens for everyone to enjoy for free.”

“We are delighted to support this year’s Children’s Festival at Gardens by the Bay. Children’s Festival 2019 promises to be better than ever with various Disney•Pixar themed activities that visitors of all ages can look forward to. We’re confident that the third year of our collaboration with Disney will continue to excite visitors across different interest points, and enhance our appeal as a global entertainment destination,” said Ms Carrie Kwik, Executive Director, Attractions, Entertainment & Tourism Concept Development, STB.

The immersive experience at Children’s Festival 2019 is brought to life for young visitors and families, together with event partner Pico. Visitors can also look forward to bring the magic home with exclusive merchandise available for purchase at the Festival. Information about the Festival can be found here, with the full programme line-up announced at a later date.

Gardens by the Bay’s new attraction Floral Fantasy will officially open to public on April 14 this year, and tickets are already available at a special opening promotional rate from the Gardens’ ticketing counters as well as online at www.gardensbythebay.com.sg.

At the 1,500 sq m themed attraction located at Bayfront Plaza just next to Bayfront MRT station, flowers, artistry and technology come together to create a fantastical experience for visitors.

There are four diverse garden landscapes, each showcasing a different artistic concept. These four garden landscapes – Dance, Float, Waltz and Drift – segue seamlessly into each other through a meandering space. The experience culminates in a 4D multi-sensorial ride simulating the flight of a dragonfly through Gardens by the Bay.

For the special opening promotional rate, local resident tickets are priced at $9 for adults, and $5 for senior citizens above 60 years old, as well as for children aged between three to 12 years old. This promotional rate is valid until May 13, for visits between April 14 and May 13 this year.

Members of the public can visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/floralfantasy to find out more.

Please refer to the media factsheet for more information on Floral Fantasy.

After the popularity of the inaugural Sakura Matsuri last year, Gardens by the Bay’s Japanese-themed festival returns for the second time – with more free activities than before for the community to enjoy.

Sakura Matsuri, which means Cherry Blossom Festival, runs until March 31. It has four components – the cherry blossom floral display, Cultural Programmes, Nippon Street and Anime Garden.

At the launch today, Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and the Ambassador of Japan to Singapore His Excellency Jun Yamazaki broke a sake barrel to symbolise the beginning of Sakura Matsuri. They also enjoyed an energetic performance of Suzume Odori, the traditional Japanese “sparrow dance” that welcomes spring.

More free events for one and all

The majority of this year’s Cultural Programmes will be held outside Flower Dome, and is free for everyone to enjoy. These programmes are curated in partnership with Japan Creative Centre, the cultural arm of the Embassy of Japan in Singapore. Throughout the month of March, visitors will get to see a showcase of traditional arts such as folk dance, instruments like the koto, shakuhachi and taiko, as well as martial arts such as a kendo demonstration.

Headlining Anime Garden, which takes place in the last weekend of March at The Meadow, are free anisong concerts featuring well-known names in the industry like Megumi Nakajima, ReoNa and Ayaka Ohashi, as well as appearances by international celebrity cosplayers such as Olivie & Luffy from Hong Kong and MON from Taiwan.

Performing for the first time at the event are local J-pop idol groups Tokimeki JUMP and Natsuiro Party, and finalists of the World Cosplay Summit (Singapore). In addition, the cosplay competition featuring recreations of anime and manga characters by enthusiasts makes a return.

Well-loved icons of Japan amidst cherry blossoms

This year, the ever-popular cherry blossom floral display in Flower Dome is more evocative of Japan than before. Visitors can look forward to seeing interpretations of iconic elements of the Land of the Rising Sun, nestled among the pretty pink and white hues of cherry blossoms.

Among such elements are a dramatic pathway lined with 15 Torii gates, reminiscent of the famous Torii tunnels of Japan’s shrines; a red bridge inspired by the Hirosaki castle bridge in Aomori, which is often touted as a particularly picturesque spot to view cherry blossoms; and marumado, or traditional circular windows whose aesthetic principle is to perfectly frame a carefully-cultivated scene as one peers out.

The star of the floral display is the spectacle of cherry blossoms blooming in the tropics – of which visitors can look forward to seeing 30 varieties throughout the duration of the display. These varieties include Prunus serrulata ‘Pink Perfection’ with large blooms of 5cm in diameter, the showy Prunus ‘Kanzan’ with each blossom having 20 to 30 petals, and unusual weeping forms of sakura trees.

Due to the unseasonably warm weather, some cherry blossom varieties have bloomed earlier than expected, and the floral display could reach full bloom earlier than in previous years. Visitors can check Gardens by the Bay’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gardensbythebay for updates on the state of blooming before they visit.
 

Matsuri-style Japanese activities

Happening across from the floral display in Flower Field Hall is Nippon Street, a Japanese themed-fair organised in collaboration with JTB Pte Ltd. This year’s fair, which has no admission charge on weekdays, is more extensive than last year. There are more than 20 food and retail stalls; traditional games such as fishing coloured balls with a washi paper net; and the chance to try kyudo or Japanese archery, as well as dress up like a samurai warrior of yore.

CEO of Gardens by the Bay Mr Felix Loh said, “With beautiful cherry blossoms bursting into flower already, and a wonderful variety of Japanese-themed activities, many of them free, we encourage all to join us at Sakura Matsuri for an unforgettable experience you can only get at Gardens by the Bay.”

Please refer to Annex for the full schedule of activities at Sakura Matsuri.

This evening, Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay resounded with thunderous drum beats and lively traditional Chinese music as dancers rehearsed for a special “Carps Leaping Over the Dragon’s Gate” (鲤鱼跳龙门) performance in preparation for its premiere on 9 February.

One of the highlights of Gardens by the Bay’s Chinese New Year programme, “Spring Surprise” (春 ● 喜), this specially choreographed performance includes the rarely seen carp dance that tells the well-known Chinese legend of a carp that successfully leaps over the celestial Dragon’s Gate and transforms into a powerful dragon.

To bring this tale of courage, perseverance and accomplishment to life, the 27-strong multi-ethnic troupe from Tian Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre (新加坡天鷹龍狮学院) have been rehearsing and training for the past four weeks to learn how to accurately mimic the swift yet graceful motion of carps as they swim upstream towards the Dragon’s Gate waterfall.

“Carps Leaping Over the Dragon’s Gate” is a special choreography that combines Chinese dance, the popular dragon dance and the rarely-seen carp dance. It will feature specially made carp lanterns (each measuring 1.5 metres in length) and an imposing Dragon Fish lantern, which at 2 metres long, is the biggest Dragon Fish lantern in Singapore to date. The magic is further brought to life by the use of colourful LED lights on the lanterns.

The performance will take place on 9 and 10 February as the finale to “Spring Surprise”, which runs from 2 to 10 February and celebrates the Year of the Pig with a series of free programmes including cultural performances like the Traditional Lion Dance and exhilarating Lion Dance on Poles, as well as melodious music performed by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Ding Yi Music Company and secondary school orchestra groups.

Visitors can also enjoy the Gardens’ first floral display of the year, “Dahlia Dreams” (大丽花之梦), in Flower Dome. From 5 to 24 February, Singapore residents can receive a free conservatory ticket for local seniors with every full-priced adult ticket purchased onsite.

“Spring Surprise” at Gardens by the Bay
Date: Saturday, 2 February – Sunday, 10 February
Time: Refer to programme in Spring Surprise
Location: Gardens by the Bay
Details: Programmes are free. Admission charge to Flower Dome applies.

Like a scene from a Chinese painting, the Dahlia Dreams floral display in Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome beckons with its picturesque Chinese garden landscape framed by elegant pavilions, rotating water wheels, and a majestic 35-metre-long archway of red lanterns.

The Gardens is all set to usher in the Chinese New Year with the first floral display of 2019 featuring 5,000 dahlias of more than 100 varieties – some with flowers as large as one’s face. With their sizeable blooms and vibrant colours, dahlias are a wonderful accompaniment to the festival. Known in Chinese as “大丽花”, they bring to mind the auspicious greeting “大吉大利” which conveys wishes of good luck and wealth.

Also on display are other festive plants such as narcissus (水仙), cymbidium (大花蕙兰) and Golden Lotus Banana (地涌金莲), along with the magnificent Senrinzaki or “Thousand Blooms” chrysanthemum arrangement. Carefully cultivated over a period of at least one year, each exquisite arrangement features 500 to 1,500 chrysanthemum flowers blooming from a single plant.

Visitors can also look out for complementary programmes such as free guided tours, dahlia craft session, and hong bao giveaways.

The “Dahlia Dreams” floral display runs till 24 February 2019 in the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay.

Dahlia Dreams
Date: Friday, 18 January – Sunday, 24 February
Time: 9am – 9pm
Location: Flower Dome
Details: Admission charge to the conservatories applies.
Website: www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/dahlia