Have you ever wondered how history would look if it were printed on your favourite everyday t-shirt? We often think of museums as quiet places with do not touch signs everywhere. Fashion on the other hand is something we wear and live in daily. These two worlds are finally colliding in a way that is perfect for a fun day out with the kids.
Uniqlo Singapore and the Asian Civilisations Museum have teamed up for something incredibly unique. They recently debuted a first of its kind Singapore museum pop up right in the museum lobby. If you are scratching your head about where to bring the family next, this partnership brings art, fashion and history together seamlessly. It is definitely one of the most exciting family weekend activities happening this season.
Uniqlo Singapore Meets Asian Civilisations Museum
While the grand launch weekend took place from 10 to 12 April 2026, you certainly have not missed out. This almost two month long display is still welcoming visitors in the lobby. The pop up is an expression of the Uniqlo LifeWear philosophy of Art for All. Daisuke Hamada, the Chief Finance Officer of Uniqlo Singapore and ASEAN, shared that this pop up is designed to spotlight the rich heritage of the museum and local artists.
Clement Onn, the Director of the Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan Museum, also mentioned that this collaboration helps connect the past and present. It makes the national collection resonate with how we live and express ourselves today. It is a wonderful initiative that makes art accessible and integrated into daily life.
Wearable History by Local Artists
The highlight of this ongoing event is the exclusive Uniqlo x ACM UTme collection which officially launched on 10 April. Uniqlo invited several talented local artists to reinterpret classic museum objects through a modern lens. The designs are brilliant and range from whimsical to bold graphics.
For example, the creative studio Knuckles and Notch drew inspiration from Maritime Trade Gallery objects like a quirky elephant shaped hookah base and a pitcher shaped like a dancing woman. Gabriel De Souza looked at the famous Tang Shipwreck and created a design based on a large ewer. Other local artists like SONG, Nikkei and HAFI also contributed stunning artworks inspired by palampores, ritualistic ornaments and Chinese ceramics.
You can get a first look at these fantastic t-shirts at the museum itself. If you want to customise your own, you can head down to the Uniqlo Orchard Central Global Flagship Store, Uniqlo ION, Uniqlo VivoCity or Uniqlo Jewel Changi Airport. It is a fantastic way to support local artists while picking up a unique wardrobe piece for yourself or the little ones.
Beyond the new collection, visitors can also look forward to checking out an array of other UT collections. This includes the NY POP ART series featuring iconic prints from art world figureheads such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Jean Michel Basquiat.
Past Launch and Ongoing Family Weekend Activities
The Singapore museum pop up kicked off with A Weekend of Curiosities from 10 to 12 April. This was part of the regular Crossing Cultures programme series. While the specific live music events, outdoor film screenings and screen printing workshops have wrapped up, the galleries themselves remain a fantastic destination for family weekend activities.
The museum is a massive treasure trove of stories. The Maritime Trade Gallery showcases global demand and shifting tastes from centuries ago. It is fascinating to explain to the kids how traders moved across regions long before aeroplanes existed.
The Ceramics Gallery is another fantastic stop. It presents a survey of Chinese ceramics from the Neolithic period to the Qing dynasty. HAFI used a ginger form teapot and a lotus leaf with a crab from this gallery as her inspiration. Seeing the actual ancient object and then seeing it reimagined as modern streetwear helps bridge the gap between ancient history and modern fashion for young minds.
Special Perks and Promotions
This Singapore museum pop up offers a refreshing way to experience culture. It breaks down the barriers of traditional art appreciation and turns it into something you can literally wear. The combination of historical artefacts and modern graphic design is sure to spark some interesting conversations with your kids.
Grab your free collectible zine when you visit to read up on the stories behind the objects. It is a wonderful opportunity to support our local artists and immerse the family in creativity.
Will you be customising a historical t-shirt with the kids this weekend? Grab the family and head down to the Asian Civilisations Museum to see history in a whole new light.
Planning Your Visit
This Singapore museum pop up offers a refreshing way to experience culture. It breaks down the barriers of traditional art appreciation and turns it into something you can literally wear. The combination of historical artefacts and modern graphic design is sure to spark some interesting conversations with your kids.
Grab your free collectible zine when you visit to read up on the stories behind the objects. It is a wonderful opportunity to support our local artists and immerse the family in creativity.
Will you be customising a historical t-shirt with the kids this weekend? Grab the family and head down to the Asian Civilisations Museum to see history in a whole new light.
