Join Gwen Tan at the National Museum, where SG60 lights up Singapore’s heritage through LEGO art and vibrant projections — a celebration of our past, present, and future.

As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, the National Museum of Singapore transforms into a vibrant celebration space for commemoration, imagination and community. From community-built artwork to immersive light displays, SG60 is not just a celebration of the past, it is also an experience built by the people, for the people.

The Significance of SG60

This year’s National Day theme, Majulah Singapura, invites Singaporeans to reflect on six decades of nationhood. According to Haryani Jumari, Assistant Manager (Programmes) for the National Museum of Singapore, “[SG60] is a milestone for everyone here. We have by far the largest number of programmes presented to date.”


For Ms Jumari, public involvement was crucial. “We collaborated with community partners and also commercial partners like the LEGO Group to produce something that is meaningful for all Singaporeans.”


LEGO builds of local food on display. Photo by Niyaz Khalish

A Nation In Bricks

One of the standout features is the “Stories of Singapore” LEGO art showcase, which highlights community creativity and heritage storytelling. Visitors were drawn to the event through social media and their love for LEGO, with one visitor sharing that the free LEGO redemption was what attracted her. She mentioned,“ I actually saw this on social media and I thought it’s quite interesting and I kind of like Legos. So I came down to take a look.”

This hands-on approach to heritage storytelling helps make the history feel personal and accessible, especially for younger visitors. This LEGO showcase was also developed in close collaboration with partners such as the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), which involved their students in building parts of the display. The students took trips to local landmarks, such as the Singapore River, and translated their experiences into LEGO creations that now stand proudly in the museum. 

Description of a LEGO build by the community partner. Photo by Niyaz Khalish

A Living Canvas of Light

Complementing the LEGO exhibit is the Canvas of Light, a mesmerising projection that narrates Singapore’s history through vibrant visuals. Inspired by the legend of Sang Nila Utama and Singapore’s evolution into a bustling modern city, this immersive light display paints a moving story of resilience, growth, and unity.

According to Ms Jumari, “When you think of celebration, it means vibrant, bright lights. National Day is about celebration, so naturally, it all just links together very well.” Since its debut in 2018, the National Day Light Up has become a much-anticipated event that draws large crowds, lighting up the cityscape in a spectacular fashion.


Projection mapping on the National Museum of Singapore. Photo by Chloe Loh

Both the LEGO showcase and Canvas of Light offer a unique experience that encourages visitors to connect with Singapore’s heritage in creative and meaningful ways. By combining hands-on building with captivating light projections, the displays engage people of all ages and bring history to life in a fresh and relatable way.

Why it Matters

These installations go beyond being mere exhibits—they embody a vibrant celebration of community and identity. Ms Jumari highlights how interactivity plays a key role in engaging visitors. “Interactivity helps bridge that relevance to the young, but at the same time it allows the [pioneer generation] to also see the reinterpretation of our history and our heritage and how we’ve come to be today.’


Families taking part in the interactive installation. Photo by Chloe Loh

SG60 is the result of community groups and commercial partners coming together to keep Singapore’s story fresh and meaningful. This joint effort helps make Singapore’s heritage something everyone can connect with and enjoy.

Looking Ahead

As the nation celebrates 60 years of independence, the National Museum of Singapore’s SG60 installations offer more than nostalgia. They inspire reflection on where Singapore has been and offer hope for where it’s headed.

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