Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play

Image Credit: Nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum

It’s time for fun, inspiration, and nostalgia. For toys and games for everyone, no matter how young or old you are. For smiles, precious memories, and childhood dreams. You can get all this (and even more) at the National Museum of Singapore’s latest exhibition, Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play. Let’s check out more details with BusyKidd!

Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play is the newest unique exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore completely dedicated to toys, stories connected with them, and feelings they cause in us. The incredible collection consists of more than 250 toys from different epochs. Toys are presented in a lively, playful atmosphere in the museum’s spaces, which are decorated with large-scale artworks that enhance the effect of exhibits and the emotions they evoke. Besides, all visitors can enjoy exciting digital gamified experiences. How about creating your one-of-a-kind digital toy avatar, Play:Mate?

Play:Date Artwork

Your travel back in time to childhood begins outside of the museum since the National Museum’s facade is adorned with large-scale commissioned artworks by local talents. ‘Night Shift’ by Tiffany Lovage, ‘Joy in the Making’ by Candice Phang, ‘Playtime Pandemonium’ by Shian Ng, and others – each artwork is bright and colourful and tells us the stories of toys. Moreover, these masterpieces feature interactive and tactile elements that evoke curiosity and a desire to learn.

To get to the exhibition itself, you have to walk through a tunnel with the incredible ‘The Toy Colony’ artwork by local artist Lioncolony.

And when you step inside, the true magic begins.

Play:Date Toy Collections

More than 250 locally and globally recognizable toys from various eras (mainly from the 1980s to the present day) are ready to tell you their fascinating stories. The toy collection is divided into 3 main sections:

It’s a Small World. Welcome to a miniature world where boys’ and girls’ favourite characters live. The collection includes a series of local McDonald’s toys, Barbie dolls, and more.
Drive-Through Time. This Hot Wheels, Tamiya, and Matchbox collection will impress boys of all ages, both young and young-hearted. Well, girls will also love this ride back in time.
Batteries Included. This section is about retro game consoles and devices. Of course, the iconic Tamagotchi is also here, as are the consoles by Nintendo and Casio.

Play:Date Personalized Play Experiences

So, have you got enough nostalgia? Now it’s time for some fun interactive gaming experiences inspired by old-school gaming arcades. Purchase a Starter Pack, get your avatar and game credits – and let’s go! Memory Match, Roadblock Highway, Brick Battle – enjoy interactive games and collect the points to create your own personalized avatar, your Play:Mate.

If you still need more excitement, you can purchase a Booster Pack for 5 more rounds of games.

Besides, You can find some nice old-school toys to buy at MUSEUM MARTKET by ABRY x Khiam Teck.

Moreover, everyone is invited to donate toys from the 1980s to the present day and share stories about them. Your toy story can become part of the heartwarming exhibition.

Are you ready to embark on an emotional journey to the times of childhood?

Where: National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897
When: July 5, 2024 to January 5, 2024:
- Daily: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Last Admission: 6:30 PM
Age: For all ages
Admission Price: Free
- *1 Starter Pack: $5 (1 digital toy avatar + 3 game credits)
- **1 Booster Pack: $5 (5 game credits)
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