“Speaking of Which” pop-up exhibition
I’m sure we’ve all seen photos of Singapore in the 1950s and 60s – whether in a dusty Social Studies textbook or your grandparents’ sepia-toned photo albums. But if you’ve ever wondered what life back then actually felt like, Speaking of Which by The Everyday Museum offers an experience that goes beyond visuals.
Taking place across Tanjong Pagar and Harbourfront as part of Singapore HeritageFest, this pop-up exhibition transforms your neighbourhood into a self-guided audio trail. It’s complete with archival sound bites, fresh literary takes, and art installations that bring overlooked stories to life. And it’s only on till this weekend, so pop in your headphones and take a walk back in time.
Audio episodes, zines & a biscuit shop throwback
Image credit: @theeverydaymuseum via Instagram
Each stop on Speaking of Which pulls you into a different pocket of Singapore’s past. Think of it as an audio time capsule – each episode spotlights a specific neighbourhood, combining archival records, oral interviews, and commissioned sound works to explore stories of community, culture, and everyday life.
Image adapted from: @theeverydaymuseum via Instagram
On site, you’ll also find zines created by participants of the “Love Stories” workshop, featuring reflections on shared histories and the music that shaped a generation. Curated by the editorial team behind PR&TA (Practice, Research & Tangent), these pieces lend a literary and emotional lens to the trail.
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Another standout is the HO HO Biscuit and General Store, a contemporary art installation by Wong Lip Chin that revives the legacy of Singapore’s first machine-made biscuit producer, founded in 1898. You might recognise the name – yes, Mr. Chew Boon Lay, the man behind HO HO Biscuits, is the same pioneer the Boon Lay estate was named after. Expect a cheeky blend of nostalgia and pop culture, plus free artist-designed memorabilia to take home.
Download the Echoes app to experience the guided trails
This isn’t your usual museum trail. To begin, download the free Echoes app on the Apple app store or Google Play. How it works is that the app will activate audio content when you enter specific geofenced areas. It’s best experienced in real life, so be sure to turn on GPS.
Plus, you can pre-download the audio trails before heading out, so you don’t have to worry about data usage.
Catch “Speaking of Which” before it ends this weekend
If you’ve ever wanted to time-travel through Singapore’s lesser-known stories, Speaking of Which offers just that. You’ll get to experience them through your headphones, feet, and imagination. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something different to do with bae this weekend, this self-guided audio trail delivers a thoughtful and creatively layered take on how art and memory shape the places we call home.
It’s running for just a few more days until 25th May 2025. So, download the Echoes app, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to see Tanjong Pagar and Harbourfront through a whole new lens. The audio-guided trails are available at any time, but the exhibition happens from 12pm-8pm daily at Level 1 Urban Park, Guoco Tower and HarbourFront Centre Level 1 Atrium.
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Cover image adapted from: @theeverydaymuseum via Instagram