The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) in Singapore, in collaboration with international tea brand Chagee and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), has launched an exhibition entitled: Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie.
The immersive exhibition explores tea as a human ritual shaped by centuries of craftsmanship, stories and practices, while continuing to evolve through modern creativity.
The showcase will run daily from Jan 28 to June 7, 2026.
The exhibition invites visitors to re-experience tea beyond taste or smell. Through a multi-sensory lens, the showcase reveals how tea drinking reflects human life, highlighting its role in transcending cultures and time.
Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan Museum director Clement Onn said the co-curated showcase marks the Asian Civilisations Museum’s first collaboration with a global lifestyle brand.
“By integrating our museum collections with contemporary practices, we offer visitors a fresh, multi-sensory way to engage with cultural traditions.
“The history and art of tea are multifaceted, influencing diverse Asian cultures. This collaboration allows us to explore tea’s universal role in daily life and reflect on its enduring significance across regions and throughout history,” he said.
Chagee Singapore chief executive officer Lawrence Wen said the partnership reflects Chagee’s ambition to deepen global understanding of tea culture beyond the cup.
“Tea has always been a cultural connector, bringing people together across generations and geographies.
“At Chagee, we see tea as something deeply human – found in shared moments, conversations, and everyday life.
“We’re proud to collaborate with the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Singapore Tourism Board to invite visitors to experience tea not just as heritage, but as a living ritual that continues to evolve in modern life,” he said.
The tripartite partnership also exemplifies STB’s approach to creating an attractive destination through new marketing initiatives with global brands and local attractions in Singapore. Such collaborations showcase Singapore’s vibrancy and dynamic character – from the country’s rich cultural tapestry and interconnected communities to its forward-thinking creative scene.
Singapore Tourism Board assistant chief executive (marketing group) Kenneth Lim said the collaborative showcase reflects each organisation’s unique strengths to create a fresh and compelling experience for visitors.
“By catalysing partnerships between local attractions and international brands in unconventional ways, these initiatives strengthen Singapore’s position as an exciting hub for new experiences, enhancing our destination appeal and captivating audiences seeking authentic and innovative experiences,” he said.
Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie features historic collections, contemporary interpretations and new artistic commissions from local creatives, including Ashley Yeo’s shade of tea evoking tea leaves in floating paper forms; and Symphony of Teaby Alecia Neo and composer Clarence Chung, with videography by Jonathan Goh and sound recording by Wesley Meow exploring the symphonic experience of tea through sound, rhythm, gesture and human connection.
Across the exhibition, visitors will encounter sculptural installations inspired by tea leaves, immersive soundscapes, fragrance-led experiences, and tactile explorations of tea-making tools.
Historic tea wares, as 3D-printed replicas, alongside contemporary Chagee cups and communal spaces invite visitors to pause, share and reflect, mirroring the social rituals that have long surrounded tea, positioning it not just as a cultural artefact, but as a living practice that continues to connect people today.
The exhibition experience extends to a Chagee pop-up along the Singapore River and will offer a full selection of beverages, as well as merchandise previously accessible only in China.
Chagee’s pop-up will also feature exclusive two specially designed Chagee plush charms, combining a horse, paying homage to the ancient tea routes where tea was traded across borders via horseback, with Singapore’s iconic Merlion.
Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie is presented as part of the Asian Civilisations Museum’s All Access ticket, priced at S$25 for tourists and S$12 for Singaporeans and permanent residents, granting admission to all exhibitions at the museum on the day of their visit.
For more information, visit https://www.nhb.gov.sg/acm/whats-on/exhibitions/garden-of-senses.
