Pesta Pecah Panggung

Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026
Time: 12:30 - 1:45pm, 8:00 - 9:15pm (75 mins with no intermission)
Venue: Auditorium, Malay Heritage Centre
Price: $30 per person (Culture Pass eligible)
Event Language: English, Malay

Catch an original MHC production and experience the vibrant performing arts of the Malay World through an enchanting showcase of traditional puppets and masks. This captivating production brings together talented performing groups from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, presenting a rich tapestry of music, theatre, and dance that spans the Nusantara region. 

From dynamic ensemble performances to mesmerising theatrical storytelling, discover the living traditions that have entertained and inspired communities for generations. Witness the artistry of traditional puppetry and the expressive power of ceremonial masks as they come alive through authentic performances that celebrate our shared cultural heritage. 

Get your tickets now: Culture Pass | Buy Tickets

A Commission by the Malay Heritage Centre

Date: 30 April, 1 & 2 May 2026
Time: 3:00pm – 4:15pm, 8:00pm – 9:15pm (Thu & Fri only) 
Venue: Auditorium, Malay Heritage Centre
Admission: $30 (Adult) $24 (Senior/Student/Child)
Event Language: Malay with English Surtitles

Discover the untold stories of Singapore's pioneering Malay women who shaped our nation's identity after World War II. This powerful music-theatre production celebrates trailblazers like Che Zahara Binte Noor Mohamed, Haliza Mohd Som, Siput Sarawak, Saloma, and Zahrah Za'ba – remarkable women who stepped forward to rebuild and revitalise Singapore whilst redefining what it meant to be a modern woman then.
 
Starring actress Huda Ramdzan and featuring all-female ensemble Orked Malaya, Nur Hikmah Ali’s writing tells the tale of how these extraordinary figures overcame expectations and barriers to leave lasting legacies that continue to inspire today. Their contributions, often neglected in the footnotes of history or obscured by someone else’s story, finally take centre stage in this moving tribute that honours their courage, creativity and determination.

Get your tickets now: Culture Pass | Buy Tickets

Date: 2 & 3 May 2026, Saturday & Sunday
Time: 7:00pm – 6:00am (Last entry to galleries: 2.00am)
Venue: Malay Heritage Centre
Admission: Free

Join us in our first-ever overnight session, Santai Sampai Pagi (Chill Till The Morning), and explore Malay heritage through a range of fun and cool programmes! With hands-on activities, film screenings, and after-hours gallery tours, audiences are invited to connect with the tales that existed from before and reflect on the stories that shape Kampung Gelam and the Singapore Malays.

Find out more: Santai Sampai Pagi

Date: 1 May 2026, Friday
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: Permanent Galleries, Malay Heritage Centre
Admission: Free (By Registration Only)

Join us for an insightful roundtable chat with the visionary artists who have brought their own unique aesthetics to our permanent galleries. Discover the creative minds behind our stunning new art installations as Fazleen Karlan, Tumadi Patri, Mysara Aljaru, Bani Hykal and Fyerool Darma share their artistic journeys, inspirations and the stories behind their commissioned works. This exclusive session offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with these talented artists, followed by an in-depth tour of their installations where you'll gain unique insights into their creative processes and the meaning behind each piece. Experience art through the artists' eyes as they guide you through their works, revealing the passion, technique and vision that shaped these creative additions to our galleries.

Book your slot now: [link]

Date: 25, 28 April – 2 May 2026, Saturday, Tuesday - Saturday
Time: Wednesday & Saturdays: 9.00am - 10.30am, Tuesday - Friday: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Venue: Kampong Gelam Precinct
Meeting point: Malay Heritage Centre, Sultan Gate Entrance
Admission: Free (By Registration Only)

Join our Friends of the Museums docents on a walking tour of the Kampong Gelam historic precinct. Learn about the rich history and culture of the neighbourhood: its role as a vibrant port town, as the centre of the Malay and Muslim communities of Singapore, and as a home to diverse trades and heritage businesses.

Book your slot now: [link]

Date: 2 May 2026, Saturday
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Venue: Wardah Books 
Admission: Free (By Registration Only)

This programme will explore Kampong Gelam’s maritime past and its links to the wider Malay world. The session begins with a talk by a researcher or expert who will explain Kampong Gelam’s role as a port town and how the cultural exchange resulting from the trade and travel routes shaped the community.

After the talk, a Kampong Gelam Heritage Trail docent will lead participants in a tour around the area. The tour highlights key sites and stories that show how the sea influenced the people and history of Kampong Gelam.

Book your slot now: [link]

Date: 3 May 2026, Sunday
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Venue: Wardah Books
Admission: Free (By Registration Only)

Discover Kampong Gelam’s lesser-known role as a centre of books and publication in the Malay World. This programme explores how the precinct became a hub for printing, writing, and the spread of knowledge, shaping cultural and intellectual life beyond Singapore.

Book your slot now: [link]

Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026
Time: 10:00 - 11:30pm (approximately 90 mins)
Venue: Sultan Gate Entrance, Malay Heritage Centre
Price: $50 per person (Culture Pass eligible)

Join the OG foodies, nOm, in Kampong Gelam for a supper tour! Visit four Halal late-night spots, from heritage-legacy joints to modern flavours, and hear the stories behind 100-year-old murtabak, iconic teh tarik, curated cups of kopi, and Middle Eastern delicacies. Experience live demonstrations and insights from the hands that bring you these delectable dishes and drinks.

Get your tickets now: Culture Pass | Buy Tickets

Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026 & 2 May 2026
Time: 9:00 - 10:30pm (approximately 90 mins)
Venue: Sultan Gate Entrance, Malay Heritage Centre
Price: $50 per person (Culture Pass eligible) 
 
Step into the heart of Kampong Gelam after dark. This guided walking tour uncovers the district’s rich heritage and hidden tales. Hear famous stories whispered for generations, alongside lesser-known accounts long kept secret… until now. This is more than just a tour. Through interactive segments and immersive storytelling, you’ll be drawn into the experience and become part of the narrative itself. Walk carefully, listen closely, and discover stories that refuse to stay buried. 
 
The event is curated by Naqiah and Arshad from THS POV.
 
This tour is rated Advisory 16 and a valid ID is required to participate.

Get your tickets now: Culture Pass | Buy Tickets

Date: 20 April – 3 May 2026
Time: All day
Venue: Kampong Gelam Precinct
Admission: Free

Embark on a self-guided adventure through the historic streets of Kampong Gelam with this interactive treasure hunt created especially for families.  As you make your way through the neighbourhood, you’ll uncover stories of trade, culture, and everyday life that have shaped the area over the years.
With fun clues and simple station-based challenges, families can explore key landmarks while picking up interesting insights about the traditions and history connected to the precinct.

It’s the perfect way to complement your visit to the newly reopened Malay Heritage Centre, as you explore the charming Kampong Gelam while creating meaningful memories with your loved ones.

Date: 2 May 2026, Saturday
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm 
Venue: Gelam Room, Malay Heritage Centre
Admission: $28 per parent-child pair 
Event Language: English

Step into the shoes of an archaeologist and uncover Singapore’s hidden stories together! In this hands-on activity, families will get to try out real excavation tools and techniques, and handle artefacts discovered within the Malay Heritage Centre compound.

Along the way, you’ll learn how archaeology helps piece together the layered histories of Kampong Gelam and the wider Malay world — one discovery at a time. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this is a chance to experience the excitement of unearthing the past for yourself.

Get your tickets now: Culture Pass | Buy Tickets

Date: 1 May 2026, Friday
Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Venue: Gelam Room, Malay Heritage Centre
Admission: $25 (Adult)
Event Language: English

Discover the expressive beauty of Jawi through this creative workshop that where tradition meets contemporary street art. Participants will be introduced to the Jawi script and its cultural significance, which is vital to Malay literary heritage, before experimenting with modern, graffiti-inspired techniques.

Through guided practice, you’ll explore how heritage scripts can take on new artistic forms while staying rooted in their cultural meaning.

Join us for a bold and creative journey where heritage meets modern expression.

Get your tickets now: Culture Pass | Buy Tickets

Date: 3 May 2026, Sunday
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm 
Venue: Gelam Room, Malay Heritage Centre
Admission: $50 per pair
Event Language: English

Dive into Singapore's rich maritime heritage through the art of building a traditional jong. This hands-on family workshop explores how these magnificent vessels once ruled the seas of Southeast Asia.
The jong was more than just a ship; it symbolised the seafaring skill, trading networks, and maritime strength that connected the Malay world to ports across the region and beyond.

Watch as our craftsperson demonstrates the intricate assembly of a traditional jong, sharing the skilled techniques passed down through generations. Then, families can work together to build their own miniature jong to create a meaningful keepsake. This workshop is perfect for families, bringing together learning, culture, and creativity in one memorable maritime adventure.

Get your tickets now: Culture Pass | Buy Tickets

Date: 25 & 26 April, 1 – 3 May 2026
Time:

• 25 April: 11:00am – 11:30am, 12:00pm – 12:30pm
• 26 April: 3:00pm – 3:30pm, 4:00pm – 4:30pm, 5:00pm – 5:30pm 
• 1 May: 2:00 – 2:30pm
• 2 May: 2:00 – 2:30pm, 4:00 – 4:30pm
• 3 May: 2:00 – 2:30pm, 4:00 – 4:30pm

Venue: Sultan Gate Park (25 & 26 April), Sirih Room, Malay Heritage Centre (1 – 3 May)

Catch our budding storytellers in action! Each showcase features a mentee from MHC’s inaugural Intangible Cultural Heritage Mentorship Programme. Celebrate their learning journey as they present a performance developed over an intensive 10 weeks, under the guidance of their mentors. 

Date: 25 April 2026, Saturday
Time: 6:30 – 7.00pm
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Admission: Free
Event language: English and Malay

Join storyteller Nadya Hashim and music ensemble Orkestra Melayu Singapura in this epic retelling of the story of Tun Fatimah, the last Queen of the Malaccan Sultanate who was known for her strength and bravery. Expect a soulful display of poetry, movement, and music in this performance.

Date: 25 April 2026, Saturday
Time: 7.45pm - 8.15pm  
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Admission: Free
Event language: English and Malay

Revel in a performance that blends tradition and modernity, set against the backdrop of wayang kulit. It begins with a classical wayang kulit and evolves into a wayang orang performance, expressed through movement, poetic verses, and narration. Human characters are portrayed as shadows in the theatre of life, with expressions and emotions conveyed through human masks. The performance concludes with the poetic words of Gurindam Dua Belas by Raja Ali Haji.

Date: 25 April 2026, Saturday
Time: 9.00 - 9.30pm 
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Admission: Free
Event language: English and Malay

Witness a mesmerising Wayang Kulit Kelantan performance by Sri Setia Pulau Singa. In this story, follow the journey of Pak Dogol, Wak Long, and Mamat, the loyal envoys of the King of Karang Setia, in their battle against the Giant Guardian of Pulau Singa. Who wins this fight between tradition and the modern world?

Date: 25 April 2026
Time: 6:30pm – 6:50pm
Venue: Bussorah Mall, Baghdad Street
Admission: Free

Soak in the high energy of Semangat Keris in this pop-up performance along Bussorah Mall! Watch as the awok-awok, Tukang Karut and Juara exchange witty verses and lines and sing along with them!

Date: 26 April, 2 & 3 May 2026
Time: 4:30pm – 5:00pm (26 April), 8:30pm – 8:50pm (2 May), 5:30pm – 5:50pm (3 May)
Venue: Kampong Gelam Precinct
Admission: Free

Keep a lookout for dancers from Azpirasi and musicians from Nobat Kota Singa in this series of flash mobs! Each flash mob will focus on a Malay musical and dance genre – Zapin, Inang and Joget, and Pop Yeye. Clap along, dance along, and be part of the fun!

Date: 1 May 2026
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Venue: Bussorah Mall, Baghdad Street
Admission: Free

In this programme, we invite participants to come dressed as their favourite classic and contemporary Malay stars and icons. The golden age of Malay film (1947–1972) paraded many movie stars decked in their best kebaya, batik and songket. The event will feature selected kebaya outfits and simple stories about how fashion changed through the decades. It is an evening to enjoy nostalgia and the beauty of Malay traditional and modern fashion. 

Date: 1 May 2026
Time: 4:30pm – 5:15pm
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Admission: Free

Enjoy the colourful costumes and vibrant Malay dance performances by T3at3r Muzikal Collective in this programme, as they bring the audience through a series of dynamic traditional and contemporary Malay dance items, rooted in the childhood games. 

Date: 2 May 2026
Time: 4:30pm – 5:15pm
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Admission: Free

Be regaled by the tales of the hikayat (epics) with Opera Academy as they share the stories from the past through their eye catching and interesting bangsawan art.

Date: 3 May 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 6:00pm*
Venue: Lawn 
Admission: Free

Experience the strength, discipline, and artistry of silat at this spectacular closing highlight of the MHC Reopening Festival. As we conclude nine days of celebration, the Silat Fiesta invites you to a full-day immersion into a living martial heritage on the historic MHC Lawn. 
Witness the dynamic energy of our practitioners as they demonstrate various styles of silat at the gelanggang (arena). Visitors can also take the opportunity to interact with participating silat groups at their booths, where they can learn firsthand about the discipline, techniques, and traditions that define each art form.

The final showcase serves as the festival’s grand conclusion, culminating in a powerful combined performance where artists from various groups unite on stage to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of silat, a living tradition at the heart of Malay cultural identity. 

Date: 25 & 26 April 2026, Saturday & Sunday
Time: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Admission: Free

Get hands-on and explore puppetry from the Malay World with Karya Kulture! Create a Wayang Kulit puppet, a Wayang Golek puppet, and a specially designed Karya Nusantara-inspired finger puppet using recycled and repurposed materials, while learning about their cultural origins.

Date: 25 & 26 April 2026, 28 April – 3 May 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Venue: Malay Heritage Centre Outdoor Compound
Admission: Free

Discover a curated collection of gastronomical delights at LalooLalang's vibrant food bazaar, where regional flavours and heritage-inspired bites come together.

Date: 1 – 3 May 2026, Friday - Sunday
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Venue: Courtyard 1
Admission: Free

Join us at the courtyard and step into a spice-scented celebration of the Malay world’s culinary heritage. Held over three delicious days during the Malay Heritage Centre’s reopening festival, this interactive drop-in invites families to explore the fragrant flavours and storied spices that have shaped Malay cuisine for generations.

Get hands-on with aromatic ingredients, enjoy tasting opportunities, and discover how these spices connect communities across the Nusantara. You’ll also get to watch live cooking demonstrations by seasoned, celebrity chefs as they showcase treasured recipes and share culinary tips. It’s a feast for the senses!

Date: 1 – 3 May 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Venue: Special Exhibition Gallery, Malay Heritage Centre
Admission: Free

Discover a vibrant collection of lifestyle treasures at LalooLalang's Lifestyle Market, where heritage-inspired fashion and accessories, traditional crafts and homeware come together.

Date: 20 April – 3 May 2026
Time: All Day
Venue:  Bugis Junction (TBC)
Admission: Free

Kisah-Kisah Kita: Tale and Traditions from the Malay World takes visitors on a journey through three beloved folktales that have traversed the Malay World. These stories have become deeply embedded in communities across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, featuring familiar characters. Visitors will follow the journeys of a poor boy who becomes a wealthy captain, an orphaned girl who discovers her happily-ever-after, and a clever mousedeer with endless tricks. Through hands-on interactives, visitors will uncover the timeless lessons these tales carry, revealing the shared values that connect Singapore with its neighbours.

Date: 20 April – 3 May 2026
Time: All Day
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Admission: Free

Step into a world of maritime tales through this life-sized artwork. Created by The Blackbook, this mural installation comes alive at night through its fluorescent paint. With visual vignettes of characters and tales from the Malay World, visitors are invited to spot people, creatures, and scenes from the seas that surround Singapore and the region.

Date: 25 & 26 April, 28 April – 3 May 2026
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Venue: Courtyard 2, Malay Heritage Centre
Admission: Free

Bring the little ones along and rediscover the simple joy of play at this vibrant cultural playspace made especially for families. Children (and grown-ups too!) can try their hand at traditional games like congkak, sepak raga, and batu seremban, or explore the sounds of instruments such as the kompang and angklung. It’s a space where learning happens naturally through movement, laughter, and hands-on discovery.

Warm, welcoming, and full of energy, this playspace turns cultural exploration into a joyful shared experience that brings generations together.

Date: 1 – 3 May 2026
Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Venue: Sultan Gate Park
Admission: Free

Join us in creating a monumental community tapestry capturing the memories of Kampong Gelam! Craft your own fabric piece inspired by your memories of the precinct or dreams for its future. Weave alongside former residents as we attempt to create a record-breaking tapestry celebrating our shared heritage and collective hopes.