In a first for a floral display in Flower Dome, visitors will be able to smell the flowers well before they see them. After all, lilies are renowned for their intense sweet scents, and there will be some 10,000 fragrant lilies in the new Lilytopia floral display, set against the enchanting backdrop of Venice, Italy’s renowned floating city. 

This largest-ever lily showcase at Gardens by the Bay features more than 50 varieties of lilies in unexpected forms and vivid colours, from elegant double-petal roselilies that resemble roses, to striking varieties in bright yellows and fiery oranges. Adding to the allure are interpretations of Venice’s famous landmarks, including the city’s renowned waterways flanked by picturesque Italian houses and artisan shops. Glimpses of Italian life are nestled throughout the landscape; from intricate masks reminiscent of Carnevale di Venezia to Burano lace, from the quintessential kitchen of an Italian nonna to barrel-aged wines, and more.

Presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Singapore, Lilytopia marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Italy, since the lily is the national flower of Italy. Lilytopia was launched by Chancellor of Singapore University of Social Sciences, Madam Halimah Yacob, Gardens by the Bay CEO Mr Felix Loh, and Ambassador of Italy to Singapore His Excellency Dante Brandi. It will run until June 15.

“Singapore is one of the most open and multicultural societies in the world. We celebrate and embrace every opportunity to connect with different cultures,” says Gardens by the Bay CEO Mr Felix Loh. “We are grateful to our horticulturists, who have put in great effort to make this vision come alive. The mass cultivation of lilies in-house for the first time is a proud achievement.”

Lilytopia showcases lilies in uncommon forms and striking colours, beyond the traditional single-petal varieties familiar to most people. Some highlights of double-petal varieties include Lilium ‘Alanno’, an elegant, double-petal roselily cultivar, known for its rose-like appearance and magenta-pink petals edged in crisp white, as well as Lilium ‘Snow World’, an elegant, full white double-petal roselily cultivar.

More than 20 varieties lilies on display this year were cultivated in-house by Gardens by the Bay’s horticulturists. The is the first time that the lilies were mass cultivated in Gardens by the Bay from bulbs. In doing so, horticulturists had to be sensitive to the temperature of the growing environment, as too high temperatures may trigger the lilies to bloom earlier than needed. Some of the highlights include Lilium ‘Beverly Gold’, a speckle-free, double-petal lily in bright yellow, known for its tidy, polished appearance, as well as the Lilium ‘Caddy’, large, double-petal orange blooms, known for its vibrance and impressive flower size. The lily palette is complemented by a tapestry of other colourful blooms, including sweeping blankets of hydrangeas, calla lilies, and cannas.

Beyond the fragrant and dramatic blooms, Lilytopia transports visitors to Venice with recreations of the city-state’s life and culture. These include Waterways; an artistic interpretation of Venice’s famous canals flows through the display, created using blue-hued hydrangeas. These waterways are flanked by charming Italian alleyways with characteristic houses and artisan shopfronts. A traditional gondola, representing Venice’s distinctive mode of transportation, complete this picturesque scene. Look out for St Mark’s Square, A recreation of the famed Piazza San Marco features a towering bell tower alongside prominent arches adorned with intricate masks celebrating the Carnevale di Venezia, Venice’s world-renowned festival famous for its masks and costumes.

At Nonna’s kitchen, step into the heart of Italian family life with this recreation of an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. Copper pots and pans line the kitchen with a traditional wood-fire oven. You can even check out the Limoncello corner, a charming limoncello stall in iconic blue and white hues showcases Italy’s beloved citrus liqueur. Conceived on the sun-kissed shores of southern Italian regions at the turn of the 20th century, this beloved drink celebrates the famed lemons Sfusato Amalfitano grown on steep terraces since at least the 15th century.

There will also be a showcase of Italy’s renowned winemaking tradition features recreation of oak barrels that are key to Italian viticulture. These barrels allow tiny amounts of oxygen to enter over time, which helps mellow the wine, while adding notes of vanilla, spice, or subtle smoke. Also, look out for delicate Burano lace umbrellas and Murano glass pieces from Italy showcase the intricate crafts of the country.

“Recreating the magic of Venice here in Singapore, a modern, vibrant island state, so distant geographically yet so close in spirit, is a wonderful gesture,” says Italian Ambassador to Singapore Dante Brandi. “It reminds us that beauty, art, and culture know no borders. Venice was a city-state, exactly like Singapore, with very close connections to Asia along its 800 years of history. It’s a city that has inspired poets, artists, filmmakers, and dreamers for centuries.”

To commemorate six decades of friendship between Singapore and Italy, the Italian Embassy also presents a special photo exhibition titled ITALY-SINGAPORE: 60 Years of Friendship in the public area outside Flower Dome. This curated selection of 60 photographs highlights the shared cultural, political, and economic ties that have flourished between the two nations since 1965.

“The charm of Lilytopia lies in how it engages the senses, creating an immersive experience rife with colour, where the fragrance of lilies guides your journey through a celebration of horticultural artistry and Italian heritage.” “With the lily being the national flower of Italy, this floral display symbolises the enduring friendship and cultural exchange between Singapore and Italy as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations,” says Gardens by the Bay CEO Felix Loh.

“It’s especially meaningful to celebrate this anniversary with a tribute to one of Italy’s most iconic and symbolic flowers and cities,” adds Dante Brandi. “These initiatives offer a way to bring distant cultures closer in an inclusive and sustainable way, giving access to those who may not have the opportunity to visit Venice in person. Let this celebration of flowers, music, and photography be a symbol of the flourishing friendship between Italy and Singapore, rooted in mutual respect, curiosity, and shared passion for beauty.”

Lilytopia runs at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome from now till 15th June 2025. More information available here