Gardens by the Bay has kicked off its SG60 celebrations with the return of the ever-popular Orchid Extravaganza（兰花盛事）to Flower Dome, alongside the Southeast Asian debut of SPARK – a light installation resembling fireflies in the night sky by internationally renowned Dutch artist Mr Daan Roosegaarde. The launch was officiated by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan.

Gardens by the Bay CEO Mr Felix Loh said, “Gardens by the Bay is not only a national garden but a People’s Garden; a verdant space for the community to gather and bond amidst a rich, year-round calendar of events. On the landmark occasion of SG60, we have made extra effort to pack the month of August with a curated lineup of celebratory activities, which we hope will bring Singaporeans from all walks of life together to commemorate our nation’s birthday.”

The evening began in Flower Dome, where the proudly local Orchid Extravaganza floral display wowed visitors with a vibrant landscape of more than 6,000 orchids. The centrepiece of the floral display is three Supertrees, interpreted as orchid-clad structures just for Flower Dome. Visitors can step into the core of the tallest Supertree at 6.5 metres and be ensconced in a kaleidoscope of orchids blooming within. 

In a tribute to the orchid’s enduring presence in Singapore’s history, on show are Singapore’s national flower, the Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim (Vanda Miss Joaquim), as well as unique hybrids named after local places and institutions. For example, Choa Chu Kang has its own orchid, the Papilionanda Chua Chu Kang. Other examples include Dendrobium Incredible NUHS Nurses and Vanda KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

The floral display also showcases Peranakan culture, with floral recreations of traditional interiors inspired by the Peranakan household in the stalwart Singaporean play Emily of Emerald Hill by Ms Stella Kon. 

Cultural Medallion recipient Mr Lee Hock Moh’s acclaimed gongbi-style orchid paintings are another highlight, with prints of his artworks presented alongside dioramas of the same works recreated by horticulturists. In commemoration of SG60, Mr Lee has painted a new piece, Dancing Petals, Joyful Laughter (飞跃花丛送欢声), in which six parrots represent six decades of unity, shared progress, and success of the country. It has been purchased by private donor Mr Tan Aik Hock, with proceeds going to the Gift of Gardens community outreach initiative, which grants complimentary entry to Flower Dome and Cloud Forest for beneficiaries.

In addition, visitors can appreciate gold-plated orchid pieces from RISIS, authentic and intricate Peranakan attire such as kebayas and beaded slippers contributed by designer Raymond Wong from Rumah Kim Choo, as well as traditional furniture and other cultural artefacts from the collection of the Peranakan Museum, on loan from the National Heritage Board. 

Orchid Extravaganza is supported by Bloomberg and will run until Aug 31.

As part of SG60 celebrations, there is complimentary entry to the Peranakan Museum for Flower Dome ticket holders for a limited time, as well as a social media contest where the prize is a gold orchid brooch from RISIS. Please refer to the Annex for more information.

Come evening, the mesmerising experience of SPARK played out at the Supertree Grove Lawn – the first of four nights until Aug 3 where thousands of floating biodegradable light sparks will light up the night sky. This free light installation is by internationally renowned Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde, and is a reimagination of fireworks inspired by the fleeting beauty of fireflies.

This is the first time SPARK is showing in Southeast Asia. This special presentation at Gardens by the Bay commemorates SG60 by bringing the community together to enjoy a communal experience. It was made possible by the support of GIC and community partner Tote Board.

SPARK is jointly organised with IMBA, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Singapore. This year is also the 60th year of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Netherlands.

Since its debut in 2022, SPARK has travelled to cities around the world, including London, Melbourne, Tokyo, and Riyadh. The immersive installation, which took Studio Roosegaarde over two years to develop, is customised for every city it visits. For Singapore, the weight, flight patterns, and choreography of the light sparks were specially adapted to suit the tropical climate. Rising and falling on natural air currents, the biodegradable light sparks create a one-of-a-kind, ever-changing show each night.

The other programmes in the August lineup of SG60 events at Gardens by the Bay are the annual Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert on Aug 3, and NDP 2025 Bay Celebrations @ Gardens by the Bay on Aug 9.

The annual Gardens by the Bay and MediaCorp National Day Concert returns with the theme Ties that Bloom, celebrating the bonds of nationhood, community, family and friendship – the ties that make us Singaporean. Audiences can look forward to free performances by some of Singapore’s most iconic artistes, including Kit Chan, Taufik Batisah, Hady Mirza and Charlie Lim. Adding a special touch to the evening are performances by local family duos: JJ Neo and her mother Lucy Neo; Rahimah Rahim, her sister Rozie Rahim and granddaughter Alyaa; siblings Tay Kewei and Tay Kexin; and husband-and-wife duo Mark Sara and Annetha Ayyavoo – shining a spotlight on the enduring bonds of family.

The Purple Symphony (TPS) – Singapore’s largest inclusive orchestra of musicians with and without disabilities – will bring audiences a heartfelt medley of familiar local tunes, blending Eastern and Western instruments in a moving tribute to Singapore’s 60th birthday. 

For the first time this year, National Day Parade celebrations will extend to the Marina Bay area, with Gardens by the Bay serving as one of five satellite sites where the public can gather to catch a live telecast of the Parade. There will also be live performances accompanying the telecast.

Orchid Extravaganza 2025 Date: 1 – 31 August 2025Time: 9.00am – 9.00pmLocation: Flower Dome. Admission charge applies	SPARK  Date and time: 31 July – 2 August 2025 | 8.00pm – 10.00pm3 August 2025 | 9.00pm – 11.00pmLocation: Supertree Grove Lawn. Free
Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert Date: 3 August 2025Time: From 4.30pm for fringe activities7.30pm – 9.00pm for the concertLocation: The Meadow. Free	NDP 2025 Bay Celebrations @ Gardens by the Bay Date: 9 August 2025Time: 4.15pm – 9.00pmLocation: The Meadow. Free