As Singapore Art Museum (SAM) turns 30 in 2026, it marks a milestone year of redefining what a contemporary art institution can be. From its home base at Tanjong Pagar Distripark to major global platforms like the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, SAM is amplifying Southeast Asian voices while inviting the world into conversation. This anniversary year promises a dynamic mix of exhibitions, public art, touring shows, and education programmes that make contemporary art more accessible, immersive, and relevant than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just curious, SAM’s 2026 line-up offers countless ways to engage, from quiet interventions in the city to large-scale international showcases. Here are the must-see highlights to mark on your calendar. Check out their calendar of events:

[The Everyday Museum] Momentary Pulses: Art in the Central Business District

30 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2027 | CBD locations

Kicking off the year, Momentary Pulses: Art in the Central Business District transforms everyday urban spaces into subtle sites of reflection. Singapore-based artists weave works into walkways, corners, and in-between spaces—inviting you to pause, listen, and notice the rhythms of city life in new ways.

Pavilion of Singapore at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia

9 May – 22 Nov 2026 | Venice, Italy

SAM goes international with Singapore’s pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Artist Amanda Heng and curator Selene Yap present a powerful exploration of the body, memory, and care through performance and installation.Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious global art platforms, this marks Singapore’s 12th participation—bringing decades of Heng’s practice into a global spotlight.

Hiroshi Sugimoto: Form is Emptiness

29 May – 4 Oct 2026 | SAM, Tanjong Pagar Distripark

Internationally acclaimed artist Hiroshi Sugimoto makes his Southeast Asian debut with a major exhibition spanning over 50 years of work. Featuring photography, sculpture, and even fossils from his personal collection, the show is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and explores the relationship between form and emptiness. Expect a meditative, immersive experience designed by Sugimoto himself.

Maria Taniguchi: Afterimage

24 Jul – 22 Nov 2026 | SAM

This first-ever monographic exhibition in Singapore by Maria Taniguchi spotlights her iconic “brick paintings”: meticulous works built through repetition and subtle variation. Alongside these are sculptures and video works that reveal her process and ongoing exploration of time, labour, and accumulation.

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Collection Show 3.0

2 Oct 2026 – 25 Jul 2027 | SAM

SAM’s evolving collection takes centre stage in this ever-changing exhibition. With rotating works and shifting curatorial perspectives, each visit offers a fresh encounter with contemporary art from the region and beyond.

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Lost & Found

27 Nov 2026 – 4 Apr 2027 | SAM

The final chapter of this multi-phase project brings together works that explore memory, archives, and forgotten histories. Through language, oral storytelling, and historical narratives, Lost & Found reimagines the archive as a space of care—fragile, fluid, and deeply human.

Brandon Tay: Sangkalan

Apr – Oct 2026 | Regional libraries

Artist Brandon Tay creates a fictional ecosystem through sculptures, textiles, and archival materials in this touring exhibition. Presented across multiple libraries, Sangkalan unfolds like a speculative anthropology—inviting audiences to piece together the story of an imagined culture shaped by nature.

Think! Contemporary Preschool and Primary School Exhibitions

Aug – Dec 2026 | Various venues

SAM’s flagship education programme culminates in exhibitions by preschool and primary school students. These showcases highlight how young minds interpret contemporary art—offering fresh, playful, and often surprising perspectives.

Olafur Eliasson: Your Curious Journey

2026 | Manila, Philippines

After its Singapore run, Olafur Eliasson’s major survey exhibition travels to Manila. Known for immersive, sensory works, Eliasson explores perception, climate, and human experience—making this a standout international collaboration.

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Singapore Biennale 2025

Until 29 Mar 2026 | Multiple venues

Before it closes, don’t miss the Singapore Biennale 2025, which transforms everyday spaces into artistic encounters. Part of SG60 celebrations, it invites reflection on Singapore’s past, present, and possible futures.

SAM’s 30th anniversary is both celebration and statement. With exhibitions that span continents, disciplines, and generations, the museum continues to push boundaries while staying grounded in Southeast Asian perspectives. Whether you’re wandering through the CBD, exploring galleries, or encountering art in unexpected places, 2026 is shaping up to be one of SAM’s most exciting years yet.

Find out more about SAM’s upcoming programmes here