Singapore’s iconic Singapore Botanic Gardens is commemorating a decade as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a special, free community exhibition set to conclude its run early next year. Titled Planting Memories: Singapore Botanic Gardens Through the Eyes of the Community, the exhibit offers a unique perspective on the storied history of the tropical attraction, illustrating the symbiotic relationship between plant life and Singaporean citizens. Visitors have until January 4, 2026, to immerse themselves in this retrospective celebrating the Gardens’ cultural and conservational significance.
Celebrating a Decade of World Heritage Status
The milestone of securing UNESCO status ten years ago cemented the Gardens’ place not just as a national treasure but as a globally recognized bastion of tropical botany. Marking this achievement, the Planting Memories exhibition delves beyond typical historical displays, presenting a narrative woven from the personal experiences and collective memory of the public. It serves as an intimate look at how the Gardens have fostered a sense of community and contributed to the nation’s identity over many decades.
Located primarily within the Gardens’ CDL Green Gallery and People’s Gallery spaces, the exhibition synthesizes artwork, video content, and oral histories to reveal the crucial conservation initiatives and everyday operations behind the scenes. Guests gain insight into the Gardens’ growth trajectory and its vital role in preserving horticultural heritage.
Interactive Displays Connect People and Nature
The exhibition experience is highly interactive, designed to engage visitors through multiple sensory points. One notable extension is the Gathering Roots installation, an outdoor, multi-sensory art piece positioned at the CDL Green Gallery. This display encourages listening and careful observation, inviting visitors to interact thoughtfully with the sculptural floral arrangements.
Inside, technology meets history in displays that feature personal recollections shared by community members from different eras. These stories highlight the deeply personal connections Singaporeans hold with the site. Further engagement points include:
- Pledge Station: Visitors can share their aspirations and commitments for the future preservation and development of the beloved Gardens.
- Interactive Tembusu Game: A fun, touchscreen game challenges participants to successfully cultivate a virtual Tembusu tree, the majestic species that famously graces the Singapore five-dollar note.
Maximize Your Visit to the Gardens
To ensure you don’t miss this limited-time showcase, Planting Memories is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the CDL Green Gallery and People’s Gallery, near the Gardens’ gates. Note the exception for closure on December 20, 2025.
While commemorating the decade of World Heritage status, the Gardens are also hosting other complementary attractions. Visitors should take the opportunity to visit the Singapore Herbarium, also situated within the grounds. The Herbarium is currently undertaking a groundbreaking public initiative: the live digitization of its vast, 150-year-old collection of preserved plant specimens. This pioneering showcase offers a transparent look into the meticulous work required to catalog and preserve biodiversity knowledge for future generations.
The Planting Memories exhibition offers a timely opportunity to reflect on Singapore’s natural heritage and the shared responsibility of protecting this vital green lung. As the final closing date approaches, it stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring bond between the community and one of the world’s most beautiful tropical botanic institutions.