Gardens by the Bay has transformed its Flower Dome into an ancient Egyptian garden for Lilytopia, the venue’s first floral exhibition inspired by the land of the pharaohs. Running through September 27, 2026, the showcase features more than 7,000 lilies across 46 species and varieties, alongside temple-inspired architecture, towering deity statues, and plants that once played a role in everyday Egyptian life.
At the heart of the display lies a recreated formal Egyptian garden, traditionally designed as a walled, rectangular space with a central pool. Lilytopia’s pond takes its cue from the Nile River, whose waters sustained agriculture, communities, and green spaces against Egypt’s otherwise arid landscape. Floating within it is the rarely seen Egyptian blue waterlily (Nymphaea caerulea) , which closes at night and reopens with the morning sun—a cycle that made it an ancient symbol of creation and rebirth.
Beyond the aquatic centerpiece, more than 40 varieties of garden lilies bring both color and fragrance to the exhibition. Notable debut cultivars include Lilium ‘Tiny Massive’, a compact Asiatic lily with yellow petals and dark centers; Lilium ‘Tropical Dragon’, featuring narrow, curled lime-green petals streaked and edged in vivid pink; and Lilium ‘White Triumph’, prized for its large white blooms and elegant fragrance.
Two giant waterlilies are also making their first appearance in a Flower Dome floral display: Victoria amazonica and Victoria cruziana. Native to South America and among the largest members of the waterlily family, both were grown from seed by Gardens by the Bay’s research team over the past year and a half.
Egyptian monument-inspired installations anchor the exhibition. A 4.5-meter-tall façade modeled after the Great Temple of Abu Simbel recreates its four colossal seated statues of King Ramesses II, who commissioned the rock-cut temple around 1264 BC. Towering figures of Egyptian deities are scattered throughout the garden, including Hathor, goddess of music, joy, and motherhood; Ra, the sun god; and Thoth, associated with the moon, wisdom, and writing.
For early visitors, a botanical bonus awaits: From August 21 to 25, guests can take home a complimentary air plant, limited to one per person while stocks last.
Lilytopia runs at Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, through September 27, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Standard Flower Dome admission applies.
The exhibition highlights how ancient Egyptian culture intertwined nature with spirituality, offering modern visitors a lush, immersive lesson in history—and a reminder that floral displays can bridge millennia. For those inspired to explore further, Singapore’s horticultural scene continues to expand with seasonal showcases and pop-ups that blend art, science, and travel.