An international tea brand is revolutionizing how consumers perceive and experience the ancient beverage. Through a collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board and the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), Chagee has unveiled “Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie,” an immersive exhibition running until June 7, 2026. This multi-sensory installation blends cultural history with contemporary art, inviting visitors to engage with tea not just through taste, but through sight, sound, scent, and touch, culminating in a riverfront pop-up shop serving the brand’s signature drinks.
Engaging All Five Senses in a ‘Tea Reverie’
Moving beyond the traditional image of tea as a silent, delicate affair, the exhibition positions the daily ritual as a meditative, holistic sensory journey. Located within the ACM, the installation guides patrons through several distinct zones, each focusing on a different sense.
The experience incorporates visual art and design elements influenced by the tea manufacturing process. Highlights include a striking, calming sculptural piece whose form echoes the natural curves of freshly harvested tea leaves. An elevated aromatic zone allows visitors to explore the complex fragrances that distinguish various brews, while a display visually links historical tea vessels—found in the museum’s collection—with Chagee’s modern, minimalist takeaway cups, bridging centuries of tea culture.
Perhaps the most surprising element is the sound-based display, which captures the distinct rhythms of tea preparation—from water boiling to the gentle rustle of leaves—transforming these everyday noises into a tranquil, ambient score. These interactive, deliberate installations are designed to compel attendees to slow down, heighten their awareness, and fundamentally reconsider the role of their daily cup of tea.
Riverfront Pop-Up Offers Tasting and Collectibles
Following the contemplative museum experience, the journey continues outside to the waterfront. Chagee has temporarily taken over the Baker & Cook space, operating a pop-up store until its full return in July 2026. This area functions as a communal tasting and social hub where visitors can enjoy fan-favorite beverages, including the highly popular and aromatic Bo Ya jasmine green tea, alongside other signature offerings.
Beyond the refreshments, the pop-up features a curated selection of exclusive merchandise. Among the distinctive products, which include branded porcelain cups and scented candles formulated with Chagee tea notes, the limited-edition pony plush charm is proving to be a highly sought-after collectible. The charm, available in two colorways, subtly narrates the history of tea commerce. It pays tribute not to the current zodiac but to the horses that historically traversed ancient trade routes, carrying precious tea leaves across continents. A localized touch is evident in the charm’s design, which features subtle Merlion-inspired detailing and a miniature teapot referencing the ACM’s historic vessels.
The limited-edition pony plush charm is available as part of a bundle with a drink for $17.90 while supplies last.
Planning Your Visit
“Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie” is housed within the Asian Civilisations Museum and requires an All Access ticket for entry. For Singapore citizens and permanent residents, the ticket is priced at $12, while tourists can gain entry for $25. This collaboration underscores a broader trend in the lifestyle market: using innovative, immersive experiences to elevate everyday consumption, connecting brand identity with deep cultural and historical narratives. Visitors are advised to allocate time for both the exhibition and the adjacent pop-up to fully appreciate the blend of art, culture, and flavor.