Light to Night 2025: Singapore’s Civic District Transforms After Dark

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The ninth edition of the Light to Night Festival has been illuminating Singapore’s Civic District since 17 January and will continue its magical display until 6 February 2025. This nocturnal celebration of art, culture, and creativity has already captivated thousands of visitors in its first week, with many more expected to attend the remaining festival weekends.

Spectacular Art Skins on Monuments

As darkness descends each evening, the Civic District springs to life with seven distinct projection artworks that transform the district’s historic facades. These mesmerising displays begin at 8 PM nightly, turning Singapore’s architectural heritage into dynamic canvases of light and storytelling. Each projection has been carefully curated to complement the buildings’ unique architectural features while presenting innovative artistic narratives.

Festival Schedule and Timings

Weekend Festivities

The festival operates on an enhanced schedule during three special weekend periods:

  • First Weekend: 17–19 January
  • Second Weekend: 24–26 January
  • Final Weekend: 31 January–2 February

During these festival weekends, visitors can enjoy extended hours from 10 AM until midnight, with exhibition spaces remaining open until 11 PM. These weekends offer free admission to all exhibitions, making art accessible to everyone.

Weekday Programming

On weekdays (Monday through Thursday), the festival maintains regular operating hours from 10 AM to 7 PM, with special light projections continuing after dark. This dual scheduling ensures both daytime and evening visitors can experience different aspects of the festival.

Festival Street Experience

St Andrew’s Road has been transformed into a vibrant Festival Street, offering a multisensory experience that extends beyond visual arts. The street comes alive with:

Culinary Delights

A carefully curated selection of food and beverage vendors presents diverse culinary offerings, allowing visitors to savour local and international flavours while enjoying the festival atmosphere.

Live Performances

Throughout the evening, the Festival Street pulses with live music performances, creating an engaging backdrop for the visual spectacle above. These performances range from intimate acoustic sets to more dynamic ensemble presentations.

Interactive Elements and Exhibitions

The festival extends beyond passive viewing experiences, offering numerous opportunities for visitor engagement. Multiple interactive activities are scattered throughout the festival grounds, designed to spark creativity and encourage artistic exploration. These hands-on experiences make art more accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.

Extended Gallery Access

One of the festival’s most significant offerings is the extended access to gallery exhibitions. During festival weekends, visitors can enjoy:

  • Free admission to ten different exhibitions
  • Extended viewing hours until 11 PM
  • Special evening programming
  • Access to normally restricted areas

Ticketed Special Events

While most festival activities are free, several specially curated events require tickets, including:

  • Unison: A Carnatic Odyssey at the Esplanade
  • Sun Cell performances
  • Sriwana 70: Teras. Paksi. Titik
  • Breath of the Land presentations

Featured Artists

The 2025 edition showcases an impressive roster of local and international artists, including:

  • Zacharie Kasman
  • Yang Jie
  • Priscilla Tey
  • Angel De Mc Cuttac
  • Calista Liaw
  • Palani Gandhi
  • Jeremy Boon

Each artist brings their unique perspective and artistic style to the festival, contributing to its diverse cultural tapestry.

Practical Visitor Information

Location and Access

The festival spans multiple venues throughout the Civic District, with the National Gallery Singapore serving as a central hub. All outdoor installations and projections are freely accessible to the public.

Best Viewing Times

For optimal viewing of the light projections, visitors are advised to arrive after 8 PM when the evening displays begin. The cooler evening temperatures also make for more comfortable viewing conditions.

Transportation

The festival’s central location makes it easily accessible via public transportation, with multiple MRT stations and bus stops within walking distance.

Looking Ahead

As the festival continues through early February, visitors still have ample opportunity to experience this spectacular celebration of light, art, and culture. With its combination of free and ticketed events, extended gallery hours, and diverse programming, Light to Night 2025 stands as a testament to Singapore’s commitment to making art accessible while transforming its historic district into a canvas for contemporary expression.

The festival not only illuminates Singapore’s architectural heritage but also brightens the city’s cultural landscape, offering both locals and tourists a unique perspective on the intersection of history, art, and urban space. As the remaining festival weekends approach, visitors are encouraged to plan their visits to fully experience the transformation of Singapore’s Civic District after dark.

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