CHAGEE First Exhibition at Asian Civilisations Museum - Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie

A first-of-its-kind, multi-sensory tea showcase celebrating tea as a deeply human ritual

Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie is a multi-sensory tea showcase at the Asian Civilisations Museum, presented in collaboration with CHAGEE and the Singapore Tourism Board. Running from 28 January to 7 June 2026, the exhibition explores tea as a deeply human ritual shaped by centuries of craftsmanship, stories, and practices, while continuing to evolve through modern creativity.

Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie is a contemporary showcase that brings together art installations, interactive experiences and sensory storytelling to highlight the cultural significance of tea across Asia.

Designed to engage sight, scent, sound, touch, taste and thought, the showcase reflects on how tea drinking mirrors the rhythms of daily life — encouraging visitors to pause, reflect and be present.

The exhibition is part of ACM’s All Access ticket, which allows entry to all exhibitions at the museum on the day of visit.

The journey begins with a sculptural paper installation by artist Ashley Yeo, inspired by the organic form of tea leaves. The canopy-like structure creates a calm and contemplative environment, inviting visitors to slow down and ease into a mindful state — setting the tone for the experience ahead.

In this immersive zone, fragrance takes centre stage. Visitors explore aroma profiles across different tea categories, from fresh green teas and oolong to deeper, darker teas. The experience highlights how scent is released through the interaction of tea leaves with air, heat and water — often the very first way we experience tea.

This section spotlights the craftsmanship behind tea-making. Visitors will find traditional tea tools displayed alongside visuals inspired by an 18th-century painting series depicting each stage of tea production, as well as modern extraction techniques. Together, they trace tea’s journey from handcraft to innovation, emphasising the human touch behind every cup.

Tea vessels have long reflected cultural identity and design evolution. In this zone, 3D replicas of tea vessels from ACM’s collection are presented alongside contemporary CHAGEE cups, creating a dialogue between historical tea rituals and modern tea culture.

Artist Alecia Neo, in collaboration with composer Clarence Chung, presents a multimedia installation inspired by the sounds and rhythms of tea preparation. Through video and sound, the work transforms everyday gestures — pouring, brewing, serving — into a meditative, almost musical experience.

The sensory journey concludes in a riverside-inspired communal space that echoes historic tea trade routes. Flowing beyond the gallery, the experience continues at the CHAGEE Asian Civilisations Museum pop-up store by the Singapore River — a space designed for connection, conversation and shared tea moments.

Created specially for the showcase, the CHAGEE Pony Plushie Charm is available in two colourways and is exclusive to the Garden of Senses experience.

Inspired by horses that once carried tea across ancient trade routes, the design symbolises movement, exchange and connection. Thoughtful details include:

*Each customer is limited to two Pony Plushie Charm Bundles per day.

↓ Exclusive light blue plush charm: Only available to exhibition ticket holders

↓ Light brown plush charm: Available for all walk-in customers

How to Redeem the CHAGEE Pony Plushie Charm?

📅 Dates: 28 January - 7 June 2026

🕑 Opening Hours:

📍 Location: 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555 (Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore)

🎟 Ticketing Details

*The Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie ticket is part of the Asian Civilisations Museum All Access Ticket, which grants admission to all exhibitions on the same day, including The Art and Design of Asian Games.