The Art of the Brick

I have never really been a museum-type of person, and "arts" is a word you would not associate me with. Half a day at Musée du Louvre was more than enough for me while people who appreciate the artworks and sculptures find a day insufficient to cover the huge grounds. The historic monument is after all one of the world's largest museum and a central landmark of Paris, France. As photography was allowed, I kept myself busy snapping away as my travel companions happily took in as much as they could see within what little time we had. Did not understand why photography is allowed at some museums and not others, whether or not an entrance fee is charged, and especially when internationally renowned works and exhibitions are brought in from overseas. How do museums cover costs and ensure sustainability when there is no longer any incentive to visit after seeing the photographs taken there? Except, maybe, to experience it yourself and have your own perspectives.

In any case, I decided to wait 'til the end of The Art of the Brick at ArtScience Museum today. Visited both that and Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb, where secrets of the mysterious Egyptian burial practices and mummification process are revealed through temple priest Nesperennub. Layout of the latter, in collaboration with The British Museum, is such that visitors watch a 3D film prior to seeing the artefacts which I found repetitive. Photography is not allowed, no different from Harry Potter: The Exhibition last year and unlike The Art of the Brick with LEGO® bricks as its sole art medium. Through New York-based artist Nathan Sawaya's creativity and imagination, the toy he has played with since young is elevated to the realm of art. See pictures of awe-inspiring and thought-provoking sculptures transformed from LEGO® bricks such as iconic Yellow, 6-meter long T-rex dinosaur skeleton and ArtScience Museum – unveiled for the first time.

Whether you are a museum-goer or an arts-lover, you would have rejoiced when Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong announced in Parliament during this year's Committee of Supply for the arts and heritage sector that Singaporeans and permanent residents get free entry to National Heritage Board's museums and heritage institutions from 18 May. For those who just want an air-conditioned respite from the scorching sun outside or activities for the kids with school holidays round the corner, why not consider the National Museum of Singapore where Chef Chan's Restaurant and Food for Thought (where Novus Café used to be) are located? Also in the area are Singapore Philatelic Museum, Singapore Art Museum and SAM at 8Q. And if you are hungry at the latter, look no further than Standing Sushi Bar opposite Food for Thought, which is closed in May for a month-long reboot and will re-open as a burger shack/pop-up museum in June.