Singapore’s museum scene is getting a stylish new addition this April and it comes in the form of wearable art.
For the first time in Singapore, UNIQLO is partnering with the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) for a museum pop-up experience that blends fashion, heritage and contemporary creativity. Running from 10 April, the collaboration transforms ACM’s lobby into a vibrant showcase of UT graphic T-shirts, local artistry and interactive cultural experiences.
The initiative is part of UNIQLO’s long-running “Art for All” philosophy, which seeks to make art more accessible through everyday clothing and collaborations with cultural institutions around the world. Over the years, the Japanese retailer has worked with globally renowned institutions such as the Louvre, Tate Modern and MoMA.
Now, the spotlight turns to Singapore’s own cultural heritage.
At the heart of the collaboration is the new UNIQLO x ACM UTme! Collection, launching on 10 April. The collection reimagines historical objects from ACM’s galleries through the eyes of local artists, transforming centuries-old artefacts into contemporary graphic T-shirts.
The line-up features works by Singapore-based creatives including Knuckles & Notch, Gabriel De Souza (better known as wolfsloth), SONG, HAFI and Nikkei. Each artist drew inspiration from objects housed within ACM – from ancient ceramics and maritime trade artefacts to ritual ornaments and decorative objects – translating them into bold, wearable designs that feel youthful, playful and unmistakably modern.
One standout design by Knuckles & Notch references objects from ACM’s Maritime Trade Gallery, including a candelabra and an elephant-shaped hookah base, while visual artist SONG injects tropical vibrancy into motifs inspired by South Asian and Southeast Asian decorative arts. Meanwhile, illustrator HAFI explores themes of identity and ancestral memory through designs inspired by Chinese ceramics.
The result is a collection that feels less like merchandise and more like a conversation between history and contemporary Singaporean creativity.
Beyond the exclusive ACM collaboration, visitors can also browse other UT collections featured at the pop-up, including the NY POP ART UT range showcasing iconic works by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, as well as the PEACE FOR ALL initiative and the Ukiyo-e Blue collection inspired by traditional Japanese prints.
But the experience extends far beyond shopping.
The launch coincides with ACM’s “Crossing Cultures: A Weekend of Curiosities”, happening from 10 to 12 April, where the museum grounds will come alive with performances, workshops, outdoor film screenings and hands-on craft activities.
Visitors can try their hand at printmaking workshops with creative studio Knuckles & Notch, catch live performances on the ACM Green, or enjoy silent cinema screenings under the stars. Film highlights include Perfect Days by Wim Wenders and Linda Linda Linda by Nobuhiro Yamashita.
There will also be a lifestyle and creative marketplace experience curated by Santai, alongside architectural film screenings and panel discussions exploring the intersection of culture, art and urban identity.
For UNIQLO, the collaboration reflects a growing focus on integrating culture into daily life.
“The concept of Art for All has long been a core part of the UNIQLO LifeWear philosophy,” said Daisuke Hamada, Chief Finance Officer, UNIQLO Singapore & ASEAN Region, in the release. “We’re delighted to take our commitment a step further in Singapore with our first-ever pop-up designed to spotlight ACM’s rich heritage and local artists.”
ACM Director Clement Onn echoed the sentiment, describing the partnership as a fresh way of reinterpreting historical works through contemporary design and creative practice.
In many ways, the collaboration feels perfectly timed. As fashion increasingly intersects with art, identity and storytelling, UNIQLO’s ACM pop-up offers a reminder that museums need not feel distant or intimidating. Sometimes, culture can simply be something you wear.
The UNIQLO x ACM UTme! Collection will be available at selected UTme! stores including Orchard Central Global Flagship Store, ION Orchard, VivoCity and Jewel Changi Airport.
