Before Netflix and TikTok changed the way we watched television, families across Singapore would gather every night to catch the latest Channel 8 drama. Those shared viewing moments helped turn local Chinese dramas into a big part of growing up for many Singaporeans.
Singapore TV: From Local to Global, a free exhibition presented by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Mediacorp, hopes to bring back those memories.
Running from 9 July 2026 to 26 January 2027, the Singapore TV exhibition traces more than six decades of local television history. Visitors can explore original costumes, recreated drama sets, handwritten scripts, vintage magazines and interactive experiences. They can even dub a television scene and discover how local productions grew from humble beginnings into internationally recognised stories.
Take a quick look inside the exhibition before you visit:
Travel Through More Than 60 Years Of Singapore Television
The exhibition is divided into five chronological zones. Together, they trace the evolution of Singapore Chinese television from its early beginnings to today’s digital productions.
The journey begins with the launch of television broadcasting in Singapore in 1963. It then moves through the hit dramas of the 1980s and 1990s. Along the way, visitors will find vintage TV magazines, iconic props, original scripts and interactive exhibits.
One highlight is the chance to step inside recreated sets from The Golden Pillow, The Unbeatables and The Return of the Condor Heroes. These dramas were once among Singapore’s biggest television hits, making the sets some of the exhibition’s most nostalgic photo spots.
Images from Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
See 12 Original Costumes From Iconic Period Dramas
This section features 12 original costumes from classic productions such as The Return of the Condor Heroes and The Legend of Ji-Gong. Displayed up close, the costumes reveal the craftsmanship behind some of Singapore’s most memorable period dramas.
In addition, visitors can see a collection of Star Awards trophies from different eras. The display shows how the local television industry has celebrated its biggest stars over the years.
Images from Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
You Can Also Try Voice Dubbing
Ever wondered what it feels like to voice a television drama? One interactive station lets visitors dub a scene from Good Morning, Sir!.
The same gallery explores the early years of Singapore Chinese television. Visitors can browse vintage TV magazines and learn how Star Search launched local acting careers. There is also a photo backdrop inspired by The Awakening, one of Singapore’s most iconic early dramas.
Viewing Habits Have Changed, And So Have Local Dramas
As technology evolved, so did the way Singaporeans watched television and the stories being told on screen.
While the 1990s and early 2000s were known for blockbuster period dramas and family series, later productions increasingly partnered with government agencies to raise awareness of social issues and public services. Popular examples include You Can Be An Angel, which highlighted the healthcare profession, and C.L.I.F., inspired by the work of the Singapore Police Force.
The exhibition’s final zone then fast-forwards to today’s mobile-first era, where audiences are consuming bite-sized vertical micro dramas designed specifically for smartphones. An installation featuring television sets from different generations illustrates just how dramatically viewing habits have changed over the decades.
Before leaving, visitors can also cast their votes on an interactive wall, sharing the genres and stories they hope to see in future Singapore productions.
