Elmo, Bert, and Count von Count have taken an unexpected detour into the world of fine art. Following its opening chapter earlier this summer, Marina Square Singapore has announced the arrival of Sesame Street Magical Art World Chapter 2, running from 1 October to 31 December 2026. Developed alongside cultural platform COEXIST and Sesame Workshop, the initiative translates the half-century-old children’s television franchise into an inventive, tactile exhibition steered by international contemporary artists.
Rather than relying purely on television nostalgia, the show re-examines the franchise’s core themes of kindness, diversity, and connection through distinct visual lenses ranging from Tokyo-inspired deconstructivism to classical parody.
Gargantuan Inflatables and Public Art
Before visitors even step inside the gallery spaces, the exhibition makes its presence felt throughout the shopping centre. Four large-scale inflatable sculptures have been placed across different levels, turning a routine retail trip into a character scavenger hunt:
- Cookie Monster: A towering seven-metre inflatable perched on the Level 3 Rooftop Garden, looking out over The Esplanade.
- Count von Count: Reinterpreted by Spanish contemporary artist Edgar Plans, located at the Linkbridge Atrium.
- Bert: Also conceived in Edgar Plans’ signature whimsical style, situated outside Daily & Co.
- Elmo: Reimagined with pop-graphic flair by Japanese illustrator Jun Oson, greeting shoppers outside Encik Tan.
Inside the Multi-Sensory Chambers
The heart of the exhibition occupies units #03-153 to 155 on Level 3, curated into themed, hands-on environments that move away from the hushed solemnity of conventional galleries.
In Floral Fantasy, South Korean painter Rori Hee covers the walls in electric pinks and oversized botanical sculptures. Hee, who turned back to fine art after a decade in digital animation and a successful battle with cancer, pairs her fluorescent palette with stylised, wide-eyed figures that evoke resilience and child-like wonder.
Nearby, French artist Geoffrey Bouillot takes over Pipe Beats. Bouillot, who lives in Tokyo and pulls inspiration from Cubism and mechanical motifs, integrates functional xylophones and acoustic pipe openings into his installation, letting visitors create their own soundscapes alongside his deconstructed character paintings.
Other rooms lean into visual trickery and physical participation. Colourful Shadow Play uses multi-hued light beams to cast polychromatic silhouettes against blank walls, while Reflections of Neon andInfinity Lens deploy darkened rooms, script lighting, and fisheye mirrors designed for selfie-takers. Guests looking to leave a mark can stop by Doodle Wonderland, a communal chalkboard space set up for spontaneous sketching.
The walk-through winds down at the Painting Gallery and a dedicated screening space, showcasing works and studio insights from an eclectic roster including London’s Timothy Gatenby, East German-born artist Super Future Kid, Indonesian painter Arkiv Vilmansa, and Tokyo’s Yuya Hashizume.
Visitor Details and Ticketing
Access to the 30-minute exhibition sessions works on a shopper redemption model rather than standard museum ticketing.
- Admission Passes: Visitors can redeem one pass (admitting two people) by presenting same-day receipts totalling $20 on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) or $30 on weekends (Friday to Sunday) at booth #03-153. Redemptions are capped at two passes per visitor daily, with 11 entry slots running between 12:30 pm and 8:00 pm.
- Extras: Guests receive an activity booklet upon entry, redeemable for a limited-edition artist sticker upon completion.
- Marina Square Rewards: Members who spend at least $100 across up to three same-day receipts between 1 October and 8 November 2026 can claim an artist-designed thermal flask featuring artwork by either Rori Hee or Super Future Kid.
For families and design enthusiasts looking ahead, the organisers have already confirmed that the series will continue into the new year, with Chapter 3 scheduled to open on 8 January 2027.