Although it’s a fairly small gallery, the spectrum of design is large and varied; everything from advertising posters, packaging, computers to household appliances. The museum really stands out like a bright tomato-red building to the west of Singapore’s Chinatown. The concept started in 1955, when awards were first given out for product design. Given that Asia is such a hub for creativity and design with so many growing markets, it made sense to also host a permanent exhibition here. There are only two in the world; the other is in Essen, Germany.
The items at Red Dot Design Museum range from the obvious to the absurd, but that is part of the fun. There are objects designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities: pregnancy tests for blind people, elevated bath tubs and special taps for those with only one arm. Not all of the items are on show due to the lack of space, but there are plenty of interactive displays. With the rise of ‘green living’, the environmental award has become very popular and includes Herbow – a small tray that allows people to grow vegetables on a window shelter. With over twenty categories that are plenty of fun objects too, a crib shaped like a mother’s womb that replicates the sounds the baby would hear inside before birth, and shoes suitable for both hot and rainy weather. They look a bit ridiculous but would be very handy in Singapore.
As well as the museum itself, there is also a map for a walking tour around Singapore’s design hotspots, including shops and innovations around the city. The best time to visit is during MAAD (Market of Artists and Designers) which happens on the evening of the first or second Friday of every month. Not only is entry free but you can also explore the MAAD artist and design stalls. If you feel that your life is lacking that ideal gadget after visiting the gallery then be sure to check out the shop on the ground floor, where you will find plenty of quirky and useful objects for sale.
If you love good design, you will feel right at home here in this contemporary design museum, which is housed in a striking red heritage building in downtown Singapore. Step in here and find more than 1,000 product or communication design exhibits from over 55 countries, all of which have won the prestigious international red dot design award, one of the world’s leading design competitions. While there, pick up a copy of The Design Journey, a comprehensive guide to the interesting places in the vicinity, such as shops and boutique hotels, that showcase noteworthy design. And also check out the monthly Friday night flea market at the museum called MAAD, or Market of Artists And Designers.
You can find unique and quirky creations ranging from fashion, plush toys, art, crafts and accessories to literature, photography, furniture and even food. Local bands and musicians will also stage live performances on market nights. Red Dot Museum is the first contemporary design museum in Asia and is housed in the former Singapore Traffic Police Headquarters, a colonial-era building. It was converted in 2005 into a creative hub known as Red Dot Traffic, whose facade was then painted in its now signature red hue. Besides the Red Dot Design Museum, the Red Dot Traffic building also houses food and beverage outlets, creative agencies and a bar. The building was given conservation status by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in 2007.
Starting 1 April 2017, the Red Dot Design Museum will be closed due to refurbishment works on the Red Dot Traffic Building. For more updated information, visit their official website.
Ground Floor, 28 Maxwell Road, Singapore
Red Dot Traffic Building
+65 6534 7194
11.00 - 18.00
Saturday, Sunday 11.00 - 20.00
www.museum.red-dot.sg