Update June 2020: Alive Museum has closed.

Us Singaporeans love taking selfies, but we love taking selfies in themed locations even more. Just look at the number of people queuing for a snap with a cutesy mascot and some snazzy props at any event or theme park! 😀

Making snap-happy visitors even happier, Korea’s hugely popular Alive Museum has transplanted itself to the heart of Singapore (Suntec City, to be precise) with a “specialty” in local-themed installations.

Judging by the explosion of Alive Museum related blog posts, Instagram snaps and Facebook albums, it’s no wonder that this 3D illusory attraction is quickly becoming one of our must-dos in Singapore. So before you check it out with your camera in tow, here are 7 ways to make the most of your visit:

1. When to Go

You’re talking about the hottest attraction in town, with locals and tourists streaming in by the dozens. You definitely want to pose with most, if not all of over 80 handcrafted installations.

And even though it is Singapore’s largest collection of 3D works, trust me, do not go during the peak hours, i.e. the weekend. Jostling with crowds of other visitors, in a place as spacious as say, a wet market on any given morning is less than enticing. Even less so than the possibility of getting photobombed by a stray leg.

We went on a Thursday evening, which gave us ample time and space to explore all digital and trick art pieces. Even so, it got a wee bit tight in some zones, and this is when about a handful of us were in one area at any given time. We spent close to 2 hours getting lost among the exhibits, so trust me on this one: go during the off-peak hours if you want to maximise your time for all it’s worth.

2. Go Light 

Half your time will be spent gallivanting about the museum’s various zones, and the other half getting into position for that perfect picture. Getting encumbered by heavy handbags and is the last thing you’d wanna do. Just you, your camera and – not forgetting – extra batteries or portable chargers. 😀

Dressing up is a good idea, too, but try to avoid cumbersome heels and short skirts, because you’re gonna need a helluva twisting and turning, not to mention a couple hours and more of walking and standing. I made the mistake of wearing my favourite heels and my feet hurt more than anything when I was done.

Other illusions work best with a hoodie, so pack that in and you’re good to go! 😉

3. Bring a Friend! 

Or two. Or three. This is not the place where you casually stick out your phone or camera and hope for the best. With most illusions requiring a little strategic positioning and distance between yourself and the camera, having someone else take your picture is key.

There are no staff members inside the museum itself, so save yourself the hassle of tapping on a stranger’s shoulder and grab your best buddies along for the ride. Hey, some things are best shared with your favourite people! 😉

And did I also mention that some exhibits are made for two? 😛

4. Follow the Lead 

Fret not about not knowing where to stand to get that angle just right; the snazzy pink arrows on the ground are here to help. Step on it and be wowed by the illusion before you! 😀

Oh, and if one of the exhibits bears a sign that says PG 13, take their word for it, it is meant for visitors 13 years old and above. And perhaps those with a brave soul. (You have been warned)

5. Geek Out! 

Its main draw may be the photo ops, but beneath all the cutesy and mind-boggling illusions is a geek fest. Dotted around the space are several exhibitions based on actual, classic optical illusions, like the Hollow Face Illusion (pictured below) and the Ames Room, to name a few. Have a ball of a time trying to figure out how they work while waiting in line for your next photo. 😀

And speaking of photos, don’t forget to check out how they’re made before you rush right in! 😉

6. Get Creative

Because why have the same photo as everyone else when you can inject your own dose of quirk? 😛

We can, however, allow one or two clichés 😛

7. Take ALL the Freebies!  

With tickets priced at $25 per adult (13 years and up), and $20 per child (3-12 years old), you definitely want to make the most of your visit to Alive Museum, and I’m not talking about multiple poses for each exhibit.

From now till 30 Sept, a full-priced ticket to Alive Museum and a Like on Facebook gets you a complimentary meal at Suntec City’s Burger King (worth $7.85). It’s just right next door to the museum, so free food, why not, really? 😀

Click here to read more about the promo.

Overall, Geraldine and I had an awesome time at Alive Museum, thanks to the OMY Blog Club for scoring us free tickets!

It’s an intriguing exhibition if you haven’t been to the one in Korea. I just wish that there were more staff inside to lend us a hand instead of congregating outside; parents with young ones would definitely benefit from a holding area for their strollers, as a couple were seen grappling with ’em bulky items in the narrow corridor.

It was also a shame that some of the major exhibits, which we were really looking forward to, were closed for maintenance. Still, with the team working round the year to introduce new exhibits and illusions, I’ve no doubts that Alive Museum is here to stay. 😀

Website/ Facebook: http://alivemuseum.sg/ / https://www.facebook.com/alivemuseumsingapore

Address: Suntec City Mall 03-372 (between Towers 3 & 4); accessible via Promenade MRT

Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm daily (last admission at 9pm)

chueonit.