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The highly-anticipated pop-up exhibition Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) opened in Singapore on August 19.
The first MOIC held outside the U.S. boasts 14 multi-sensory installations, including a secret dark room.
Entrance
Once you're close by, it's hard to miss the bright pink building.
Visitors have to queue outside while observing safe distancing measures before they are admitted in by the guides.
Upon entering, it's best to pop by the restrooms on your right before commencing your tour that can potentially take more than an hour to finish.
The counters with the wall of celebrity ice cream names on your left marks the first part of your journey.
Come up with your own ice cream name and wear it during the tour.
Here are five highlights from the exhibition that you shouldn't miss (actually you shouldn't miss any of them if you're paying like S$40 to get in, but you know what we mean):
1. Scream's Diner
The pink American style retro diner-themed room comes complete with checkered floors and ceilings, as well as a functional juke box.
You can also pick up some ice cream at the counter.
These pink old-school telephones are not just a pretty prop for your Instagram photos—pick up the receiver and have a listen.
There's also a puzzle activity sheet, including a crossword puzzle, with colour pencils on the side table.
Flip through the jukebox catalogue, key in the digits of the song you want to listen, and hit "C" to play it (we were grooving to "Uptown Girl" ).
2. Inflatable
We used to think bouncy castles are only for kids, but it turned out to be surprisingly fun to let loose on it.
Just remember to remove your shoes and place them on the shelf first (and avoid bumping into others).
Sashay down the illuminated walkway for your TikTok and/or Instagram feed on your way to the next room.
3. Potong
With a name that translates as "cut" in Malay, many Singaporeans grew up indulging in the rectangular popsicles.
No prizes for guessing what kind of ice-cream you'll receive in this room.
Psst — keep a look out for the secret disco mirror room before you exit this room.
4. Playspace
Decked out in the same pink theme as the previous rooms, this room boasts a number of different activities.
Hop on the fruit swings (yes, the functional swings can actually hold an adult's weight) and shoot some hoops.
Spot the MOIC truck, which has two rows of seats to accommodate a group photo.
Inspired by the iconic and old-school dragon playgrounds, the unicorn slide works better as a photo op than an actual playground.
The crawl up to the top of the slide was not as glamorous as we had envisioned. The experience reminded us of the foot reflexology pebble paths around the neighbourhoods and it left us with bruises on my knees.
Those who are wearing garments with their knees covered may have an easier time, and children should be supervised when playing on the slide.
Don't forget to collect your ice cream sandwich from the ice cream stand before leaving this room.
5. Sprinkle Pool
You can't leave without dipping your toes (or entire body) into the classic MOIC sprinkle pool.
Leave your shoes by the shelves —the pool is accessible from all sides.
However, it is also quite shallow, so it's probably not a good idea to attempt to dive in for safety reasons.
Made of antimicrobial biodegradable material, the sprinkles are large and do not pose much danger as a choking hazard for smaller children.
Getting there and parking
For those who plan to go by public transport, be prepared for a nine-minute walk to and from the nearest bus stop.
There is a drop-off point in front of the main entrance for who who arrive by taxi. If your taxi stops at the pink building but you don't see the huge Museum of Ice Cream sign, just ask the driver to drive a little further ahead and you should see the main entrance and driveway on your right.
There are no public parking spaces on the museum premises for those who drive, but there is a small carpark right in front of it, as well as other carparks around Dempsey Hill where you can park your vehicle.
Admission charges
Prices are as follows:
- S$42 per person for single admission
- S$40 per person for a group of two or three
- S$38 per person for a group of four or more
An additional ticketing fee of S$4 per ticket will be applied upon check-out on their website.
Entry is free for children who are two years old and under.
Like many of you, we balked at admission charges—especially at the S$4 "ticketing fee."
However, almost every corner of the exhibition space is Insta-worthy, so those who particularly enjoy sprucing up their social media feeds *may* find the experience worth the ticket price.
Parents who are looking for ways to their kids entertained can also consider making a family trip out of it as the activities are family-friendly.
Each session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, with five ice creams stations on the way.
There is also an alfresco cafe-bar outside the exhibition space with an approximate seating capacity of 80. Click here for the menu.
Museum of Ice Cream
Address: 100 Loewen Road, Dempsey, Singapore 248837
Opening hours:
11am to 11pm, Thursdays to Sundays.
Closed from Mondays to Wednesdays.
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Top images by Karen Lui (top left) and Museum of Ice Cream (bottom left and right).
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