It is not often that you can find an exhibition with a cave as its centrepiece. At the Asian Civilisations Museum’s latest exhibition, Sacred Caves: Dunhuang, Buddhism, and the Silk Road, there are not just one but four life-size reproductions of the Mogao Caves, each filled with art, that you can step into.
Running from 25 September 2026 to 7 March 2027, the exhibition features original paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, textiles and devotional objects.
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Located in northwest China, in the the present-day Gansu province, Dunhuang is an oasis city that once served as an important centre along the Silk Road.
Its connections between China, India and the Middle East resulted in the exchange of goods, faith and cultures, giving rise to the Mogao Caves.
Created between the 4th and 14th centuries, the Mogao Caves is a vast complex of Buddhist cave temples carved into the cliffs at the edge of the Gobi Desert.
The Sacred Caves: Dunhuang, Buddhism, and the Silk Road exhibition at Asian Civilisations Museum features life-size grotto reproductions and original works of art from the Mogao Caves for the first time in Southeast Asia.
Journeying through the Sacred Caves Exhibition
The Sacred Caves exhibition at Asian Civilisations Museum is spread over over two spaces – the first is at the foyer on the second floor of the museum while the other is at the special exhibition gallery.
However, the real start and end points are at the first floor lobby, to the left of the entrance where you can pick up a “paintbrush” at the Cave of Colours. More on this later.
Cave 158 at the Second Floor Foyer
At the top of the stairs lies the colossal reproduction of a Shakyamuni (historical) Buddha lying in nirvana, surrounded by grieving followers.
Normally, special access is required to visit this cave at Mogao and the reclining Buddha in the real cave measures 15.8 metres in length. The reproduction at Asian Civilisations Museum has been scaled down slightly.
The cave was created during the period of Tubo (Tibetan) rule of the Dunhuang.
A smaller gallery on the left of the cave provides an insightful look at how the statues in the caves were created – from wooden frames that were overlayed with mortar.
Inside the Special Exhibition Gallery
The main exhibition lies inside the Special Exhibition Gallery. It traces the story of Dunhuang from its role on the silk road to the story of the patrons who commissioned the artwork in the caves, offering glimpses into trade, devotion and everyday life.
There is even a fragment of a travel pass, the equivalent of an ancient passport, that dates back to 748.
Cave 249
This cave brings together Buddhist and Chinese mythology in a striking vision of the universe. At its centre, a colossal four-eyed, four-armed asura (a demigod) supports Mount Sumeru, the sacred mountain at the centre of Buddhist cosmology.
Around him are the Chinese gods of thunder, lightning, wind, and rain, together with the Daoist Queen Mother of the West.
This is the only cave model in the exhibition reproduced entirely by hand.
The other two cave reproductions at the exhibition are Cave 45, which centres on one of the finest Tang dynasty sculptural groups at Mogao, and Cave 3, which is distinguished by the fluid brushwork of its paintings.
Jataka of the Nine-Coloured Deer
Another highlight is a painting that illustrates the Jataka (stories of the Buddha’s past lives) of the Nine-Coloured Deer, a past incarnation of the Buddha.
Kid-Friendly Activities at the Sacred Caves Exhibition
There are a variety of interactive activities for kids (and adults) at the Sacred Caves exhibition.
Stamping Trail with a Blind Box Redemption
An interactive stamping trail with six stops can be found at the Asian Civilisations Museum, in conjunction with the exhibition. An all-access ticket required to participate in the stamping trail.
From 2 October 2026, there will also be stamping stations at the Bank of China, and Fullerton Hotel, extending the stamp rally beyond the museum.
Visitors who collect at least six stamps can redeem a blind-box apsara figurine from 2 October 2026.
Three figures hold objects from Asian Civilisations Museum’s collection, while a secret fourth figure draws on a familiar Singapore custom.
Pick up a Paintbrush and go on a Digital Trail
There is also a digital trail that invites visitors to collect the colours of Dunhuang using RFID-enabled paintbrushes. An all-access ticket required to take part in the digital trail.
Start at the Cave of Colours in the lobby where you can pick up an RFID-enabled paintbrush.
The trail then continues through the exhibition and visitors can use the paintbrush to collect “colours” at digital stations.
Returning back to the Cave of Colours at the lobby, you can use the colours collected to create a digital wallpaper and generate a portrait in Mogao cave-inspired costumes to take home.
Activity Trail Booklets
There are two activity booklets that can guide kids and families as they make their way through the exhibition.
Across the Silk Road: A Travel Journal is recommended for ages 7 to 12, while Field Notes: The Great Dunhuang Expedition is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Updated ACM & Me Art Activities
There are also brand new art activities inspired by the Sacred Caves exhibition at ACM & Me.
Dress up in Tang dynasty-inspired outfits, see the story of the Nine-Coloured Deer come to life through a zoetrope activity that animates your drawings, and more.
Apsara Photospot
In addition, outside the museum there is a six-metre inflatable apsara that makes for a great photospot.
Sacred Caves: Dunhuang, Buddhism, and the Silk Road
Sacred Caves: Dunhuang, Buddhism, and the Silk Road runs from 25 September 2026 to 7 March 2027 at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
When: 25 September 2026 to 7 March 2027
Where: Asian Civilisations Museum
Website: Sacred Caves: Dunhuang, Buddhism, and the Silk Road
