Singapore’s Asian Civilisations Museum is opening its doors to one of China’s most celebrated cultural sites, the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang. From 25 September, visitors can step into replicas of the UNESCO World Heritage grottoes, experiencing monumental sculptures and murals that have captivated historians for centuries.
The exhibition, Sacred Caves: Dunhuang, Buddhism, And The Silk Road, is the largest showcase of Dunhuang artefacts ever staged in South‑east Asia. It features four full replica caves, 22 paintings and 47 original objects, alongside a striking 13‑metre reclining Buddha assembled inside the museum foyer.
The Mogao Caves, carved into cliffs on the edge of the Gobi Desert, contain more than 500 chambers created between the fourth and 14th centuries. Often described as China’s answer to the Sistine Chapel, they reflect a fusion of influences from India, Central Asia, Greece and beyond, revealing the cosmopolitan spirit of the Silk Road.
Curator Louise Lui noted the parallels between ancient Dunhuang and Singapore, both shaped by trade and cultural exchange. “Even though ancient Dunhuang and contemporary Singapore are very far apart in time and space, they share many traits,” she said.
The ACM exhibition also highlights secular artefacts, from coins and customs permits to calligraphy practice sheets, underscoring how everyday life intertwined with spiritual devotion. Replicas created by Dunhuang Academy artists capture even the fading colours of the originals, offering rare access to works normally restricted in China.
Running until 7 March, the show is both a cultural spectacle and a reminder of the fragility of heritage. As Dunhuang Academy races to digitise the caves, the ACM’s exhibition allows Singapore audiences to glimpse treasures that embody centuries of human imagination, devotion and cross‑cultural exchange.
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