Treasured dwelling for the birds Exhibition

Exhibition Details

Title: Treasured dwelling for the birds

Dates:
8 Nov 2025 - 11 Jan 2026
Location: HortPark, Singapore
Admission: Free

This exhibition invites visitors to explore the vibrant world of Singapore’s birds through the eyes of wildlife artist Thong Chow Ngian.

Arts@HortPark

The Arts@HortPark initiative is a collaboration between the National Arts Council (NAC) and HortPark, aiming to activate community spaces through arts and culture initiatives. As part of NAC’s Arts and Cultural Nodes Network, HortPark seamlessly integrates art and nature, providing a captivating platform for local artists to exhibit their works amidst the lush greenery. This unique fusion creates a serene and inspiring environment for visitors to appreciate and engage with art in a natural setting. The programme is dedicated to promoting the appreciation of art and nature, while also serving as a platform for local artists to showcase their creativity. 

About the Exhibition
As a longtime artist and nature enthusiast, Thong Chow Ngian has witnessed Singapore’s transformation from a Garden City to a City in Nature. Since the greening initiatives began in 1963, the variety of birds sighted in Singapore has risen from over 300 species in 2013 to more than 400 in 2025*. Expanding ecological corridors and planting more trees have brought once-rare species back to the city, including Oriental Pied Hornbills (Anthracoceros albirostris), Green Broadbills (Calyptomena viridis), and Black-thighed Falconets (Microhierax fringillarius). Singapore is also a refuge for the highly endangered Straw-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus), which faces rampant poaching in neighbouring countries.

About the Artist
Thong Chow Ngian is a Singaporean wildlife artist renowned for his realistic acrylic paintings of birds. He discovered his love for drawing and painting as a youngster, with animals as his main inspiration. The William Farquhar Collection at the National Museum of Singapore influenced his artistic direction, inspiring contemporary depictions of local birds.

* Information from The Singapore Bird list and Singapore listing by Bird Society of Singapore, 20 Jan 2025