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There is something instantly nostalgic about stepping into a space filled with familiar Sesame Street characters. But at Sesame Street Magical Art World Chapter 2, the experience goes beyond spotting Elmo or Cookie Monster. The characters many of us grew up with have been reimagined through contemporary art, sensory installations and interactive spaces designed for both children and adults.
I recently had a first look at the exhibition during the media preview at Marina Square. I was there by myself because my daughter was away at school, and almost immediately I found myself thinking about how much she would enjoy exploring it. There are colourful rooms to wander through, things to touch and play with, plenty of photo opportunities and, of course, Sesame Street characters everywhere. I already know I will have to come back and experience it all over again with her.
Running from 1 October to 31 December 2026, Sesame Street Magical Art World Chapter 2 follows the first edition, which was held in June. This time, Marina Square and COEXIST Culture have brought together a new group of international artists, each interpreting the Sesame Street universe through their own distinctive visual language.
Sesame Street, but through a contemporary art lens
What makes this exhibition interesting is that it does not treat Sesame Street simply as a children’s franchise. Throughout the space, familiar characters appear in completely different artistic styles, materials, colours and forms. The intention is to explore Sesame Street’s wider themes of friendship, connection and coexistence while giving visitors a chance to encounter the characters through contemporary art.
The line-up at Sesame Street Magical Art World Chapter 2 includes artists from different countries and creative disciplines, among them Rori Hee, Geoffrey Bouillot, Arkiv Vilmansa, Sabek, Sol Felpeto, Super Future Kid, Tatsuhito Horikoshi, Timothy Gatenby, VAGAB, Xizi Liu and Yuya Hashizume. Their practices span everything from graffiti and street art to illustration, painting, pop culture-inspired work and experimental contemporary art.
For adults, particularly those who grew up watching Sesame Street, that gives the exhibition another layer. There is the nostalgia of seeing the characters again, but also the fun of seeing how different artists have interpreted them.
Sesame Street Magical Art World Chapter 2 e is designed to be explored, not just looked at
The main exhibition occupies Marina Square Level 3, units #03-153 to 155, and has been designed as a multi-sensory environment where visitors are encouraged to see, touch, explore and interact rather than simply walk past artworks on a wall. Several of the spaces are particularly geared towards children and families.
Reflections of Neon places visitors inside a darker room illuminated by neon lights, complete with a full-length mirror and playful pop-up words for photographs. Floral Fantasy takes a completely different direction, with bright pink walls and an oversized flower installation surrounding works by Korean artist Rori Hee.
Then there is Colourful Shadow Play, where coloured lights transform your shadow into different hues as you move around, and Pipe Beats, an interactive sound installation where visitors can play xylophones and listen to different sounds through pipe openings. The latter also incorporates Geoffrey Bouillot’s pipe-inspired interpretations of Sesame Street characters.
For children who prefer making something themselves, Doodle Wonderland lets visitors pick up chalk and add their own colouring and doodles to a Sesame Street-inspired wall. It is probably one of the areas I am most looking forward to revisiting with my daughter because it turns the exhibition into something children can actively participate in rather than simply observe.
There is also an Infinity Lens area with fisheye mirrors, a gallery showcasing works by the participating artists and a finale experience featuring videos about the artists, their creative journeys and their Sesame Street-inspired pieces. Merchandise featuring selected artworks is available too.
Do not miss the giant Cookie Monster
The Sesame Street Magical Art World Chapter 2 exhibition does not end once you leave the gallery. Visitors can also hunt around Marina Square for a series of large-scale Sesame Street inflatables, including Count von Count, Elmo and Bert. The most difficult one to miss is the seven-metre Cookie Monster at the Level 3 Rooftop Garden overlooking The Esplanade. Count von Count can be found at the Linkbridge Atrium, Elmo is positioned in front of Encik Tan and Bert is located in front of Daily & Co.
For families, turning the inflatable hunt into another activity after visiting the exhibition could easily extend the outing beyond the 30-minute gallery session.
There is an activity booklet and limited-edition sticker too
Visitors can pick up an activity booklet before entering the exhibition. Complete it and you can redeem a limited-edition artist-designed sticker, while stocks last. Between the booklet, interactive rooms and giant characters around the mall, there is enough variety to keep younger visitors involved rather than expecting them to quietly work their way through a conventional art exhibition.
And having seen the exhibition on my own first, I think that is precisely where its appeal lies. It introduces children to different artistic styles without making the experience feel overly serious or instructional.
How to visit Sesame Street Magical Art World Chapter 2
Admission works through a spend-and-redeem system. Visitors can redeem one 30-minute Admission Pass with a minimum spend of S$20 from Monday to Thursday or S$30 from Friday to Sunday, using up to two combined same-day receipts. Each pass admits up to two people, with a maximum of two pass redemptions per visitor per day. Redemptions are on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are 11 sessions each day, at: 12.30pm, 1.15pm, 2pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm, 4.15pm, 5pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 7.15pm and 8pm.
All sessions are subject to availability.
Marina Square Rewards Members also have another limited-time redemption. From 1 October to 8 November 2026, members who spend at least S$100 using up to three combined same-day receipts can redeem an artist-designed thermal flask, while stocks last. Membership can be registered through the Marina Square App.
Sesame Street Magical Art World Chapter 2
Where:Marina Square, #03-153 to 155
When:1 October to 31 December 2026
Admission:Redeem a 30-minute pass with S$20 minimum spend on weekdays or S$30 from Friday to Sunday
Each pass:Admits up to two visitors
Sessions:11 daily slots from 12.30pm to 8pm, subject to availability
My media preview visit gave me a good first look at the exhibition, but this feels like one of those experiences that changes completely when you see it through a child’s eyes. I enjoyed exploring the artwork, installations and playful details on my own, but I already know I will be returning. Next time, my little Sesame Street fan is coming with me.
Find out more at https://www.marinasquare.com.sg/articles/article-ulam2vmr
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