Explore the Best of vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2025

Published on April 23, 2025 | by DSGN arcHive

From captivating visual arts to unforgettable performances, these carefully curated programmes are your ticket to the ultimate French-Singapore cultural fix this spring!

What happens when French flair meets Singaporean spirit? You get vOilah! 2025—a vibrant celebration of cross-cultural magic running from 23 April to 8 June. This year’s edition is packed with playful, imaginative experiences born from brilliant collaborations between artists and creatives from both countries. With 20 exciting programmes on the lineup, the festival puts the spotlight on the arts—from stunning visual showcases to gripping performances and cinematic gems. As Singapore’s cultural scene continues to shine, vOilah! offers the perfect stage for French-Singaporean exchanges that spark new ideas and perspectives. So mark your calendars—here’s what’s in store…

Scroll down for the full scoop or jump straight to these highlights:

vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2025

Performing Arts

1. A French Kiss in Singapore

If you’re a fan of the performing arts, this captivating musical revue is a must-see during the vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2025. The revue pays tribute to four of France’s most iconic contemporary songwriters and performers—Charles Aznavour, Serge Gainsbourg, Jacques Brel, and Charles Trenet—bringing their timeless classics to life. Immortalised in English by legends like Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, and David Bowie, these songs will take you on an unforgettable journey through love’s many twists and turns. And the best part? The show features some of Singapore’s most talented musical theatre stars, promising a truly memorable experience.

Price: From $49, refer to Sing’Theatre website. Get your tix here.
When: Until 27 April 2025
Where: SOTA Drama Theatre – 1 Zubir Said Dr, Singapore 227968

2. Carmen, by Georges Bizet

Step into the dazzling world of 1960s Singapore with a bold new take on Georges Bizet’s Carmen. Set during a time of cultural vibrancy and transformation, this fresh adaptation breathes new life into the classic tale of love, desire, and destiny. With its unforgettable score at the heart, Carmen unfolds against the rich historical backdrop of a city finding its voice. Directed by Nancy Yuen and conducted by Joshua Tan, the production brings together a stellar international cast—including talents from Singapore, the Philippines, and celebrated French vocalists. A striking revival that’s perfect for both seasoned opera lovers and curious newcomers.

More information on Singapore Lyric Opera’s website
Price: From $38 onwards
When: 7.30pm, 25 & 26 Apirl 2025
Where: 9 Empress Pl, Singapore 179556

Art & Multidisciplinary Exhibitions

3. City of Others: Asian Artists in Paris, 1920s-1940s

We had the pleasure of attending this stunning exhibition, and honestly, it’s absolutely beautiful. A proper gem for anyone interested in art and history, it shines a well-deserved spotlight on Asian artists who made their mark in Paris between the 1920s and 1940s. From the delicate brushwork of Georgette Chen to the bold expressions of Foujita Tsuguharu and Liu Kang, the exhibition captures the unique techniques and voices of each artist. It also reveals the often-overlooked Asian influences behind some of the most iconic Parisian Maisons of the time. It’s thoughtful, visually rich, and deeply moving—well worth setting aside a few hours for. A brilliant addition to this year’s cultural calendar, and truly one for the books.

Price: 15$ to 30$ per person, Get your tix here
When: Now until 17 August 2025, Daily 10am – 7pm
Where: National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957 – Level 3, Singtel Special Exhibition Galleries, City Hall Wing
Refer to NGS website for more information

4. Silent Voices

This captivating exhibition showcases the unique perspectives of three renowned French artists—Pierre Boncompain, Ziad Dalloul, and Denis Laget—who each bring a contemporary lens to the timeless art of still life painting. Through their diverse styles and approaches, the exhibition explores how still life has evolved from traditional depictions of material abundance to powerful expressions of form, emotion, and conceptual ideas. Visitors will experience how each artist redefines the genre, offering fresh interpretations that highlight the lasting relevance and emotional depth of still life in modern art. A must-visit for art lovers and anyone interested in French contemporary painting.

Free admission; Click here for more information
When: 23 April – 23 May 2025
Where: La galerie, Alliance Française de Singapour

5. Utopian Drama

Curated by Marina Oechsner de Coninck and Clémentine de Forton, this contemporary art exhibition is one not to miss. It brings together over 30 works by ten talented artists from across Europe. Through photography, painting, and sculpture, the show explores themes of environmental surrealism and abstract expression. Here, landscapes, cityscapes, and human forms melt into dreamlike scenes. Light, transparency, and shifting perspectives take centre stage. As a result, each piece invites viewers to see the world in a new way. So if you’re searching for thought-provoking contemporary art in Singapore, this exhibition is well worth a visit.

Free admission; Click here for more information
When: 2 – 16 May 2025
Where: JW Projects, 3 Kim Yam Rd, Singapore 239321

Photography

6. Two Rivers

Calling all shutterbugs and art lovers—here’s one for the books. Singaporean photographer Melisa Teo is making her Singapore debut with a truly striking exhibition, and it’s also the opening programme for vOilah! 2025. Set against the iconic Anderson Bridge, this open-air showcase features a captivating series of photographs centred on two rivers close to the artist’s heart—the Singapore River and the Seine. Through these flowing waters, Teo explores the interplay of past and present, memory and dreams, and the beautiful reminder that we’re all part of one connected story. Don’t miss the chance to experience this visual journey!

Free admission – Click here for more information
When: 23 April – 4 July 2025
Where: Anderson Bridge on Fullerton Rd (Part I) & VivoCity (Part II)

7. The Trees of Paris

Love nature and photography? Here’s an exhibition that beautifully blends both. Singaporean photographer Melisa Teo brings a fresh lens to the Parisian landscape, capturing the quiet elegance of the city’s iconic trees. With a focus on their cultural and historical significance, her work explores the deep spiritual connection between humanity and nature. By turning her gaze to the trunks and leaves that anchor Paris, Melisa invites us to pause, reflect, and rediscover the silent wisdom of the natural world in the heart of a bustling city.

Free admission; For more information, click here
When: 23 April – 31 May 2025
Where: East Garden Gallery – The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178

8. City Singapop by Nicolas Damiens

If you’re after something with a vibrant, vintage edge, this exhibition by French visual designer and photographer Nicolas Damiens is sure to captivate. Titled CITY SingaPOP, it celebrates Singapore’s iconic Chinese landmarks and other architectural gems through Damiens’ playful yet striking lens. Featuring 70 bold works, the exhibition blends heritage and modern architecture with vivid pop colours, offering a fresh, visually rich perspective on the city’s evolving urban landscape. It’s a feast for the eyes and a brilliant tribute to Singapore’s architectural identity.

Free admission
When: 9am – 10pm, 24 April – 14 October 2025
Where: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre – Levels 9 and 10 Foyer, 1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore 018906

Cinema

9. Bambi: A Tale of Life in the Woods

Step into a world of wonder with Bambi: A Tale of Life in the Woods, a beautifully reimagined adaptation by Michel Fessler based on Felix Salten’s beloved book. This 80-minute film takes the artistry of filmmaking to new heights, bringing to life a rich forest universe filled with creatures great and small, unexpected friendships, and heartwarming adventures. Presented in English and perfect for the whole family, it’s an ideal pick for a cosy weekend outing. So, gather the crew and catch this enchanting screening—it’s a magical tale that’s sure to stay with you long after the credits roll.

Price: From $12.50 onwards
When: 3 & 11 May 2025
Where: The Projector at Cineleisure – 8 Grange Rd, #5th floor, Singapore 239695

Literature

10. “Comment Écrire” by French Author Pierre Assouline

Curious about what really makes a writer? Then don’t miss this insightful talk by acclaimed French author and journalist Pierre Assouline. Drawing on hundreds of interviews with writers around the world, he thoughtfully uncovers the heart of the creative process. Along the way, he shares everything from practical advice to personal anecdotes, shedding light on the methods, challenges, and habits that shape great writing. What’s more, with over forty books under his belt and twenty-five years of teaching literary writing at Sciences Po Paris, Assouline brings a rare depth of knowledge to the table. Furthermore, as a member of the prestigious Académie Goncourt, his perspective is not just informed—it’s truly inspiring. All in all, it’s a must-visit for aspiring writers and literature lovers alike.

*Note: The talk will be conducted in French, followed by a Q&A and a book signing session.
Free admission
When: 6.30pm, 23 April 2025
Where: La médiathèque, Alliance Française de Singapour

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About DSGN arcHive

DSGN arcHive is your exclusive key to unveiling the enigmatic essence of a city, all filtered through the prism of design. Far from the ordinary tourist paths. We reveal the city’s architectural marvels, urban intricacies, cultural tapestry, and eco-conscious revolutions that mold its distinctive soul. With us, you’re invited to savor the metropolis in an entirely chic and sophisticated light, a city that’s far more than what meets the eye.