From 29 May to 21 June 2025, a stunning inflatable garden puts down roots in Raffles Place to illuminate the precinct as part of i Light Singapore 2025. This is the first time Raffles Place is participating in i Light Singapore as a satellite location.
Presented by Raffles Place Alliance, an inflatable installation called The Guardians by Australian artist Matthew Aberline and The Beautiful and Useful Studio, will light up the night in the Central Buzz District!
The Guardians
Planted in the middle of Raffles Place Park is The Guardians, an immersive garden-like landscape made up of 16 vibrant inflatable sculptures. Constructed out of recycled materials, The Guardians seeks to transform the park space with its abstract representations of tropical flowers and foliage.
The brightly-coloured inflatables, which take inspiration from gazebos, glasshouses and bird cages, were specially created to showcase flora and fauna native to Singapore. At first glance, the installation appears to feature only plants, flowers and birds, but a closer look will reveal a tiger and monkey lurking in two of the pieces!
In his work, the artist, Matthew Aberline, explores enduring connections between landscape, identity and kinship through vibrant artistic forms. Using these “guardians”, the installation creates a space for gathering where everyone can come together to soak in beauty and art.
Matthew Aberline
“When somebody comes and visits the installation, I hope they feel a sense of wonder. I love the fact that The Guardians is in a proper business district, so there’s this opportunity for grown ups to experience childlike wonder” said Matthew.
He shared that his inspirations for the design were the flora and landscape around Singapore, as well as its rich history.
Enjoy Promotions in Raffles Place
To celebrate i Light Singapore 2025, visitors to Raffles Place can enjoy these exclusive promotions from our tenants during the festival period.
As the light installations turn on at 7:30pm, soak in the view of the whole city from up above! Dine sky-high and relish the cityscape atop CapitaSpring. Book a table at 1-Arden using promo code ILIGHT15OFF to get 15% off your total bill at 1-Arden Rooftop Bar, Oumi. Sol & Luna, and Kaarla Wood-Fire Grill & Bar.
While the night is still young, experience the buzz of Republic Plaza at RASA or Social Bar & Bistro. Gather your colleagues, check out the installations and clink your drinking glasses to great deals on wines, beers and spirits.
The installations make for a lovely backdrop as you wine and dine at One Raffles Place! Dig into mouthwatering pastas at VIBE and enjoy the artwork right from your table.
Searching for other ways to perk up your spirits? Recharge with Drip Coffee’s $3 coffees and teas after 3pm. Both Vibe Bistro and Drips Bakery are located at One Raffles Place.
Feel like a sweet treat while checking out the installation? Visit Paul at Ocean Financial Centre for a flaky and buttery viennoiserie.
Lastly, stay energised and ready to shine—day or night! Visit LAC Nutrition For Life located at Republic Plaza to get 20% off regular priced supplements.
Finding Your Way Around the Installations
With installations in Raffles Place, Singapore River, Marina Bay and South Beach, i Light Singapore 2025 has turned the city centre into a luminous playground that everyone can enjoy. Check out the map above for the locations to all 17 artworks, including The Guardians.
About i Light Singapore
The Guardians is one of seventeen installations from 20 artists featured as part of i Light Singapore 2025. This year, the event is anchored on the theme To Gather and inspired by the colour red – a wavelength on the visible light spectrum and in celebration of SG60. The event illuminates the city and connects communities through captivating light installations and exciting programmes that foster sustainable lifestyles.
i Light Singapore 2025 will be held from 29 May to 21 June 2025, 7.30pm to 11.00pm daily, with extended hours to 12 midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free while charges apply for certain programmes.
