First Ever Appearance of Largest Mask Measuring 1.32 metres at ‘Mystery Men’
Visitors will view some 103 artefacts of which many are classified as top grade and some are exhibited outside China for the first time. Measuring 1.32 metres in width and 0.72 metres in height, the largest bronze mask ever found in the sacrificial pits is making its debut in “Mystery Men”. This massive and spectacular mask has undergone years of restoration after it was excavated in a burnt and damaged condition from the pit. One of the top grade artefact on display is a bronze head with gold foil mask from the 12th century BCE. At the time of discovery, the gold mask was separated from the head and at least six of such gold masks were discovered in Sanxingdui. For Chinese scholars, gold is closely associated with solemnity and the power to ward off evil spirits hence the mask would have conveyed a divine brilliance to its on-lookers and might also represent a symbol of authority. Other highlights at the exhibition include a mask with protruding pupils and ornamented forehead and a tiger appliqué with markings that clearly identify it as a tiger, to name a few.

Mystery Men: Finds From China’s Lost Age Special Exhibition
“Mystery Men” exhibition draws on a web of knowledge sources in Chinese literature and history. Research is on-going at Sanxingdui and this exhibition has incorporated what is known to-date to help shed light on some of the mysteries of this early society which flourished more than 3,200 years ago.

During the exhibition, guided tours in English, Mandarin and Japanese for “Mystery Men” will provided for visitors. Seminars, workshops and activities including a two-day festival named ‘RED’ that fills with exciting programmes, performances and films will also be organised in-conjunction with ‘Mystery Men’ exhibition. Please refer to www.acm.org.sg for more information on guided tours and upcoming programmes.

About the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)
The Asian Civilisations Museum’s mission is to explore and present the cultures and civilisations of Asia, so as to promote awareness and appreciation of the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans and their links to Southeast Asia and the World. The Asian Civilisations Museum first began its operations at Armenian Street in 1997, which closed at end-2005 and will re-open in 2008 as a brand new Peranakan attraction. ACM’s new flagship at the historic Empress Place Building opened on 2 March 2003.

Opening Hours:
Mondays: 1pm – 7pm
Tuesdays – Sundays: 9am – 7pm (to 9pm on Fridays)

Admission Charges
Adult: $8
Concession: $4 (Full-time students and age 60 years and above)
Family Package: $20 for maximum of 5 persons

• Free for children under 6 years old and below and NHB Season Pass Holders.
• Discounted admission on Fridays, 7pm – 9pm.

Getting There:
1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Museum Front Desk: (65) 6332 7798
Public Programme Hotline: (65) 6332 3284

Photography by Eugene Tang/SingaporeSights. All Rights Reserved.