Let’s face it: the arts vs science debate has never really died. Back in my junior college days, you were either a proud member of the arts or science faculty, and very few people ever admitted the merits of the other (dark) side. In reality, though, the arts and the sciences come together more often than you think – and the latest addition to Singapore’s museum scene, the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands, is set to show exactly just that.

Photos courtesy of  AsiaOne Relax

Even from the outside, the museum seems to be living proof of its aims to bring the arts and sciences together. There is no doubt that the lotus-like inspired exterior, designed by world renowned architect Moshe Safdie, is a feat which combines both exceptional design and engineering skills. But beyond the architecture, the ArtScience Museum will also have 3 permanent galleries (Curiosity, Inspiration and Expression) devoted to exploring the creative world of ArtScience. These galleries seem to promise a lot of interactivity, which is something I’m glad about as most museums tend to take a “Do Not Touch” approach with their exhibits.

The museum will also play host to a series of blockbuster exhibitions, beginning with:

Travelling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World (19 February to 27 March 2011),

Genghis Khan: The Exhibition (19 February to 10 April 2011),

Photos Courtesy of ArtScience Museum

Shipwrecked: Tang Treasures and Monsoon Winds (19 February to 31 July 2011).

I’m not quite sure how these exhibitions add on to the whole “arts and sciences are integrating” argument, but it’s definitely great to see more world-class exhibitions being brought to Singapore for the people.

So I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited to go see the ArtScience Museum as it will finally be open to the public this weekend! Unfortunately, the admission to the world’s first ArtScience Museum also comes at a fairly hefty price ($30), especially for poor graduating students like myself. So for the time being, I’m just going to take a look at the museum and its exhibitions in this photo gallery here …

The ArtScience Museum will be open to the public on 19th February, 2011. Tickets are $30 for adults and $17 for students.