Gardens by the Bay’s latest floral exhibition brings ancient Egyptian culture, horticulture and history to life, marking six decades of Singapore–Egypt diplomatic relations.
Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay has brought the world of ancient Egypt to life through Lilithopia, a new floral display inspired by the civilisation’s gardens, architecture and enduring connection with the lotus.
Speaking at the exhibition, Gardens by the Bay CEO Mr. Felix Loh recalled his first visit to Egypt with the show’s chief designer, describing the experience as deeply inspiring. The visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum and the country’s ancient monuments offered the creative team a closer appreciation of the engineering, architecture and cultural knowledge of ancient Egypt.
At the heart of Lilithopia is an interpretation of an ancient Egyptian garden centred around a pond, surrounded by more than 7,000 garden lilies across 40 varieties. The display also features the Egyptian blue lotus, whose daily cycle of opening and closing has long symbolised creation and rebirth in Egyptian culture.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
A more than four-metre-high temple façade, inspired by the Great Temple of Abu Simbel, anchors the exhibition alongside representations of Egyptian deities, architecture and papyrus. A giant Victoria amazonica water lily, cultivated in-house from seed over 18 months, further adds to the horticultural showcase.
For Mr. Loh, the exhibition represents more than plants. It demonstrates how horticulture, art, architecture, belief and practical ingenuity were intertwined in ancient Egyptian civilisation.
The exhibition also carries special diplomatic significance. Singapore and Egypt are marking 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, with Egypt among the first countries to recognise Singapore’s independence in 1965.
Egyptian Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Ahmed Mostafa highlighted the importance of the exhibition as a gesture of friendship and appreciation, noting that lotus flowers have held deep cultural and spiritual significance in Egypt for thousands of years.
From temple pillars to modern landmarks such as Cairo Tower, the lotus continues to influence Egyptian art and architecture. H.E. Ahmed Mostafa also highlighted the historical importance of papyrus, which served as a means of preserving and transferring knowledge in ancient Egypt.
He described Lilithopia as the first exhibition of its kind in Singapore to reflect ancient Egyptian civilisation through a horticultural setting, inviting visitors to experience a glimpse of Egypt before discovering its heritage firsthand.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
The celebration also extends beyond the floral display, with an exhibition of paintings by Egyptian artist Mrs. Salwa Elhamamsy offering a contemporary interpretation of Egypt’s landscapes and waterways. Mrs. Salwa, a Senior Independent Writer, Oil Painting Artist and International Cultural Advisory, brought her artistic perspective to the celebration. She is also the spouse of the Egyptian Ambassador to Singapore.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
The event also featured a special moment highlighting the 60-year diplomatic milestone. IN Diplomacy Editor-in-Chief Ms. Nomita Dhar was holding the Egypt–Singapore @60 special edition publication alongside Ambassador Ahmed Mostafa and other guests. The publication’s cover features an original painting by Mrs. Salwa Elhamamsy, further connecting the special edition with the cultural celebration.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
