“The Gift of Time” is a travelling exhibition that started in Hong Kong. Singapore is its second stop before it heads to its final destination in France.

One of the highlights here has to be its choice of location – Tanjong Pagar Railway Station – where the best of 1930s architecture is still retained, transporting the visitor back in time.

It is in this ideal context that Hermès invites the visitor to contemplate time via a series of ‘rooms’ conceived by American artist, scenographer and poet Hilton McConnico.

McConnico has chosen to relay the story of ‘Hermès time’ through poetic displays laced with light humour, colourful and sensory experiences, and surreal-like dreamscapes.

The rooms are laid out in a circular pattern in an enclosed area within the station. One starts the journey by first contemplating the origin of time (by gazing at a sundial moving in reverse), before continuing on to free time, time suspended, the stroke of time (where one is reminded of the effects of time on the patina of objects), future time (you gaze up at a mini lightshow and try and make out what you see), and finally to a whimsical room sheltered by the broad arms of a tree (a place dedicated to the transmission of memories and thoughts).

After the journey, visitors are welcome to enjoy a fine brew at The U Café, imbibe nostalgic tidbits at Seng Choong Confectionary and Munch Munch, and get a taste of travel-inspired iced pops and sorbets at the Popaganda stand.

Hermès “The Gift of Time” is at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, 30 Keppel Road until 12th August. Opens from 11am – 9pm daily, entrance is free.