The exhibition opens on the early 20th century, when Singapore had few designated playgrounds and children played in any open space they could find. Community-initiated playgrounds soon began emerging, and in the 1950s and '60s playgrounds featuring slides, swings and seesaws were a key element of public housing estates.

As the exhibition moves to the 1970s and '80s, visitors will see more familiar styles of neighborhood neighborhoods, with designs that were distinct to Singapore and took inspiration from its heritage and culture.

In the 1990s and 2000s, playgrounds increasingly aimed to offer adventurous yet safe play for thrill-seekers, while moving toward a more inclusive, intergenerational approach to space.

For those who grew up in Singapore, the exhibition promises a chance to relive childhood memories, while for others, it will shed light on how Singapore has defined its playgrounds --in terms of both equipment and their meaning for society.

Visitors will be able to explore playground surfaces, look at blueprints of mosaic playgrounds, hear from people who have built these playgrounds or are building them now, and even design their own. Visitor feeback will also be used in the creation of the National Museum of Singapore's own playground, to be built later this year.

Hands-on and play activities also abound, such as a rope play structure and chances to test out safety equipment.

Among highlights is Matali Crasset's colorful, interactive installation "The Dynamic Lines of Our Nest," which invites visitors to twist a central pole to create a mobile above a toddler playpen, while offering a shared space for families to "nest" and recline.