Cover The House of Suntory celebrates its 100th anniversary at the ArtScience Museum (Photo: The House of Suntory)
The House of Suntory celebrates its 100th anniversary at the ArtScience Museum (Photo: The House of Suntory)
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The immersive activation celebrates a century of Japanese whisky craftsmanship
The founding house of Japanese whisky, The House of Suntory, has taken over Singapore’s iconic ArtScience Museum for its 100th anniversary. A pioneer in Japanese whisky craftsmanship, it was founded by Shinjiro Torii, who dreamed of creating a Japanese whisky inspired by the essence of the country’s nature and culture.
We had the pleasure of previewing the anniversary exhibition before it opened to the wider public from July 13-17, 2023. While the exclusive event is now sold out, we take you inside the doors of Singapore’s ArtScience Museum, sharing what we enjoyed most about the takeover.
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Tracing back the origins of The House of Suntory
Above The Awakening showcases the rich history of The House of Suntory
The Awakening showcases the rich history of The House of Suntory
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The experience begins with an educational exhibit that takes you back to the brand’s origins, tracing its rich history. Titled The Awakening, the first segment of the takeover immerses guests in the scents, sights, and sounds of Japanese nature, showcasing the Yamazaki distillery’s surroundings.
Through informative displays, guests are enlightened on the elements of the perfect whisky-making environment, the taste profiles of iconic Suntory whiskies, and the ideal tools for whisky making.
Experiencing the revolution of Japanese bar culture firsthand
Above The Boom displays Suntory artwork and advertisements between 1950 to 1969
The Boom displays Suntory artwork and advertisements between 1950 to 1969
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Neon lights, iconic Suntory advertisements, and old televisions flicker and shine as guests walk through the next section of the exhibit, known as The Boom. Themed by different periods between 1950 to 1969, the engaging artwork and interactive displays visually depict the modernisation of Japanese bar culture as a result of The House of Suntory.
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Being the first to preview the docuseries 'The Nature and Spirit of Japan'
Above The private cinema showcases Sofia Coppola's 'Suntory Anniversary Tribute' and Roman Coppola's 'The Nature and Spirit of Japan'
The private cinema showcases Sofia Coppola's 'Suntory Anniversary Tribute' and Roman Coppola's 'The Nature and Spirit of Japan'
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After soaking in the sights and sounds of Japanese history, guests are ushered into a private cinema for a screening of the Suntory Anniversary Tribute, directed by award-winning director Sofia Coppola. The sensorially engaging film depicts Suntory’s rich heritage and legacy.
Next, an exclusive preview of the upcoming series The Nature and Spirit of Japan featuring Keanu Reeves is played. Directed by Roman Coppola, it explores three key cornerstones of Japanese culture: Wa (harmony with nature), Monozukuri (elevated by Japanese craftsmanship), and Omotenashi (an authentic Japanese cultural experience).
Sampling limited-edition Japanese whiskies through an immersive tasting
Above Suntory ambassadors host guests at The Bar
Suntory ambassadors host guests at The Bar
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The exhibit's highlight is The Bar, a serene space inspired by Tokyo listening bars frequented by audiophiles in the 1960s to enjoy new, exclusive records. Seating up to 30 guests per session, patrons experience three eras of Japanese culture through visual projections and accompanying playlists.
An experienced Suntory ambassador stands at each table, guiding patrons through a selection of whisky flights and cocktails featuring the limited-edition Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Ao whiskies.
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An inclusive experience for both new whisky lovers and experienced drinkers
Above The Legacy Continues: 100 Years of Suntory Whisky Innovation will be available to the public from July 13-17, 2023
The Legacy Continues: 100 Years of Suntory Whisky Innovation will be available to the public from July 13-17, 2023
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The Legacy Continues: 100 Years of Suntory Whisky Innovation is ideal for those who want to learn more about the liquor and industry experts, as it takes visitors through the history of the pioneering brand. Guests have the opportunity to ask questions along the way, as well as interact with Suntory ambassadors in The Bar, making the educational experience intimate.
Visitors are sure to leave having learned something new, with a newfound curiosity about whisky or an increased appreciation for the craft.
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Credits
Images: The House of Suntory
About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
