The golden brilliance of over 3,000 sunflowers has transformed the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay into a vibrant celebration of Indo-Singaporean friendship, as part of an elaborate floral display marking 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Titled Sunflower Surprise, the exhibition pays tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage by recreating the architectural marvels of Jaipur – India’s famed Pink City – amid a sea of radiant sunflower blooms in classic yellows and uncommon shades of pink, red, and brown.
The display, which runs until Nov 16, is Gardens by the Bay’s first collaboration with the High Commission of India in Singapore.
The exhibition was officially launched by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah alongside India’s High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule on Oct 22 and attended by around 100 guests.
“Sunflowers symbolise happiness, positivity, and resilience – values that beautifully mirror the warm, enduring bond between Singapore and India,” said Gardens by the Bay CEO Felix Loh, highlighting the exhibition’s significance in the SG60 calendar.
The centrepiece of the display is a 5-metre-high replica of Jaipur’s iconic Hawa Mahal, flanked by recreations of the 16th-century Amer Stepwell and the intricately carved Patrika Gate.
Authentic Indian crafts, such as Kathputli puppets, Bobbili veenas, and terracotta horses, are also on display, reflecting the diversity of Indian traditions.
Over 20 sunflower varieties are showcased, more than half of which are debuting at the Gardens. These include: Helianthus ‘Chocolate’: Crimson-brown petals with yellow undersides; Helianthus ‘Sunfill Purple’: Unique green sepals with purple tips; Helianthus ‘Strawberry Blonde’: Pink petals with yellow tips; Helianthus ‘Lemonade’ and ‘Gold Lite’: Vivid variations of yellow.
Nearly half of the sunflowers have been cultivated in-house by Gardens by the Bay’s horticulturists.
“Today, we celebrate one of nature’s most cheerful and iconic blooms – the sunflower, said Dr Ambule. “At Sunflower Surprise, we are treated to a vibrant display of different varieties of sunflowers, cultivated with care and presented with artistic flair.
“Each variety tells a story of resilience and colour. This showcase symbolises how cultural exchange can bloom through many forms – art, music, cuisine, and even flowers.”
A collaborative art installation of peacock sculptures made by senior beneficiaries from SINDA, featuring over 550 handcrafted feather motifs, adds a community-driven flourish to the experience.
Visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/sunflower for more details.
