The Mesmerizing Floating Baby: Marc Quinn’s Planet in Singapore
Hey there, art lovers and curious wanderers!
If you’ve ever wandered through the lush wonderland of Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and suddenly spotted a giant baby floating above the grass, I bet you froze mid-step and thought, Wait… what am I looking at?
That’s Marc Quinn’s Planet—a jaw-dropping sculpture that’s been stopping people in their tracks since it arrived in 2013. And trust me, it’s way more than a quirky photo backdrop. There’s a heartfelt story, clever engineering, and layers of meaning hidden in that peaceful little (well… not so little) figure.
Let’s break it down.
The Big Idea: A Baby with a Story
Imagine a huge, serene baby—eyes closed, floating as if in a dream. That’s Planet.
Marc Quinn, a British artist, created it in 2008, inspired by his own son at just seven months old. At that time, his son had been diagnosed with a severe milk allergy—a terrifying moment for any parent. That mix of love, worry, and awe became the seed for this piece.
It’s almost like Quinn took that fleeting, vulnerable moment and made it immortal. At nearly 10 metres
long, it’s not just an artwork—it’s a love letter to life’s fragility, blown up to a monumental scale.
And that floating effect? Magical. In the middle of Singapore’s futuristic Supertrees and vibrant gardens, the baby feels weightless—like it’s still in the womb, untouched by the noise of the world. You can’t help but pause, tilt your head, and think: What kind of world are we leaving for the next generation?
What’s It Made Of? Bronze, Steel… and Illusion
It may look soft, but Planet is a heavyweight—literally. It’s made of bronze and steel, weighing in at about seven tonnes.
The details are incredibly lifelike: every curve of the skin, every tiny fold, sculpted with care. It’s then painted in a smooth, white finish that gives it a dreamlike, almost ethereal quality.
But here’s the genius part—the baby is held up by a hidden steel arm that supports its head and hand. From most angles, you can’t see the support at all. The result? That jaw-dropping “How is this thing floating?!” moment.
Why Public Art Like This Matters
Public art isn’t just about looking pretty in parks. It’s about sharing. No museum ticket, no dress code—just art, right there in the open, for anyone.
Planet sparks conversations. Some people see hope; others see a reminder of climate change, or overpopulation, or the need to protect innocence. Kids point and giggle. Couples pose for selfies. Strangers swap theories.
That’s the beauty of public art—it turns a space into a shared story. In Singapore’s case, it blends seamlessly with the city’s identity: futuristic, nature-loving, and unafraid to dream big.
Visiting Planet: The Practical Bits
You’ll find Planet in the outdoor gardens at Gardens by the Bay—which means:
✅ Free to visit
✅ Open from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Perfect for early-bird photographers or night owls who want that skyline backdrop.
How to get there:
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By MRT: Take the Circle Line or Downtown Line to Bayfront MRT (CE1/DT16). Exit B and follow signs—it’s about a 5–10 min walk.
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By Bus: Routes 400, 402, or 405 stop nearby.
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By Foot: If you’re at Marina Bay Sands, it’s a scenic 10–15 min walk.
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By Car/Grab: Head to 18 Marina Gardens Drive—parking is available.
📸 Pro tip: Go in the evening so you can catch the Garden Rhapsody light show (7:45 PM & 8:45 PM) at the nearby Supertree Grove right after.
Final Take
Standing under Planet feels… grounding. You’re in one of the most modern cities in the world, yet you’re face-to-face with a symbol of innocence and vulnerability. It’s peaceful, moving, and—let’s be honest—super Instagrammable.
Whether you’re an art lover, a casual stroller, or someone who just enjoys a good “Wow, how’d they do that?” moment—Planet will get you.
So, next time you’re in Singapore, go say hi to the floating baby. You might leave with more than just a photo.
Have you seen it already? What did you feel when you stood there?
✍️ – Ar. Pallavi Vasekar
For more such stories where architecture, art, and meaning meet, follow my blog.
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