Have you ever wondered whom and where the first hot air balloon successfully carried human passengers? The breakthrough in flight technology was performed in 1783, in Paris in a balloon created by the Montgolfier brothers. French transport innovations have evolved and inspired many of today’s transport giants including our MRT trains and the Singapore Airlines Airbus planes.

Credits: Alliance Française De Singapour

The Alliance Française De Singapour, a local non-profit educational and cultural organisation presents, AROUND THE WORLD. The exhibition was inspired by French author Jules Verne and his famous Extraordinary Voyages collection, including the celebrated novel, Around the World in 80 Days.

Credits: Alliance Française De Singapour

Referring to Phileas Fogg’s challenge in that mentioned novel, you are invited to transcend time and space, forging through the exhibition space as you “travel” around the world via air, land, sea or space. Get your fair share of knowledge as you explore different eras of transportation, gaining insights into the evolution of French engineering and innovation.

You will be greeted at the Itinerary Office and do grab your boarding passes, which will be helpful at the visit’s end!

Credits: Alliance Française De Singapour

Air travel

Witness some of the most iconic aircraft that have played a significant role in shaping modern air travel. The world’s first supersonic passenger-carrying commercial airplane, Air France’s Concorde. It is one of the fastest commercial flight journeys today, embodying French art de vivre (art of living). Nicely displayed are the Concorde’s original menu, tableware or beauty pouch.

Credits: Alliance Française De Singapour

Land transportation

Discover France’s intercity TGV – Train à Grande Vitesse, also known as high-speed train. It holds the world record for speed and always pushes high-speed rail technology’s limits. TGV M(“M” for modular) is the newest generation of high-speed trains providing a forward-looking lens into the future of higher energy saving and more cost-efficient modes of land travel.

Credits: Alliance Française De Singapour

Sea transportation

A model of the SS France celebrates the epitome of French excellence. It is the longest Trans-Atlantic liner at the time with a record held for 42 years. It charmed sea passengers in the 1960s with her luxury, beauty and grace until her very last journey in 1974.

Credits: Alliance Française De Singapour

Space exploration

Take a journey beyond Earth and into the vast expanse of space. You will gain a first-hand, immersive experience of space travel through a Virtual Reality experience. Dans la peau de Thomas Pesquet, literally in the shoes of Thomas Pesquet, allows you to explore space like never before, with the French European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut, famous for spending six months in the International Space Station.

Before you leave, don’t forget to complete the quiz about the exhibition! Write your answers on the boarding pass you received upon arrival. Stand a chance to win an Air France ticket flying from Singapore to Paris!

Living in a cosmopolitan society has shaped my perception of the French culture. It goes without saying that travel innovations has redefined and inspired since the 1960s. As one of the sponsors, French tyre manufacturing company, Michelin loaned several artefacts exclusively for the exhibition. Keep your eyes peeled for them!

For more details on AROUND THE WORLD exhibition, click here! Do check out the Facebook and Instagram for other activities planned for the MOVE! Programme.

Event Details

Date: 27th April to 15 July 2023

Time: 1pm to 7.30pm, Tuesdays to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm, Saturday

Venue: La galerie – Level 2, Alliance Française de Singapour, 1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130

Free Admission

The Fifth Parlour would like to thank Alliance Française De Singapour & REDHILL for the invitation!