‘Game of Thrones’ touring exhibit visits Asia

SINGAPORE—The Game of Thrones Experience: Worlds of Westeros touring exhibit had a well-attended run at Singapore’s Ion Orchard mall recently.

The exhibit featured important props from the popular HBO fantasy series, as well as a few activities designed for fans.

Weapons wielded by “Game of Thrones” characters, as well as virtual reality booths that recreate a conflict scenario from the show, were part of the exhibit.

The launch was attended by British teen actor Isaac Hempstead Wright, who’s returning to the show as Bran Stark after a yearlong break. (The new season airs on April 25, 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.)

It was the first time for the exhibit, which has no admission fee, to visit Asia. The next stop is Bangkok, later this month.

“It was an immersive fan experience put together with our local affiliate specifically for Singapore, being the home base of our Asian headquarters,” Magdalene Ew, HBO Asia’s head of marketing, creative and content, told the Inquirer. “The Ascend the Wall virtual reality attraction and the Iron Throne [replica] will be at Bangkok Comic Con.”

After Bangkok, the Iron Throne, a photo-op favorite of fans, travels to Beijing for an event in June.

However, the wardrobe section, which was on display in previous exhibits, wasn’t included in the Singapore show due to certain limitations. Ew explained, “The attractions featured were designed to fit the event space.”

Filipino “Game of Thrones” devotees may be able to experience Worlds of Westeros someday, as the Philippines is among countries being considered to be part of a future tour, according to Ew.

“We are certainly keen to take it to more Asian territories, given the fervor of fans we’ve seen from the Philippines and all around the region. We will be sure to keep the media and fans posted if and when the event goes on tour,” she said.

As the cable series is still ongoing, it’s possible that there will be an expanded lineup of related items. “We’re happy to consider introducing new attractions,” Ew said.

Reception to the Singapore exhibit was overwhelming, she related. “Thousands of enthusiastic fans who visited Worlds of Westeros clearly enjoyed themselves, [based on] the response we’ve seen on social media.

“We were touched by fans’ eagerness to wait in line, some for over an hour, for the Ascend the Wall attraction and for photo opportunities with the dragon Drogon [on ‘green screen’], and at the Iron Throne.”