A GELATO DRAGON TAKES FLIGHT OVER CLUB STREET
Messina has teamed up with celebrated Singapore artist Tobyato to transform the side of its Club Street home into a striking new public artwork, bringing a larger-than-life Gelato Dragon to the heart of Chinatown.
Standing 10 metres tall, the mural celebrates the rich history, architecture and culture of the neighbourhood through Tobyato's unmistakable illustration style. Inspired by the iconic dragons that rise from the roof of nearby Thian Hock Keng Temple, the Gelato Dragon winds its way through a playful cityscape featuring recognisable landmarks and architectural details from across the precinct, all while dripping with Messina's signature toppings and proudly holding a scoop of gelato above the streets below. The concept draws inspiration from landmarks including Thian Hock Keng Temple, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Ee Hoe Hean Club and the historic shophouses that define the area.
The artwork is a love letter to the neighbourhood that Messina now calls home, inviting guests to discover familiar landmarks from a fresh perspective while celebrating the stories that make Club Street, Telok Ayer and Chinatown so distinctive. Of course, with a gelato in hand, it makes discovering these stories just that much sweeter.
"This mural is a 10 metre playful homage to the neighbourhood. Inspired by the iconic dragons that stand proudly atop Thian Hock Keng Temple, the Gelato Dragon swirls through familiar buildings and architectural landmarks, referencing the vibrant surroundings that stretch from Telok Ayer to Outram Park and beyond.” says Tobyato.
The mural marks the first chapter in Messina and Tobyato's creative collaboration, with more to be revealed in the coming weeks. For Messina, supporting local artists and fostering creative, fun collaborations has always been part of its DNA, going far beyond the daily and weekly specials they churn. Partnering with Tobyato is a natural extension of that spirit, bringing the same creativity found in their gelato cabinets out onto the streets.
Beginning 13 July, the partnership continues with a special edition of The Scoop, Messina's monthly rotating flavour series celebrating friendship, creativity and the joy of making — and eating — great dessert. Featuring Enter The Dragon, pandan coconut swirled with dragon fruit gelato and passion fruit curd, available for two weeks.
The mural is now on display beside Messina on Club Street and can be viewed by the public at any time.
