In the days when Singapore was known as Temasek, being part of the maritime trade meant going fishing. Nowadays, the maritime trade is a little bit more complicated and at the Singapore Maritime Gallery, you can chart the development of Singapore’s maritime trade and plunge into the country’s deep relationship with the sea.
Singapore Maritime Gallery: A Look at Singapore’s Relationship with the Sea
For those who are curious about how the port works, or have dreamt of captaining a boat, the Singapore Maritime Gallery is the place to visit.
Stepping inside the bright and spacious Singapore Maritime Gallery, one of the first exhibits that you will come across is an interactive table where you can explore and learn how Singapore has grown into an an important transshipment hub with global connections.
The story then fast-forwards importance of the Port of Singapore and how it makes our modern lives possible.
There are displays of ship models as well as artefacts such as register of ships that fly under the Singapore flag.
You can step through a 20-foot shipping container (where you can literally count 20 feet from end-to-end) and learn about how goods are moved all over the world.
Goods are packed into containers such as the one on display in the Singapore Maritime Gallery (which in shipping jargon is known as a TEU or twenty-foot equivalent unit). At the gallery, you can learn all about the important role that these metal containers play.
An animated presentation shows how Singapore’s port has developed and evolved over time.
Other displays around the Singapore Maritime Gallery showcase Singapore’s lighthouses, conservation efforts and the roles of different people working in the maritime sector.
Maritime Quest: Ship Simulator
One of the highlights at the Singapore Maritime Gallery that any visitor must try is the Maritime Quest simulator. It is a chance to sail a ship, without a boating license!
There are different missions available on the two ship handling simulator. These face out towards the waters off Marina South Pier and are a fun way to experience the sea without feeling seasick.
And there’s no need to buy game tokens either – the simulators are free to play!
Cargo Dash
Another interactive simulator that you can play highlights the onshore activities in a port. The Cargo Dash game can accommodate up to four players at a time, competing to load up a cargo ship.
Kids Activity Area
Little ones can head to an activity area that has been tailored just for them.
There is an activity booklet for kids to learn more about the maritime sectors.
Other simple activities found at the Singapore Maritime Gallery kids area include a wall where kids can rearrange shapes to create their own ships.
There are also instructions for kids to do origami at the kid-sized activity tables.
Or they can take a bookmark or scan the QR codes on the wall to access additional resources.
Living Gallery
When you are done at the main gallery on the second floor, go up to the rooftop where you can view the actual workings of the Marina South Pier from a high vantage point. Pretend you are a ship’s lookout and use the signages to spot the landmarks in the distance.
Getting to the Singapore Maritime Gallery
Singapore Maritime Gallery is located on the second floor of the Marina South Pier building. The pier is where you can take a boat out to the Southern Islands.
Take note that parking at the Marina South Pier is limited and the next closest parking is a far distance away at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
Alternatively, you can take the MRT to the Marina South Pier station. Exit B will take you to Marina South Pier.
Singapore Maritime Gallery
Where: Marina South Pier, 31 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore 018988
Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 am to 6 pm daily, Closed on Mondays, except Public Holidays
Admission: Free
Website: Singapore Maritime Gallery
If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will enjoy this other story about museums for kids in Singapore.
There will be tours taking place at the Singapore Maritime Gallery on 14 and 20 April 2024 in conjunction with Singapore Maritime Week. Find out more about the gallery tours.
