Singapore Maritime Gallery, located at Marina South Pier, charts the development of Singapore’s maritime role, the importance of maritime trade and invites visitors to take the plunge and learn all about Singapore’s deep and longstanding relationship with the sea.
Singapore Maritime Gallery: A Look at Singapore’s Relationship with the Sea
Singapore’s fortunes have always been tied to the sea. Even though, according to lore, Singapore was originally a fishing village, the truth is that Singapore had a role to play in trade as early as back in the 13th century.
Of course, by comparison, the maritime trade nowadays is a lot more complicated.
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However, it is good to have an overview of Singapore’s maritime past and that’s where the Singapore Maritime Gallery starts.
Zone 1: Tides of Time – the Heritage Zone
The heritage zone at the start of the Singapore Maritime Gallery highlights key points in time in Singapore’s maritime past when it was a trading port, even before the arrival of the British in 1819.
It begins with a multimedia presentation and takes the visitors back to the first written records of Singapore as a trading post in the 3rd century.
It also uncovers the parallels between maritime trade in the past and present along with Singapore’s role as part of the global maritime supply chain.
There are also various artefacts on display. These include artefacts that have been recovered from shipwrecks off Singapore’s coasts.
Daily use items such as a a candlestick holder and fragments of porcelain bowls and spoons are a reminder of the lives that would passed through Singapore’s waters. Some of these items even stretch back to as early as the 14th century.
Zone 2: The Future is Now – The Maritime World
Stepping out from the Heritage Zone, it is time to explore the maritime world of today.
One of the exhibits that you will come across inside the bright and spacious Singapore Maritime Gallery is an interactive table where you can explore and learn how Singapore has grown into an an important transshipment hub with global connections.
The large dynamic world map at the interactive table outlines the shipping lanes and trade flows that criss-cross the globe.
Zone 3: The Future is Here
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 of all types and shapes.
This is also where visitors can learn about how the maritime sector is making use of new technologies. This includes the use of drones and underwater robotics.
One interesting exhibition is inside 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) and sent all around the world on cargo ships.
At this display at the Singapore Maritime 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.
Zone 4: The Future is Us
This zone of the Singapore Maritime Gallery focuses on the people in the maritime sector and how the different roles are key to keeping the sector moving.
Zone 5: PlayPort – Kids Activity Area at Singapore Maritime Gallery
Little ones can head to an activity area, known as the PlayPort, that has been tailored just for them.
There is an activity booklet for kids, aged 5 and above, where they can learn more about the maritime sector.
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 scan the QR codes on the wall to access additional resources, part of a collaboration between Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the National Library Board.
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.
Programmes at the Singapore Maritime Gallery
You can also keep a look out for events and programmes being held at the Singapore Maritime Gallery by visiting its EventBrite page.
Many of these are held during the annual Singapore Maritime Week.
There are also tour led by Singapore Maritime Gallery volunteers who share captivating tales from Singapore’s remarkable maritime journey.
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
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