Unknown to many a Singaporean, the Maritime Experiential Museum tucked in a corner of Resorts World Sentosa was actually receiving dedicated refurbishment for the greater part of 2017. And after nine long months of extensive overhaul, the museum has reopened (Dec 29)—with a new look, 15 thematic galleries and five brand new zones of content.
Like before, the Maritime Experiential Museum curates content dedicated to the exploration of the iconic Maritime Silk Route. But while the previous galleries in the museum focused on the story of Chinese admiral and fleet commander Zheng He, regarded as a great explorer in Chinese history, the new direction spotlights four world-famous seafarers—Zheng, as well as Venice merchant Marco Polo, founder of Singapore Sang Nila Utama, and Ibn Battuta, Moroccan scholar and explorer.
In addition, exhibits have been revamped to be more interactive than before. Guests can look forward to hands-on exhibits, multimedia shows, state-of-the-art visual projections and more, on their journey along the Silk Route. The five newly added zones—Learning to Navigate, Pirate Encounter, Maritime Coin History, Ports of Call, and Singapore Maritime Legacy—chart vital facets of sea voyaging, which take guests on a multi-sensory walk through recreated exhibits of bustling ports in four key cities, and even a projection technology-centered pirate encounter.
And for anyone who has been to the museum before its revamp, you’ll be pleased to know the immersive Typhoon Theater remains in the new setup. A 4D experience, the anchor attraction (no pun intended) simulates a sinking ship in a treacherous storm—and ends with the option to continue your oceanic journey onto the SEA Aquarium (admission applies).
Tickets to the Museum are currently at a special opening rate of $9 for adults and $6 for children. The Typhoon Theater experience costs extra, at an additional $3 per person. With luck, the modern facelift will do a better job at garnering interest in important maritime history; but if anything, at least the space looks prettier enough to spend part of your day at Sentosa in.
