Ralph Appelbaum Associates

Located on Sentosa Island, the Maritime Experiential Museum casts a vivid light on East Asia’s distinguished seafaring heritage. At its heart are dramatic signature icons: a striking model of the fifteenth-century Baochuan, the famed treasure ship of Admiral Zheng He, shown at full bow scale and accompanied by suspended models of his vast 130-vessel armada; an authentic replica of a ninth-century Arab dhow; and glittering cargo recovered from the Bakau shipwreck.

Monumental installations are balanced by moments of intimate discovery. Visitors wander through evocative spaces such as the Maritime Silk Route Souk, where trade, exchange, and daily life along ancient sea routes are brought to life. In the immersive Shipwreck Theatre, guests embark on a perilous virtual voyage aboard a ninth-century dhow, culminating in a dramatic and memorable watery fate. The experience extends seamlessly into the adjacent S.E.A. Aquarium, which enriches exploration of the marine world through cultural, artistic, scientific, and environmental perspectives.

Designed by Michael Graves & Associates, the museum building itself is an icon. Its bold forms draw inspiration from sea-going vessels, subtly echoing the epic stories told within its galleries. To the west, a small marina displays historic sailing craft, further anchoring the museum in living maritime tradition.

Together, the Museum and Marina are thematically linked to the surrounding Marine Life Park, forming a cohesive destination that celebrates the sea through history, culture, and immersive maritime experiences.