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Architects: Michael Graves & Associates
- Year: 2012
Text description provided by the architects. International architects and designers, Michael Graves & Associates (MGA) announce the completion of the Maritime Xperiential Museum (MXM) at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in Singapore. The project, lead by MGA Studio head Patrick Burke, marks another phase in RWS’s development. MGA completed Phase 1 in February of 2011, a $4 billion project, which included top-flight hotels, family entertainment, fine dining, and world-class gaming on 121 acres just across Keppel Harbor from downtown Singapore.
The Maritime Xperiential Museum is an iconic structure that draws its inspiration from sea-going vessels and thus embodies the stories contained in the exhibits and programs presented inside. Throughout the day, the shadows and dappled light cast by the ribbed frame will enliven the interior exhibits. The interactive exhibits and the circular 300-seat Typhoon Theater, created by the international designer Ralph Appelbaum, provide a wide variety of experiences for visitors. The exhibit focuses on the maritime Silk Route, which historically stretched from Southeast Asia to Oman. Geographically, Singapore is an important part of this history.
The Museum is set back from the water’s edge by an esplanade with a covered pedestrian loggia that allows visitors to enjoy the view of the mainland across the bay. At night, when viewed from the water, the glassy facades of the Museum will reveal the brightly-lit interior, becoming a beacon on the water and a landmark on the horizon.
West of the Museum, a small marina will display examples of sailing vessels, a tourist attraction in its own right, which lends an air of authenticity to the museum complex.
The Museum and Marina are thematically linked to the adjacent outdoor Marine Life Park and form a rich tourist experience focused on the sea, marine life and maritime experiences. Along the waterfront at the base of Universal Plaza is the Showplace Theater, with large stone steps creating a seating area for 2,000 people. With views across the bay to the main island, this is the location of the Crane Dance, a nightly sound and light show in the water that epitomizes the fun and drama of Resorts World.
The view of Resorts World Sentosa from the main island of Singapore and Cruise Bay focuses on the central waterfront in the foreground, where the Maritime Xperiential Museum, the Marina and the Showplace Theater are located. The Museum, the most visually prominent of the facilities, creates the first impression of the resort.
