Refreshed Singapore Maritime Gallery opens with a new maritime heritage zone to celebrate SG60

The refreshed Singapore Maritime Gallery at Marina South Pier was officially opened today by Mr Murali Pillai, Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport. The refreshed space feature exhibits highlighting Singapore’s rich maritime heritage and modern innovations shaping the maritime industry’s future. 

2.           Visitors can look forward to the new maritime heritage zone, “Tides of Time”, tracing Singapore’s maritime beginnings to as far back as the 3rd century and discover the role that maritime trade has played in Singapore’s growth and development. Supported by the National Heritage Board (NHB), the zone also features maritime archaeological artefacts offering a rare glimpse into Singapore’s role in regional trade, long before its colonial history. Visitors can also learn about the 1603 Santa Catarina incident[1], which took place off Changi and played a pivotal role in shaping modern international maritime law. 

3.           First launched in 2012, the gallery today includes the “Future is Now" zone illustrating the transformation of Maritime Singapore through digital and interactive elements. Visitors can explore a large dynamic world map displaying global shipping movements and trade flows, a 20-foot shipping container showcasing everyday items that Singaporeans are familiar with and delivered to them via the sea, as well as learn about efforts to conserve corals in our waters. The gallery also features a scale model of Tuas Port, and examples of the development of multi-domain capabilities such as drones to support the growth of Maritime Singapore.

4.           Designed to be family-friendly, the gallery offers a dedicated children’s space “PlayPort”, which will continue to feature a wallpaper Node developed in collaboration with the National Library Board (NLB). The Node showcases curated eReads, including engaging maritime-themed e-comics published by NLB, and videos for children to learn more about maritime. The space can also host various activities such as storytelling sessions, craft workshops, and educational programmes tailored for young visitors.

5.           Managed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, the refreshed gallery highlights how Maritime Singapore builds on the foundations of our past, anticipates and adapts to change, and seizes opportunities for the future. The gallery’s open concept also allows it to host corporate events, workshops and thematic exhibitions. The Singapore Maritime Gallery is open from 9am to 6pm daily (except Mondays) and entry to the gallery is free. For more information on the Singapore Maritime Gallery and event booking, please visit www.go.gov.sg/sg-maritime-gallery. 

Singapore Maritime Week 2025 and Talent@SMW

6.           The official opening of the refreshed gallery is held in conjunction with Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) 2025, a signature SG60 event commemorating the nation’s 60th year of independence. SG60 celebrates our nation-building journey and shared values of multiculturalism, boldness, resilience, and openness to build a future Singapore together. Held from 24 to 28 March 2025, SMW 2025 will feature industry conferences, a trade exhibition, EXPO@SMW, and the inaugural Talent@SMW, a career and education fair to connect students and mid-careerists with opportunities in the maritime industry. At Talent@SMW, there will also be curated tours, recruitment talks and presentations by educational institutions and training providers on various initiatives and developments. For more information on SMW and Talent@SMW, visit www.smw.sg. 

SMW Public Engagement Events

7.           As part of SMW 2025, public engagement activities will be held across two weekends, from 21 to 23 March 2025 and 28 to 30 March 2025. The activities include vessel showcases[2] at Marina South Pier and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore Maritime Discoveries tours of significant maritime sites, maritime heritage talks, storytelling and arts and craft sessions at the gallery. Additionally, a family carnival will be held at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal from
21 to 23 March 2025 as part of the relaunch of Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Singapore Maritime Discoveries tours, including the Singapore Maritime Gallery tour, Maritime Heritage trail, and Maritime Evolution trail, are ticketed events. Members of the public can sign up for selected complimentary tours at www.smw.sg/smw-2025/maritime-discoveries-tours, and the schedule of public engagement activities can be found on www.smw.sg.