SINGAPORE – A clutch of artefacts fished up from the seabed from centuries-old shipwrecks around Singapore have been put on display at the revamped Singapore Maritime Gallery in Marina South Pier.
The gallery, which was set up in 2012 by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), was officially reopened by Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai on March 17.
The refreshed gallery features a new heritage zone highlighting “pivotal moments” in Singapore’s maritime history, which dates back to the first written records of Singapore as a strategic trading post by Chinese explorers in the 3rd century, Mr Murali noted.
The “Tides of Time” exhibition features artefacts, such as a rattle, a candlestick holder and fragments of porcelain bowls and spoons, that offer a rare glimpse into Singapore’s role in regional trade long before its colonial history, said MPA.
Some of the finds date back to the 14th century.
The artefacts were curated in partnership with the National Heritage Board and the National University of Singapore, MPA said. Work on the “Tides of Time” started in September 2024 and was completed in February 2025.
“From our early days as a trading port to a global maritime hub today, Singapore’s raison d’etre has always been linked to the sea,” Mr Murali said.
Speaking at the official reopening of the gallery, Mr Murali highlighted how Singapore has “grown from a colonial entrepot to a global hub port”, from Tanjong Pagar Terminal – Singapore’s first container terminal – to Tuas Port, which will be the world’s largest fully automated container port when it is completed in the 2040s.
ST20250317_202580400360/vcgallery17/Brian Teo/Vanessa Paige Chelvan/Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai speaking during the opening of the Refreshed Singapore Maritime Gallery at Marina South Pier on March 17, 2025. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai speaks during the opening of the Refreshed Singapore Maritime Gallery at Marina South Pier on March 17.ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
“The trades of old have given way to new beginnings,” Mr Murali said. Where porcelain, spices and tea were once Asia’s prized exports, “today, vessels sail through Singapore laden with all manners of consumer goods, from smartphones to electric vehicles”, he noted.
Apart from tracing Singapore’s maritime history, the gallery also looks to the future. In the “Future is Now” zone, visitors can see how the maritime sector is embracing new technologies, such as drones and underwater robotics, and sustainable practices, such as the use of clean fuel.
The zone also features digital and interactive exhibits, such as a dynamic world map outlining shipping lanes and trade flows, and a 20ft shipping container that displays everyday items that are delivered to Singapore by sea.
The refreshed gallery also includes a space for children, called PlayPort, which has a collection of maritime-themed e-comics published by the National Library Board. PlayPort aims to foster an early interest in the maritime world, Mr Murali said, such as through storytelling sessions, craft workshops and educational programmes for young visitors.
ST20250317_202580400360/vcgallery17/Brian Teo/Vanessa Paige Chelvan/Mr George Goh (right), director of communications and community at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, sharing with Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai (left) about the silver ingots used as Chinese currency during the Ming dynasty in the 1540s, during the opening of the refreshed Singapore Maritime Gallery at Marina South Pier on March 17, 2025. This section is part of the new maritime heritage zone, 'Tides of Time,' which traces Singapore?s maritime history back to the 3rd century and examines the role of maritime trade in the nation's growth and development. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO.
Director of communications and community at the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore George Goh (right) with Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai (centre) at the opening of the refreshed Singapore Maritime Gallery at Marina South Pier on March 17. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO.
The main gallery – where the “Future is Now” zone and the PlayPort are located – was closed for renovation from October 2022 to April 2023.
Mr Jonah Ling, a Singapore Maritime Gallery volunteer, said the focus on heritage is important. “Artefacts bring the story to life and showcase the journey (of Singapore) as a maritime nation,” the 29-year-old project manager, who works in the port industry. “There is a story behind how we got here.”
The gallery is open from 9am to 6pm daily, except Mondays. Admission is free.
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