Singapore’s latest iconic structure, the lotus-inspired ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, is ready to open its doors.
The structure, made up of “10 fingers”, is also touted as the “Welcoming Hand of Singapore” which opens up to the skies.
Its architect Moshe Safdie said: “These shapes which you read from the outside – some say ‘lotus’, some say ‘hand of welcome’ – are actually the shapes of the rooms inside. And because of the geometry, every room is unique, every room has a slightly different shape.”
The building makes use of natural light that flows into the galleries. Rainwater is channelled from the roof and down through the centre of the four-storey structure.
The museum aims to show that the creative processes between arts and science can be similar.
On the two highest floors stands the permanent ArtScience exhibition which is separated into three galleries – Curiosity, Inspiration and Expression.
Various interactive screens also allow visitors to stay engaged.
Museum director Tom Zaller said the museum is an evolving space.
“The museum is never done, we will never be finished with this space, we will never be finished with the entire place, it’s a museum built on a concept…it does not mean the content, the physical boxes or the text that is written on the wall are going to be the same every time. We will continue to change it month after month. New exhibitions will come in, different types of exhibition from fine art to pop culture,” he said.
For a start, the museum is showcasing Genghis Khan – one of the most powerful men of 13th century Mongolia. The exhibition features more than 200 rare treasures never seen outside of Mongolia. The exhibition will go on for two months before heading back to the US.
Also on display will be archaeological finds from 9th century Tang dynasty – as part of the “Shipwrecked: Tang Treasures and Monsoon Winds” exhibition – as well as exhibits tracing the Silk Road.
The experience extends outside the museum too, with a light and water show that involves the use of water screens and vibrant multicolour high-powered lasers.
The show, which tells a story about life, is put up by LaserVision and involves the use of medium giant water screens, vibrant multicolour high powered lasers, among others.
It is accompanied by an original score by local composer and arranger, Iskandar Ismail.
Laservision’s founder and CEO, Paul S McCloskey, said it is a show that is designed to be immersive and to invoke emotions from viewers.
“It’s a show with a song. So yes, it’s spectacular, but it’s also designed to make you want to squeeze the hand of your partner, or if not, someone else’s partner,” he said.
The free 13-minute show, known as “Wonder Full”, will be on nightly.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 17 Feb 2011