Facade

The façade draws visitors in through a glowing archway and into the entrance tunnel.

Schools of fish and majestic sea creatures glide past, surrounding visitors in an immersive ocean world.

Chapter 1: In the Beginning

Life began in a single Drop of Water. Like ballet dancers on a stage, planktons prance across a giant water droplet to captivate visitors in this zone.

Coelacanth

Rare ancient animals still thrive today, including the Coelacanth, a true ‘living fossil.’

Visitors can see a replica come alive through an interactive transparent screen.

Emergence onto Land

As plants spread and oxygen levels rose, the Earth’s environment shifted prompting some ocean creatures to make their first steps onto land.

In Emergence onto Land, visitors follow this journey, encountering amphibians and catching glimpses of prehistoric species hidden within the wall caves.

Chapter 2: At the Surface

The ocean has long inspired human exploration, revealing unknown islands, rare plants, and fascinating animals. The Jewel of Muscat embodies this enduring spirit.

Singapore’s Coast

Visitors arrive at Singapore’s Coast to explore its diverse terrains and ecosystems. With careful observation, they may spot mudskippers on the flats, crabs among the rocks, and vibrant corals beneath the water, all brought to life through 3D projection mapping.

Chapter 3: Sunlight

The Coral Garden showcases vibrant shallow-water ecosystems and the fragile balance humans have disrupted. This fragility continues in the Kelp Forest, where the loss of sea otters caused the kelp ecosystem to collapse, threatening countless marine species.

Poisonous vs Venomous

Ever wondered which species are poisonous and which are venomous? In this zone, visitors of all ages can test their knowledge in the interactive game Poisonous vs Venomous, turning curiosity into discovery.

Garbage Patches

These currents drive fish migration, regulate temperatures, and carry human debris, forming massive Garbage Patches.
Visitors can trace the journey of a single water bottle to see the impact of our actions on the ocean.

Artquarium

At the Artquarium, visitors create their own imaginary fish and learn how different body shapes and features help species survive in their habitats.

Chapter 5: Midnight

As visitors move deeper into the Oceanarium, the environment changes drastically, guiding them along the bioluminescent floor toward the whalefall zone.

Trenches

Visitors finally reach the trenches, where strange and fascinating creatures emerge from the darkness as a towering video wall conveys the vast, eerie emptiness of the deep.

Chapter 6: A New Horizon

As the journey draws to a close, visitors are reminded of the ocean’s fragile yet powerful nature and the role they play in shaping its future.

.

An immersive anamorphic projection captures the dramatic moment an iceberg crashes into the sea, sending a massive wave surging towards the audience.

Hallway of Hope

In this space, visitors discover how waves shape the coast and why protective barriers are essential, inspiring them to take action.

Through interactive experiences, they propagate and safeguard corals, take a virtual dive to join an ocean clean-up, and gain the skills to choose sustainable seafood in their everyday shopping.

“All living things on Earth are woven together in a tapestry of life.”

.

This closing message comes alive on the interactive Pledge Board, where animals transform into different species at a touch.

Official Website

• Singapore Oceanarium

History Gallery A

The earliest chapters of Indian history are presented in this gallery.

Starting with the earliest civilizations, Gallery A features prehistoric cave arts, ancient scripts, religious symbols, and the might of early warriors.

Rock or Tool?

This short film explores the remarkable evolution of tool technology that shaped human history. Early humans transformed simple stones into essential tools like knives, axes, and spearheads.

Next to the exhibit, viewers can view the very stone tools featured in the film, offering a tangible connection to the remarkable craftsmanship displayed on screen.

Brahmi Script

The Brahmi script is the ancient foundation for countless regional scripts used across India today.

A projection wall near the recreated entrance of the Barabar Caves showcases the evolution of the Brahmi script into modern Indian scripts.

Brahmi Writing

Visitors are invited to type their names, which are then transformed into the ancient script, revealing the shared ancestry between Brahmi and various modern languages.

To capture this unique experience, visitors can take home a printed comparison of their name in Brahmi and its modern script.

Within the same exhibit, visitors can explore the development of Indian scripts.

The Might of the Nandas

An animated film sequence unfolds across a full-height wall, immersing visitors in a dramatic battle scene.

Set against a rain of spears and arrows overhead, the sequence brings to life the raw power of the legendary Nanda warriors, evoking a sense of tension and awe.

As the scene reaches its climax, warriors riding towering war elephants charge forward, symbolizing the epic battles of 4th century BCE India.

This powerful finale captures the scale and intensity of ancient warfare, leaving visitors with a deep appreciation for the might of the Nandas.

Jain and Buddhist Symbols

The rich symbolism of Jainism and Buddhism is explored through sculptures and sacred sites.

Miniature replicas of the Mahabodhi temple and stupas are provided to deepen visitors’ connection to the heart of Jain and Buddhist spirituality.

.

Visitors are introduced to symbols, often centred around the Bodhi Tree, that have shaped these ancient belief systems.

Cracking the Indus Code

What stories do the symbols on the Indus seals whisper?

These enigmatic markings, a common feature of Indus Valley inscriptions, continue to baffle scholars.

Visitors can explore the complexities of deciphering this ancient script and discover why, unlike its counterparts, it remains an unsolved mystery.

Visitors can test their skills with an interactive matching game, where they identify the correct symbols from the Indus inscriptions and drag and drop them onto the corresponding seals.

Kaimur Caves

The Kaimur caves in Bihar are rich repositories of cave art paintings dating back to prehistoric times.

These paintings offer a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants, depicting scenes of daily life, hunting rituals, and symbolic representations.

To bring these ancient images to life, the exhibit transforms rock art into subtle animated figures, enhancing the visitors’ experience.

History Gallery B

Key periods of Indian history are explored in Gallery B. The artistic and cultural peak of the Gupta era is showcased through terracotta art and intricately detailed coins.

The rise of Buddhist-learning centres is exemplified through a recreated monk’s cell from Nalanda University. To complement this, a life-size recreation of a priest performing a ritual is projected onto the facade of the Mundeshwari temple.

Gupta Coin Projection

Figures and themes adorning both sides of coins issued by early Gupta rulers are brought to life through a series of animated projections displayed on the gallery walls.

The Gupta Coins

The die-struck process, a centuries-old technique, was utilised for coin minting in India. The Gupta dynasty’s power and prosperity are reflected in the significance of these coins.

Visitors engage in an interactive 3D game where they select animals and occupations to create personalised digital coins, replicating the ancient minting process.

Within the same exhibit, they will be introduced to the imperial Gupta rulers and the significance of the coins issued by them, gaining insights into their symbolic meanings and historical importance.

Nalanda Monk Cell

Visitors step into a reconstructed monk’s cell to experience life at Nalanda University.

Once a thriving centre of learning, the university’s vibrant past is brought to life through audio and visual displays that depict the activities that once filled these spaces.

Nalanda University

Nalanda University, a renowned centre of learning from the 5th to 12th centuries, is explored through its architectural remains.

Drone footage offers a comprehensive perspective of the university’s layout, while interactive hotspots in the exhibit provide detailed information on its various structures and functions.

Visitors are also introduced to other significant Buddhist universities that flourished in Bihar during this period.

The Spread of Pala

The artistic legacy of the Pala dynasty extended far beyond its borders. The multitouch table exhibit explores how Pala art and culture spread from Bihar across Asia, influencing diverse regions.

Displayed among the Pala statues, this interactive exhibit allows visitors to engage with the art’s influence while viewing the sculptures that reflect the dynasty’s rich heritage.

Viewers can explore the intricate details of Buddhist and Hindu iconography, and delve into the world of Vajrayana Buddhism, which thrived under Pala patronage.

Mundeshwari Temple

A mapped projection brings a priest performing a ritual to life on the temple’s façade.

This façade is a recreation of the iconic Mundeshwari Temple. One of the oldest and most protected monuments since 1915, it stands as a testament to India’s rich architectural heritage.

Five Years to Build a Kingdom

Despite a reign spanning only five years, Sher Shah Suri secured his place as one of India’s most capable rulers.

Displayed against a map of ancient India, visitors can explore key locations significant to Sher Shah’s rise to power, contributions, and achievements.

Gallery G: Bihari Diaspora

Gallery G offers a comprehensive exploration of the Bihari diaspora, beginning with the harrowing experiences of the Girmitiyas (indentured labourers) during colonial times.

The gallery chronicles the journey of the Girmitiyas, their struggles, and their enduring spirit. It further delves into the formation and evolution of Bihari communities worldwide, highlighting their cultural contributions and global impact

Clouds on the Ashokan Pillar

Holographic storm clouds churned across a recreated Ashokan Pillar, foreshadowing the journeys ahead for the Bihari diaspora.

These churning clouds mirrored the challenges and uncertainties faced by those leaving their homeland.

History of the Bihari Migration

The 19th and 20th centuries in Bihar were marked by a large-scale exodus. Men, women, and children left their homes for unknown foreign lands under the colonial indenture systems.

Visitors embark on a visual journey through this period, encountering archival black and white photos, footages, and digitised documents.

Archival Photos of Bihari People

Many people migrated from Bihar during the 19th and 20th centuries due to British rule.

A large-scale wall projection brings these stories to life, showcasing the journeys of individuals who left their homes for uncertain futures abroad.

Music of the Diaspora

Bihari folk music culture stretches from the roots of rural Bihar into distant regions such as the Caribbean, and North America.

Musical instruments are suspended in a display above the exhibits, symbolizing the far-reaching influence of Bihari music across the world.

Bidesiya Nautanki & Songs

The Bihari migration is expressed through the traditional folk genre known as Bidesiya.

With its deeply emotional style, Bidesiya focuses on themes of separation, longing, and migration, often depicting the pain of leaving one’s homeland for better opportunities.

Bihari Diaspora Today

This concluding exhibit provides an in-depth exploration of the Bihari diaspora, tracing its evolution from historical migrations to its present-day global influence.

Through a multitouch table and a projection wall, visitors can interact with both archival and contemporary data, uncovering the diverse experiences and contributions of Biharis around the world.

When visitors share their stories, the projection wall dynamically displays their contributions, creating a collective narrative that evolves in real-time.

This interactive feature enhances the visitor experience, making it personal, as their stories become part of the broader journey of the Bihari diaspora.

Official Website

• Bihar Museum

What is Peranakan?

.

Frequently asked by visitors from all over the world, this question is answered through themes related to origins, home, and style as aspects of identity.

Focus Group on User Interaction

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the concept was adapted to suit non-touch interaction.

.

Considering all target users, we organized focus groups for children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities to better understand their user experience and provide the best solution suited for all.

The Creole Wall

The language of the Peranakans is a creole that developed over time through the process of different languages simplifying and mixing into a new form. This unique hybrid language is the result of a multiracial community living together and intermarrying over several decades, eventually forming a distinct and unique community.

.

The digital mural wall is brought to life through interactive projections, featuring a rich blend of animated graphics and triggerable dialogues in multiple languages.

Peranakans in Southeast Asia

Different thematic stories play out on a base map, showcasing the historical and geographical contexts leading to the emergence and development of Peranakan communities in Southeast Asia.

Different thematic stories play out on a base map, showcasing the historical and geographical contexts leading to the emergence and development of Peranakan communities in Southeast Asia.

Faces Across Time And Space

Located on the museum’s first level is the Origins gallery, which focuses on the diverse origins and evolution of Peranakan communities.

.

From hand-coloured photographs to photo walls, visitors will encounter portraits of past and present-day Peranakans, contributed by various Peranakan communities, showcasing the diversity and richness of Peranakan cultural heritage.

On four separate interactive screens, visitors browse through photographs categorized under different themes. To provide users with a break from space and time limits, a custom CMS allows the museum to update the photographs and texts independently.

The Diversity of Peranakan Cooking

Hosting a feast is an event for the Peranakan community that goes beyond mere dining; it is a vibrant celebration of their rich cultural heritage, where elaborate dishes, traditional attire, and heartfelt hospitality come together to honor family, tradition, and the art of communal gathering.

.

A dual-screen video presentation showcases Peranakan cooks and recipes from diverse Peranakan community groups.

.

The video begins with serene horizon sea waves, symbolizing the sea as the Navy’s lifeline.

The accompanying soundtrack, the Navy’s song, resonates with many RSN men and women, creating an emotional and familiar connection.

Defending Our Everyday – Maritime Security

This exhibit features a large screen with a projected map of Singapore and multiple input consoles, showcasing the bustling Straits of Singapore.

This interactive installation allows visitors to learn how the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) detects and responds to various maritime threats through engaging consoles.

The wall projection displays ships continuously navigating through Singapore’s busy waters in fast-motion and at various points, information boxes appear on the map, providing valuable insight to their mission.

A Deterrence Force

Visitors come face to face with a smart glass screen that brings RSN’s mission to life. This visual montage showcases the Navy executing various operations across all domains, illustrating their technical prowess and strategic effectiveness.

Through dynamic scenes, engaging clips, music and sound effects, visitors will witness the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Singapore’s maritime interests.

Through animated projection mapping, it brings to life the experiences and journeys of these remarkable personnel, gaining a deeper appreciation for the stories of bravery, dedication, and honor that form the foundation of the RSN.

The Pool of Reflection

The Pool of Reflection is a digital art installation designed for visitors to reflect on their journey through the Navy Museum.

.

Visitors are prompted to interact with a digital screen where their hand movements create ripples that come together to reveal a series of heartfelt messages. These messages capture the profound ways in which the Navy’s work has touched lives.