Apple has confirmed that its phenomenal new Marina Bay Sands floating store in Singapore will open on Thursday, marking “Apple’s most ambitious retail project.”
The one-of-a-kind store sits on a body of water in the iconic bay area, neighboring luxury hotels, bars, stores, and water-side restaurants. The store is housed in a glass sphere floating on Marina Bay, opening as the third Apple Store in Singapore, following the spectacular Jewel Changi Airport store last year, and Apple Orchard Road in 2017.
Apple says Apple Marina Bay Sands offers uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic views of the city and its skyline, thanks to a first-of-its-kind, all-glass dome structure, comprised of 114 pieces of glass.
Nearly 150 employees speaking over 23 languages will be based at the store, which opens its doors on Thursday, September 10 at 10 a.m. SGT. Visits to Apple Marina Bay Sands on Thursday will be by appointment only. Customers can visit apple.com/sg/marinabaysands to choose from available times.
Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, an oculus located at the apex of the dome provides a flooding ray of light that travels through the space. The interior of the glass is lined with custom baffles, each uniquely shaped to counter sun angles and provide a nighttime lighting effect. With trees lining the interior of the dome, the green garden city of Singapore flows into the store, providing additional shading and soft shadows through the foliage.
“We couldn’t be more excited to open the breathtaking Apple Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, building on our commitment to this special place that began more than 40 years ago,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People. “Our passionate and talented team is ready to welcome this community to our new store and deliver the care and support that our customers around the world love.”