Apple has announced the grand opening of its new Marina Bay Sands retail store in Singapore, set for 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. Apple says the new store is its “most ambitious retail project.”
Apple says the new store appears as a sphere floating on the iridescent Marina Bay, and that it “introduces a new and captivating retail experience at one of the most iconic locations in Singapore.” The store’s all-glass dome is made up of 114 pieces of glass, creating a one-of-a-kind construct.
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.”
The store will be staffed by 148 employees who collectively speak over 23 languages. The store’s Forum is centered around a Video Wall, which will serve as the stage for Today at Apple sessions featuring Singapore’s artists, musicians, and creators. Entrepreneurs and developers interested in receiving training and advice can meet with Apple team members in Apple’s first underwater Boardroom, located on the lower level of the store.
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, and each non-transferable reservation admits one person. Capacity will be limited, so guests may experience wait times before entering the store.
