Apple’s floating glass Marina Bay Sands store opens this Thursday

Apple Marina Bay Sands will open this Thursday, September 10 at 10am SGT. The Marina Bay Sands store appears to float on the water off Singapore’s Marina Bay. The glass orb is Apple’s third retail location in Singapore and also the company’s “most ambitious retail project.”

With 360-degree panoramic views of the Lion City and its spectacular skyline, the all-glass dome structure resides above the water. It is covered with 114 pieces of glass with 10 vertical strips for structural connection.

“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.”

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.

The Forum is centered around a massive video wall served as the stage for Today at Apple sessions with local artists, musicians, and creators. Also, you’ll get to see Apple’s first underwater Boardroom, located on the lower level, for business meetings and training purposes. With 148 people on the team, visitors can easily interact at the store as they collectively speak over 23 languages.

Keeping the pandemic in mind, the store has taken several measures to ensure the health of both employees and visitors. Face masks will be provided at entrance along with touch-less temperature checks. Customers have to make an appointment to visit Apple Marina Bay Sands due to current health situation. As the capacity will be limited following social distancing, guests might have to wait before entering the store.