RWS Sentosa’s Singapore Oceanarium to reopen on July 23 after 3-month expansion

Prehistoric oceans, deep-water abysses, breathtaking underground forests — these are merely some of the new exhibits awaiting visitors at the newly revamped Singapore Oceanarium in RWS Sentosa.

Previously known as S.E.A. Aquarium, the Oceanarium will reopen its doors to the public on 23 July 2025, boasting large-scale exhibit overhauls and expansions to its former offerings. 

New and improved exhibits

Guests will be treated to a space that is three times larger than its predecessor, with 22 zones specially designed to take visitors across a journey through time and space. Large-scale attractions include Ocean Wonders, one of the world’s largest kreisel tanks that plays home to thousands of mesmerising, bioluminescent moon jellies. Visitors can also choose to view thousands of marine animals, including Reed Manta Rays and Zebra Sharks, gliding through the waters in Open Oceans, a stunning 36-metre-wide viewing panel.

For those seeking something a little closer to home, areas like Singapore’s Coast will spotlight the biodiversity present within Singapore’s mangroves, utilising immersive technology to blend interactivity and learning. Other exhibits, like Migrators, will focus on the vibrant ecosystems present in the open waters around continents. 

Those who are keen on learning about mankind’s usage of the ocean’s water will be thrilled by Spirit of Exploration, which features a replica of a ninth-century Arabian dhow from the former Maritime Experiential Museum & Aquarium. A suspended web named Pier Adventure has also been installed close by for visitors to view the ship and its surrounding exhibit from different angles. 

Finally, the Singapore Oceanarium Store is returning to the space, featuring merchandise, educational materials and trinkets created to encourage a love and appreciation of the marine ecosystems around us. Visitors can end their visit by exploring its seasonal collections and local offerings. And for those who are peckish by the end of their visit — a new themed cafe named Explorer’s Nook will offer refreshing drinks and light bites inspired by marine life. 

Blending Aquarium and Research Institute

In addition to its new exhibits, Singapore Oceanarium has announced new partnerships with other marine research institutes. Collaborations with the National University of Singapore and the Earth Observatory of Singapore at Nanyang Technological University have been announced, with these partnerships scheduled to run for five and two years respectively. Focusing on climate resilience and marine conservation, these partnerships will help Singapore Oceanarium make significant breakthroughs as a research institute. 

On top of its preexisting expansion, Singapore Oceanarium has also set up the Research and Learning Centre. Located next to the Oceanarium, the Research and Learning Centre is equipped with state of the art equipment, labs, workspaces and event spaces to provide scientists and academics with a research space. Its close proximity to the Oceanarium will also allow for these researchers to conduct their studies on-site, further enhancing its educational and conservation potential. 

On the extensive renovations to the Singapore Oceanarium, Vice President Lam Xue Ying said, “This transformation from S.E.A. Aquarium to a purpose-driven institute has been years in the making. We are dedicated to inspiring a new generation of ocean stewards by taking ocean education and interactive storytelling to the next  level, through naturalistic habitats and immersive technology. Supported by academic partnerships, international accreditations and memberships, as well as our new Research and Learning Centre, we’re furthering our commitment to marine conservation, research and education.”

Singapore Oceanarium will officially open its doors on 23 July, with more information scheduled to come soon.