Singapore casino to launch world's first ArtScience museum

Singapore's Marina Bay Sands is to open the world's first ArtScience museum in February, the latest attraction at its $5.5 billion gambling complex.

Designed in the form of a lotus flower designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the science museum is due to open on 17th February, "as advised by our feng shui master", according to a Marina Bay Sands spokesperson.

Dubbed 'The Welcoming Hand of Singapore' by Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson, the museum hosts 10 'fingers' anchored by a round base in the middle. The design of each finger reveals different gallery spaces featuring skylights at the 'fingertips' that illuminate the dramatically curved interior walls.

The building features 21 gallery spaces totalling 6,000 metres2 that will deliver exhibits from art and science, media and technology, to design and architecture, the statement said.

The permanent exhibition includes objects representing accomplishments of art and science through the ages, such as Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine, a Kongming Lantern and a high-tech robotic fish.

The dish-like roof of the museum allows rainwater to be harvested and channelled down through the centre of the structure to the reflecting pond at the lowest level of the building.

Marina Bay Sands was built and is operated by US casino giant Las Vegas Sands.

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