Get a private tour of Apple’s new ‘floating’ Singapore store

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This "secret passage" is the perfect location for a selfie or two.
Screenshot: SuperAdrianMe TV/YouTube

The fantastic photographs of Apple Marina Bay Sands, the new “floating” Apple store in Singapore, just don’t do this magnificent structure justice.

From its massive glass dome to a “secret passage” with a stunning view, a virtual private tour posted by a YouTuber is the closest you’ll get to the real thing — at least for now. You’ve got to watch it! (And if you’re lucky enough to be in Singapore for opening day, be sure to check out the YouTuber’s pro tips for visitors.)

The video comes from YouTube channel SuperAdrianMe TV. They got a behind-the-scenes look at the store, which opens Thursday.

“I’m right at the Apple Marina Bay Sands, and it’s amazing,” the YouTuber says, showing off the stunning view of the Singapore skyline from inside the store’s massive glass dome.

The dome appears to float majestically on the bay. The eye-catching structure consists of 114 pieces of glass, with an oculus at the top that lets sunlight come in. Blinds around the side of the dome control the amount of sunlight, keeping the midday heat at bay — and providing a stunning look at night.

See for yourself:

Apple Marina Bay Sands: A must-see for Apple fans

The store isn’t even open yet, and it’s already attracting sightseers.

“Ever since the structure has been completed, a lot of public and photographers have actually visited Marina Bay Sands just to take pictures of the glass dome,” the YouTuber says. “It’s so pretty.”

Inside the dome, some pretty standard-looking display cases show off Apple Watches and other items. But you can’t escape the magnificent, 360-degree view of the Singapore cityscape.

In its press release about Apple Marina Bay Sands, Cupertino described the store’s unique architecture like this:

The sphere is a first-of-its-kind, all-glass dome structure that is fully self-supported, comprised of 114 pieces of glass with only 10 narrow vertical mullions for structural connection. As Apple’s third retail location in Singapore, the new store creates an unforgettable space for customers.

An oculus at the apex of the dome provides a flooding ray of light, with custom sunshade rings lining the interior glass. 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.

It’s not just a dome, either

There’s more to Apple Marina Bay Sands than meets the eye, though. Below the dome, there’s a pretty “normal” Apple retail outlet.

In fact, you walk through that to get to escalators that lead to the dome. The entrance is located on level B2 of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. (That’s an 800,000-square-foot luxury mall located in the Marina Bay Sands resort, a massive complex that also includes a hotel, a casino and loads of other attractions.)

The Apple store also contains a private Board Room, which the YouTuber offers you a glimpse of.

When you visit Apple Marina Bay Sands

In the video, he offers some pro tips for anyone interested in visiting Apple Marina Bay Sands:

Book your reservation online: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you need a reservation to visit this stunning store. Singaporeans “really like to queue,” he says. “Please, please, please go to Apple’s website and make a reservation before you come, so that, you know, you won’t be disappointed.” Book your reservation on the Apple Marina Bay Sands website.

Take a selfie in the secret passage: “Remember to walk behind the LED screen and you will find this secret passage, which is the best Instagram spot in the hole store,” he says.

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