I think the most important aspect of the Ark and the stories surrounding it is that when you have faith in the teachings and commandments of the Lord, you are strong, and can overcome many obstacles. We are all "Arks" ourselves....when we have faith in the Ten Commandments. And the teachings of Lord are so great that they can even astonish earthly kings.
So, I guess the ark is kind of a metaphor for all of us when we accept His teachings and direction. There may be an actual Ark out there somewhere, but to me the idea behind the story is that with God in your heart (the Ten Commandments contained in the Ark), obstacles are few. I hope that made sense.
Great sense. The holiest icons and places are the hearts and minds that strive for Good to make a better world.