Earthquake response of base restrained and rotational base retaining wall is presented. Details of the scaled down modelling and the construction of the scaled down retaining wall models are also shown. Seismic performance of the scaled down models of base restrained and rotational base retaining wall is examined by conducting several shaking table experiments on them. Different high velocity pulse (HVPs) and string of pulses (multiple pulses) were applied at the base of both the retaining wall models to investigate their performance during the shaking table experiment. The results of shaking table experiments were than used to study the forced and free vibration response of the base restrained and rotational base retaining wall models. Finite element (FE) investigations were also carried out to understand the capability of the FE models to replicate the shaking table experiment results. Details to develop a robust FE model of the base restrained and rotational base retaining wall are also presented. During the shaking table experiments active and passive state movements were observed for both the retaining wall models. In the case of rotational base retaining wall, the dissipation of seismic forces resulted in its limited seismic movements, though the magnitudes of these movements are not insignificant.