From dusty beginnings to an architectural marvel. This is the story of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. The museum stands as a testament to the enduring power of curiosity and the importance of preserving our natural world. The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum officially opened its doors in April 2015. However, its roots stretch back much further, intertwining with the very history of Singapore.
Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, first envisioned a natural history collection. This collection began to take shape at the Raffles Museum in 1849. This museum later became the National Museum of Singapore. The collection, initially known as the Raffles Collection, grew over the years. It became a treasure trove of Southeast Asian biodiversity. It even survived the Japanese Occupation thanks to a direct order from the Japanese prime minister to preserve museum collections.
The collection’s journey wasn’t always smooth. In 1972, it was removed from the National Museum. It was transferred to the University of Singapore’s Zoology Department. It then embarked on a nomadic existence, housed in temporary locations. This included a seven-year stint at Nanyang Technological University. The collection faced challenges. Limited space and frequent moves in wooden crates led to damage. The dedication of curators like Yang Chang Man prevented the collection from being lost.
Finally, in 1987, the collection found a stable home at the National University of Singapore’s Kent Ridge Campus. Housed in climate-controlled, airtight compactors, the specimens could be properly preserved. In 1998, the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research was established to manage this valuable collection. It included a public gallery, furthering its mission of research and education.
The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum inherited this rich legacy. Its namesake, Lee Kong Chian, was a prominent businessman and philanthropist. His support, along with donations from others, made the new museum a reality. The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum showcases over two thousand specimens. Its fifteen zones trace the history of life on Earth. The Heritage Zone highlights the museum’s history. The Singapore Today zone focuses on the island’s geology and conservation efforts. Among its star attractions are three diplodocid sauropod dinosaur skeletons. These are affectionately nicknamed “Prince,” “Apollonia,” and “Twinky.”
The museum continues the tradition of research and education. It conducts biodiversity and ecology research in the Asia-Pacific region. It publishes the Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, a peer-reviewed journal specializing in Southeast Asian biodiversity. The Toddycats! program, initially for undergraduates, engages the public in conservation, education, and research. It offers guided tours, nature trails, and public seminars.
The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is more than just a museum. It is a living archive of Southeast Asian biodiversity. It is a center for research and discovery. It is a place where the past meets the present, inspiring future generations to protect our natural world.