A Milestone Year with Unprecedented Visitor Numbers

SINGAPORE – Get ready for an unforgettable celebration as the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum hits its impressive 10-year anniversary! In 2024, it welcomed a staggering 88,200 visitors, and with exciting events lined up for 2025, it’s on track to shatter this record. This unique gem of a museum, part of the National University of Singapore, has truly become a top destination for nature lovers.

Epic Anniversary Festivities Await!

Mark your calendars for May 18, when the museum will host an open house featuring exclusive guided tours for adults and thrilling scavenger hunts for kids. But be quick: entry is limited to just 600 visitors, and tickets sold out on the very first day!

Among the attractions is a brand-new pop-up planetarium, capable of seating 15 people, where guests can embark on "A Journey Through Singapore's Natural History," an engaging 15-minute documentary that unearths the mysteries of our planet’s life.

A Year of Exploration and Learning

From May 7, 2025, to May 3, 2026, don’t miss the special exhibition, "A Decade of Discovery: Stories from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum." This remarkable showcase will feature artifacts that date back to the 1840s, highlighting the museum’s pivotal role in preserving our region’s natural legacy.

Experience the Thrills After Dark!

For those who crave adventure, sign up for the Night at the Museum from May 30 to June 6. This thrilling experience allows visitors to explore the museum after dark, with detective-style adventures solving a heist of stolen dinosaur fossils. Get ready for some spine-tingling fun!

Bridging Past and Present in Biodiversity Research

Before 2015, Singapore's natural history was mostly linked to the National Museum and Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research. The Lee Kong Chian Museum has evolved into a treasure trove with over a million zoological specimens—up from 500,000 at its inception—each serving as a crucial tool for research and conservation.

The museum's deputy head, Associate Professor Huang Danwei, highlighted the importance of these specimens in tracking ecological changes over time. Recent findings include the discovery of the saddle barb, a freshwater fish species identified in 2021, further advancing Singapore’s biodiversity knowledge.

Engaging Futures: Education and Outreach