Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

The Lee Kong Chian National Museum is a natural history museum located within the National University of Singapore’s Kent Ridge Campus. It’s best known for housing the famous Raffles Natural History Collection.

This unique museum not only collects and displays important specimens, but it has also been able to nurture interest in Singapore’s biodiversity, as well as highlighting environmental issues.

As one of Singapore’s most beautiful, inspiring, and modern museums, its long and colourful history dates back to 1823 when Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles first established a school known as the Singapore Institution. In 1849, the Singapore Library called for the establishment of a Singapore Museum after the Temenggong Ibrahim of Johore gave them a special coin gift. By 1878, Singapore’s Legislative Council formally approved the Raffles Societies Ordinance, which announced the validity of the museum.

Today, the museum is one of the oldest of its kind in Asia. It has inherited the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research’s natural history collection, which was obtained from the original Raffles Museum, which was renamed in 1965 as the National Museum of Singapore. In April 2014, the museum was established as an academic unit with the Faculty of Sciences. Endowment left behind for the natural collection of animals and other forms of natural heritage, as well as public donations, have helped fund the building the museum is located in today.

The Lee Kong Chian National Museum has two major attractions: a fascinating plant and animal collection, which features a research-centred display for the education of visitors; and a public gallery. With over 560,000 catalogued items, more than one million specimens from around Asia, 15 zones in its biodiversity gallery that tells the story of life on earth, this museum is sure to captivate anyone who is interested in science.

Additionally, in-house scientists continue to engage in research projects, which contribute to the regular growth of the collections. Other services and facilities offered include a research room and laboratory facilities, outreach projects, educational workshops for students and teachers, and publications to browse. Dining outlets and a museum shop are located within the museum as well.

Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is open on all days and public holidays except Mondays, with three sessions (entry times) at 10am, 1pm and 4pm. Last admission to the museum gallery is at 5:30pm. If taking the MRT, alight at Clementi Station.