‘200: a natural history’ Exhibition Launch
We held the official launch of our new exhibition, ‘200: a natural history’, on 3 June. Held in conjunction with Singapore’s Bicentennial activities, the exhibition highlights significant events and stories in the past 200 years of Singapore’s natural history.
Our Guest of Honour for the exhibition launch was Ms. Grace Fu, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth.
After her opening speech, NUS President Prof. Tan Eng Chye presented Minister Fu with a copy of ‘200: Points in Singapore’s Natural History’. Produced in conjunction with the exhibition, the book takes readers through a journey down Singapore’s natural history, filled with numerous remarkable stories. Minister Fu was also presented a 18K gold plated medallion coin specially designed for the exhibition.
Minister Fu, NUS senior management, donors, and distinguished guests were then given a tour around the new exhibition by the head of the museum, Prof. Peter Ng.
At the exhibition’s interactive station, guests tried their hand at drawing an animal based on their interpretation of a written description, much like how it was like in the days before photography.
Some guests also decided to take home a 18K gold plated coin specially designed for the exhibition, which can be purchased at the machine outside our museum shop.
The coin costs $10, and is engraved on both sides – one with the exhibition logo, and on the other, a portrait of British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace and his assistant, Ali. Wallace’s discoveries in the Malay Archipelago – of which Singapore is a part of – contributed greatly to the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection.
It was an honour to have all our guests, including members of the public, grace the launch of ‘200: a natural history’. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who played a part in making the launch a success.
About the exhibition
As part of Singapore’s Bicentennial, LKCNHM reflects upon 200 significant natural history events in the island’s past. These interweaving, and sometimes quirky, threads of animals, plants, events, places and people have played an important role in shaping the country’s natural heritage.
It is hoped the exhibits will not only inform but also excite, showcasing how interesting our history has been, and perhaps inspire us to greater heights in the future.
Cutting through the boundaries of natural history, an array of specimens, ethnographic materials and illustrations guide the visitor through the expanding understanding of our own natural history and heritage.