The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) is currently holding its first insect-themed collaboration with ArtScience Museum, featuring over 500 specimens from LKCNHM’s insect collection, and representing 14 major orders from Earth’s most diverse group of animals.  

‘Insects: Microsculptures Magnified’ invites visitors to reconsider this class of animals not merely as small, everyday lifeforms, but as intricate and essential contributors to our diverse ecosystems. The exhibition brings together 37 visually striking photographs of insects from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, captured by award‑winning British photographer Levon Biss, in a level of detail impossible to see with the naked eye, alongside the careful preparation and preservation of 16 insect drawers from LKCNHM. 

These insect specimens are on display to the public for the very first time, including specimens from all around the world, but with emphasis on the insect fauna of Southeast Asia, including native species from Singapore. Among those showcased are specimens of a newly discovered and described plant bug species named after Singapore, Campylomma singapura. This species was discovered during field surveys conducted within the National University of Singapore campus. Besides naming the species after its place of discovery (and only known occurrence so far), the name was a timely tribute to Singapore’s 60th year of independence in 2025. 

In addition to specimens, the exhibition also showcases the insect section of LKCNHM’s Biodiversity of Singapore digital reference collection, as well as the insect specimen preparation process.  

“We appreciate this opportunity to display the fascinating diversity of insects in conjunction with ongoing scientific research in Singapore. We hope this helps to awe and inspire visitors with regards to the immense and deep beauty of these tiny six-legged animals that should be treasured as an important and unique part of our natural heritage,” Associate Professor Darren Yeo, Head of LKCNHM, mentioned in his speech during the opening ceremony of ‘Insects: Microsculptures Magnified’.  

‘Insects: Microsculptures Magnified’ will be at the ArtScience Museum from 17 January to 10 May 2026. We hope to see you there!