In celebration of the Museum’s 10th anniversary, the gallery opened for an exceptional after-hours event: a crime scene investigation! Over five thrilling nights, 250 curious participants transformed into detectives at ‘Night at LKCNHM: A Museum Heist Investigation’, where they tracked down the culprits responsible for the theft of dinosaur and prehistoric fossils. 

Spearheaded by LKCNHM’s Education Team and supported by experts from NUS Forensic Science and NUS Physics, the programme provided hands-on activities for participants to learn about forensic science and palaeontology. The experience was enhanced by exclusive access to our new inflatable planetarium, showcasing the Museum’s dedication to innovative education and public engagement. 

The premise

A break-in has occurred at the Museum! Participants were given an immersive recap from the perspective of the Museum security guard, viewed inside our inflatable planetarium. We followed him through the end of his shift, right until he was ambushed by the thief! 

The investigation

Like every good investigation, participants had to first examine the scene of the crime! With the help of experts from NUS Forensic Science and NUS Physics, participants used magnetism and UV light to analyse the scene and find subtle traces of the criminal. They also used these methods to reveal hidden features in objects around us, such as bank notes and tonic water. 

After collecting clues on the culprit, it was time to investigate what the criminal stole. Detectives turned into palaeontologists as they took inventory of the missing fossils and analysed their properties, such as age and country of origin. 

With all the evidence, the elusive culprit was narrowed down to five Museum staff who had been present on the night of the crime. After watching some short interviews where the suspects defended themselves, participants were presented with five detailed profiles to determine the culprit.  

The final judgement

Back in the planetarium, we hosted a moot court in which participants had to make their final choices on the culprit. The secluded dome was the perfect setting for participants to engage in close discussion—and sometimes heated debates! 

Thank you all for helping us catch the culprits behind the Museum heist! Hope to see you again soon… or hopefully not?

Written by: Mavis Goh