Opening hours for Public Gallery

Mondays to Fridays: 9:00am to 5:00pm (GMT+8)
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays)

Location

Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science
National University of Singapore
6 Science Drive 2
Blk S6, #03-01
Singapore 117546
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE

Tel: +65-6516-5082
Fax: +65-6774-8101

The Public Gallery

Introduction

While the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research has been actively contributing to the study of Southeast Asian biodiversity for more than 100 years, there has been little means of sharing this knowledge with the general public. With the launch of the Public Gallery on 15th June 200, the museum was able to welcome members of the public.

A small part of the museum's 500,000 specimens is on display to showcase Southeast Asian biodiversity and raise the awareness of conservation issues.

Things to note

1. Do not touch the exhibits
   The specimens are coated with poisonous preservatives (arsenic, mercury, methanol or formalin) to stop the degradation or decomposition of the specimens by enzymes, bacteria, insects, and other organisms. This allows longer preservation of the specimens.

The exhibits could date back 50 years or more and may be fragile. Please treat them with care and respect.

2. No flash photography
   Exposure to light promotes oxidation, which causes discolouration of the specimens. In order to be used as an accurate reference, specimens need to be preserved in their original state as much as possible. Hence, lighting in the gallery has to be kept low.

Exhibits

1. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research

This section gives you an insight of what the Museum is all about.

2. The Biodiversity of Singapore

Singapore has incredibly rich biodiversity of fauna and flora. The number of plants alone exceeds that in all of North America. All living things are categorised into five kingdoms, and this section will show you what Singapore has got to offer.

3. Tropical Habitats

Southeast Asia has many habitats, ranging from deep sea trenches to mountains with a rich collection of fauna and flora. This section is divided into three main tropical habitats, along with other smaller habitats.

4. Surprising Singapore

Despite being a small island and highly urbanised, Singapore is home to many spectacular animals, including dugongs, turtles, pangolins and more. This section showcases these amazing animals.

5. Conservation Issues/Animals of Southeast Asia

Our rich biodiversity of fauna and flora is constantly struggling for survival, largely due to the acts of humans. Pollution, habitat destruction, over-exploitation and wildlife trade and collection are some examples. This section highlights the importance of conservation.

Ranging from the Frigate Bird of Christmas Island to the Babirusa of Sulawesi to the Proboscis Monkeys of Borneo, this small section displays some of the animals found in Southeast Asia.

6. Things people eat

Feel like having some delicacies? Traditional Chinese Medicine? Health boosters? This section shows various types of food that we consume, which comes from interesting sources.

7. Raffles the Naturalist

Other than being the founder of Modern Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles is also known as an avid naturalist. This section reveals some of his work in the early days, when he described the fauna and flora of Southeast Asia during his stint in the region.

8. Singapore’s Natural Heritage - Bats

Bats are often misunderstood creatures, no thanks to the media and Count Blood himself. They are in fact beneficial to humans in several ways. For example, they prey on insects which could be pest; they help to pollinate fruit trees like durians; and even help to disperse seeds. This small exhibit showcases some of Singapore's very own creatures of the night, big and small!

More information for visitors to the Public Gallery can be found here