Merlion singapore

The Merlion is Singapore's mythical mascot, combining a lion's head and fish body, a national symbol since 1964.

About this subject

The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, serving as Singapore's national mascot since 1964. The original statue was designed by Fraser Brunner, curator of the Singapore Museum, for the Singapore Tourism Board. Located at Merlion Park along Marina Bay, the main statue stands 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons, continuously spouting water from its mouth. It represents Singapore's humble origins as a fishing village (fish body) and its original name, Singapura, meaning "lion city" in Sanskrit (lion head). There are other replicas, including a 37-meter tall one on Sentosa Island, which closed in 2019. The Merlion has become a global tourist icon, appearing on stamps, coins, and souvenirs, symbolizing the city-state's resilience and maritime spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Merlion symbolize?

The Merlion combines a fish body and lion head to represent Singapore's origins as a fishing village and its original name "Singapura" (lion city).

Where is the original Merlion located?

The original 8.6-meter statue is at Merlion Park on Marina Bay, opposite the Marina Bay Sands hotel.

How many Merlions are there in Singapore?

There are about 12 official Merlions across the island, including the one on Sentosa (now deactivated) and at Mount Faber.