Merlion singapore

The Merlion is the iconic statue with a lion head and fish body that symbolizes Singapore, located at Marina Bay.

About this subject

The Merlion is a national symbol of Singapore, representing the fusion of the city as a maritime port (fish) and its original Sanskrit name Singapura, meaning "Lion City". The original statue, 8.6 meters tall and weighing 70 tons, was sculpted by Singaporean artist Lim Nang Seng and inaugurated on September 15, 1972. It is located at the mouth of the Singapore River at Marina Bay, near Merlion Park. The statue spouts water from its mouth, becoming a popular tourist and photographic spot. In 1997, a smaller 2-meter replica was installed in the same park after lightning damaged the original. The Merlion also appears in smaller versions elsewhere, such as on Sentosa Island, where a 37-meter-tall version houses a souvenir shop. The Merlion image is widely used in logos, coins, and stamps of Singapore, reinforcing its cultural identity. Interestingly, the lion that inspired the name never existed in Singapore; the reference is to the lion seen by Prince Sang Nila Utama in the 13th century, according to legend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Merlion statue represent?

The Merlion combines a lion's head and a fish's body, representing Singapore's original name (Lion City) and its origins as a fishing village and seaport.

Where is the original Merlion located?

The original Merlion is at Merlion Park on Marina Bay, at the mouth of the Singapore River, near the city's financial district.

How tall is the Merlion?

The original statue is 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons. A larger version (37 meters) exists on Sentosa Island, but it is not the original.