Merlion singapore

The Merlion is Singapore's official symbol, blending lion and fish, representing the city-state globally.

About this subject

The Merlion is an iconic statue that has become Singapore's national symbol. This mythical creature combines the head of a lion and the body of a fish, representing the legend of Singapore's founding as a city of lions (Singapura means "lion city" in Sanskrit) and its origins as a fishing village. The original statue was designed in 1964 by Singapore museum curator Fraser Brunner and installed in 1972 at the mouth of the Singapore River. In 2002, it was relocated to Merlion Park, where it attracts millions of tourists annually.

The main statue stands 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons, with water spouting from its mouth. There is also a smaller 2-meter replica on Mount Faber and another on Sentosa Island. The Merlion has no sense of smell but continuously shoots water from its mouth. Interestingly, the Merlion is not a creature from original Singaporean mythology but was created specifically to promote tourism. Nonetheless, it has become a national icon as strong as the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Merlion Park is located in Marina Bay, near the Marina Bay Sands hotel and the Esplanade theatre. The area is one of the most photographed tourist spots in Singapore. At night, the statue is illuminated and stands out against the skyline. Additionally, the Merlion appears on various souvenirs, coins, and logos, recognized worldwide as a symbol of prosperity and Singaporean identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is the Merlion?

The original Merlion is 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons. There are smaller replicas, such as the 2-meter one on Mount Faber.

Where is Merlion Park located?

Merlion Park is located in Marina Bay, adjacent to the Marina Bay Sands hotel and the Esplanade theatre, in central Singapore.

Is the Merlion an ancient Singaporean symbol?

No. The Merlion was created in 1964 by curator Fraser Brunner as a tourism symbol, but it quickly became a national icon.