Merlion singapore

The Merlion is an iconic statue with a lion's head and a fish's body, a national symbol of Singapore since 1964.

About this subject

The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It was created in 1964 by New Zealand sculptor Stanley Wilford Fraser for the Singapore Tourism Board, as part of a marketing campaign to promote the city-state. The name "Merlion" is a blend of "mermaid" and "lion," reflecting the legend of a prince who sighted a lion in Singapore.

The original statue, 8.6 meters tall and weighing 70 tons, was installed at the mouth of the Singapore River near Anderson Bridge in 1972. It was designed by architect Kwan Sai Kheong and sculpted in reinforced concrete. In 1998, the statue was relocated to Merlion Park near Marina Bay, where it remains one of the city's top tourist attractions.

The Merlion represents Singapore's identity as a port island. The fish body symbolizes the city's maritime origins, while the lion head honors the historical name of Singapore, meaning "lion city" in Sanskrit (Singapura derives from "singa", lion, and "pura", city). There are five official versions of the Merlion, including one at Mount Faber and another in Sentosa, but the most famous is at Merlion Park.

Interestingly, the original statue has no visible teeth, which led to local jokes. Additionally, the Merlion has been vandalized and even struck by lightning in 2018, but always restored. It frequently appears in films, TV shows, and souvenirs, being as iconic as Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Merlion statue symbolize?

The Merlion symbolizes Singapore's history and identity. The fish body represents the city's maritime origins, while the lion head honors the name "lion city" and the legend of the prince who sighted a lion.

Where is the most famous Merlion located?

The most famous Merlion is at Merlion Park, near Marina Bay in Singapore. It was relocated there in 1998.

How many official Merlion statues are there?

There are five official Merlion statues in Singapore, including one at Merlion Park, one at Mount Faber, and another in Sentosa.