Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

The Basics

See over 2,000 specimens on display, across two levels, and 20 different thematic and exhibit zones. The Biodiversity Gallery on the lower floor showcases specimens from the museum’s collection and traces the history of life on the planet, while the exhibits on the mezzanine level Heritage Gallery cover the museum’s development (with roots in the Raffles Museum) and Singapore’s history of biodiversity exploration.

Book your entry to the museum in advance to ensure your preferred time slot. Admission to the museum is included in some Singapore multiattraction passes.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is a must-visit for natural history buffs, especially dinosaur lovers.

• Bring an ID to enter the museum.

• Food and drink are not allowed in the museum.

• Download the museum’s app to learn more about different exhibits.

• The museum is wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

The museum is located on the campus of the National University of Singapore. Those driving should take AYE exit 9 and use parking lot 3 or 3A. To get there by bus, take bus 96 (to NUS Raffles Hall, opposite the museum) or 11 (to the Museum stop), or take the MRT to Clementi station, then transfer to bus 96.

When to Get There

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from midmorning to evening. There are three entry sessions daily for crowd-control purposes, though after entry, guests can stay until closing. Free guided tours are offered Thursday to Sunday at 1pm, and parking is free on Sundays and public holidays.

Highlights of the Collection

The star attractions of the museum’s collection are the three diplodocid sauropod dinosaur fossils, which are more than 80 percent complete. Two of the dinosaurs even come with skulls, a rarity among sauropod dinosaur fossils. Other notable displays include the specimen of a female sperm whale found off Jurong Island; a slice of the Changi tree, a rare species of dipterocarp; and the leatherback turtle specimen found over a century ago near Siglap.