Fishy Tales

In 1955, Singaporeans got to see fish in tanks other than in their favourite seafood restaurants, when the country's first public aquarium was opened to the public.

The Van Kleef Aquarium, named after a Dutch businessman who bequeathed his estate to the government, was the winning proposal when municipal commissioners were deciding how best to spend the funds in 1935. The aquarium was to be a main feature of Fort Canning Park, which would also feature a large public garden, museum and library.

The Japanese Occupation and subsequent post-war rebuilding disrupted the building of the aquarium. Other setbacks like the death of all the saltwater fish due to contamination and a city council workers' strike also delayed its opening.