50 and still fabulous: the Merlion celebrates its golden jubilee

Singapore, 2 August 2022 – Singapore’s Merlion, located at Merlion Park, will turn 50 on 15 September this year. Having maintained its good looks and popularity over the years, it will now be treated to a month-long party that includes food, drinks, shopping and a line-up of activities that pay tribute to its longevity.

The original Merlion statue was inaugurated at the mouth of the Singapore River in 1972 and has remained one of the country’s top five free-access attractions¹. As Singapore welcomes back more visitors, the celebrations aim to raise awareness of our reimagined offerings, while highlighting the important role that tourism continues to play in Singapore’s growth.

Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said, “The Merlion is an enduring symbol of Singapore that is recognised around the world. It is also synonymous with tourism, which has helped to make Singapore a vibrant city and a home that Singaporeans can be proud of. After a difficult two years for our industry, it is timely for us to commemorate the Merlion’s golden jubilee and invite both locals and visitors to join in the celebrations.”

Experiences and events

For the perfect selfie with the birthday boy, the Merlion Statue at the Merlion Park near One Fullerton will be lit up from 15 September till 29 September, from 6 pm to 12 midnight each day. The statue will continue to be lit throughout the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2022 from 30 Sept to 2 Oct. Merlion “hunters” can also explore the island to discover all six official Merlions through the “Merli-Go-Round x Merlion 50^th edition” game on the Singapore Travel Guide app or find them through the Prudential Merlion 50 Hunt Challenge. For art aficionados, the Merlion can be found at National Gallery Singapore’s latest exhibition “Nothing is Forever: Rethinking Sculpture in Singapore”, while baking enthusiasts can sign up for RedMan Baking Studio’s Merli Royal Icing Cookies Class.

The Fullerton Hotel, located near Merlion Park, will join in the jubilee celebrations by lighting up its façade in warm, golden hues during the month of September. As part of the “Merlion’s Golden Jubilee Experience” from 9-10 September, the hotel will also launch a family weekend stay paired with afternoon tea in a bumboat, offering photo opportunities including one in front of the Merlion Park. On 15 September, the hotel’s employees, guests and visitors will be invited to join in a cake-cutting ceremony.

Food and drinks

The Merlion may be 50, but it still enjoys a good drink. From 1 August to 2 October, Marina Bay Sands will launch limited edition beverages that draw inspiration from the Merlion’s adventurous spirit, combining locally distilled spirits and homegrown botanicals. Highlights include db Bistro’s Champagne Sling, KOMA’s Pandan Dream and Spago’s Purple Lion. From 1 to 30 September, guests can also indulge in Black Tap’s whimsical Merli’s Golden Jubilee, a strawberry ripple CrazyShake® topped with vanilla frosted rim, rainbow marshmallow twists, blue and while cotton candy, vanilla red bean taiyaki, and icing cookies. Further from home, STB’s Japan office is leveraging the Merlion’s popularity in Japan to create an original Dorayaki (Japanese red bean jam-filled pancake) for its partners, featuring the Merlion 50 logo and Merli².

Retail

Fans of the Merlion can also mark its jubilee with exclusive merchandise from local brands. Boldr, doob Bean Bags, Edupod, Fossa Chocolate, Lilo, Mer-Lion Games Studio, Oeteo, Prima Taste and Scent by SIX have come together to offer limited edition products featuring Merlion 50 or Merli. Bringing Singapore’s destination brand “Passion Made Possible” to life, these products will be sold via the brands’ distribution channels, and some will also retail at Design Orchard from 1 Sep–4 Oct 2022. The product range includes children’s apparel and clothing, children’s furniture, games and learning tools, as well as customised chocolates.

More activities will be launched in the coming weeks, including a chance for locals and visitors to share their personal stories and memories of the Merlion to win exclusive Merli merchandise using the hashtag #Merlion50.

For the full list of activities and products as part of the Merlion’s 50^th birthday celebrations, please refer to Annex A.

For high-res images, please click here to download.

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About the Merlion

The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of lion and the body of a fish, that was first created in 1964 as the corporate logo for the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB). The first Merlion statue was constructed in 1972 by local sculptor Lim Nang Seng and was officiated on 15 September 1972 by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at the mouth of the Singapore River. Since its installation, the Merlion has been Singapore’s national emblem for tourism – a cherished icon synonymous with our humble beginnings and journey as a nation. As we welcome the world to Singapore again, the Merlion is a reminder of our rich cultural heritage and our resilience. The Merlion’s 50^th birthday celebrates not just its longevity, but how we are reimagining our city as a vibrant destination and a home that Singaporeans can be proud of.

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

¹Prior to COVID-19, the Merlion Park was one of the top five free-access attractions and site among visitors in Singapore.

²Merli, a heart-warming and whimsical illustration of the Republic's mythical national icon. Merli, short for Merlion, is a character created by STB in 2018 to appeal to families with young children, one of STB's key target consumer segments.