Singapore's famous Merlion takes a Time-Out for a Shower

Singapore’s Merlion will be taking a ‘shower’ away from prying eyes this June.

For about five weeks from 5 June to 10 July, visitors expecting to see the Merlion at Merlion Park will be greeted by a cheery cartoon of the Merlion peeping out from a flowery shower curtain instead. Designed by Miel, an award-winning senior artist at The Straits Times best known for his tongue-in-cheek illustrated social commentaries, the illustrations will cover the 2.4-metre high hoardings around the Merlion and two printed canvases over the 10-metre high safety netting.

This will be the first time that the STB is decorating the temporary hoardings around the Merlion during its routine cleaning to offer an alternative experience to visitors.

“The Merlion is a treasured symbol of Singapore and over the years has become a must-see for visitors. We want visitors who visit during this period of closure to leave with a unique and memorable impression of the Merlion, despite not being able to see it in its full glory at the Merlion Park,” said Mr Chang Chee Pey, Director, Cluster Development (Sightseeing and Cruise), Singapore Tourism Board. “Even though this is a routine cleaning process, it is an excellent opportunity to present a more humorous side of Singapore that is still respectful of a national icon.”

Artist Miel took just one day to come up with the concept and complete the sketch. “My first thought when I received the assignment was that it was going to be a challenge. Not only did I have to consider how to translate the cartoon into a life-size three-dimensional environment, but it also had to be fun and present a fitting backdrop as an enjoyable photo opportunity. I’m glad the operative word of the brief I received from STB was ‘fun’ and I hope viewers of the illustrations will have lots of it when they take their photos. I sure did when I conceptualised and completed the illustrations!”

During the cleaning period from 5 June to 10 July, the STB will be giving out special Uniquely Singapore souvenirs and postcards to Merlion Park visitors from 8.30am to 12.30pm and 5.30pm to 8.30pm daily. Visitors can also visit the Merlion Walk at Sentosa and come up close to the 37 metre Merlion tower.

The Merlion will be cleaned with high pressure water jets to remove accumulated dirt and stains, and any surface deterioration due to exposure to the elements will be mended. It was last cleaned four years ago in 2002.

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