Pressing Plant Matters: 150 Years of the Singapore Herbarium

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Pressing Plant Matters: 150 Years of the Singapore Herbarium

The year 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the Singapore Herbarium (SING), established in 1875 by Henry James Murton and now recognised as the second-largest herbarium in Southeast Asia.
This commemorative exhibition showcases the remarkable journey from Murton's modest collection stored in his office to today's world-class repository of approximately 800,000 specimens of plants and fungi. These meticulously preserved collections represent decades of scientific discovery and botanical exploration across the region.

Through thoughtfully arranged displays, explore the art and science of plant preservation, witness the evolution of herbarium techniques, and discover how these invaluable specimens have advanced our understanding of Southeast Asian flora. Learn how SING's exceptional collections contributed significantly to the Singapore Botanic Gardens achieving the prestigious distinction of becoming the first and only tropical botanic garden inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2015.

Witness 150 years of scientific dedication where every pressed specimen tells a story of discovery, conservation, and the relentless pursuit of botanical knowledge that continues to shape our understanding of the natural world and help secure our future.