The 240sqm SBG Heritage Museum is located in Holttum Hall, which is next to Botany Centre in the Tanglin Core of the Gardens.
Built in 1921 to serve as the Director of the Gardens’ office and laboratory, the two-storey building has been designated as an Urban Redevelopment Authority conservation building.
Opening Hours Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm | Closed: Every last Monday of the Month
This was where Professor Eric Holttum, the Gardens’ Director from 1925 to 1949, developed the orchid breeding technique which enabled the efficient production of healthy seedlings in sterile flasks from hybrid seed.
This technique, which is still used today, was a key factor that stimulated orchid industries throughout the region.
The SBG Heritage Museum features interactive and multimedia exhibits and panels that detail the Gardens’ rich heritage.
Historical items that will be displayed include old photographs, artefacts, plant specimens, rare botanical books and botanical paintings that date back to the early 19th century.
Oral recordings of Ridley during his 100th birthday will also be integrated into an interactive display. The exhibits in the Museum are supported by CDL through the Garden City Fund, a registered charity and institution of public character established by the National Parks Board.
Visitors can participate in guided tours of the SBG Heritage Museum.
NParks is honoured to be one of the recipients of the artillery shell casings from the 21-Gun Salute for Singapore’s founding Prime Minister, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The casing is on display at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Museum.
