Lee Kuan Yew exhibition draws 11,000 over five days

SINGAPORE — A memorial exhibition on the life of Mr Lee Kuan Yew has attracted more than 11,000 visitors since it opened its doors last Wednesday (March 25) at the National Museum of Singapore.

However, despite the positive response, the museum will not be extending the month-long exhibition, which will end on April 26. Nevertheless, parts of the In Memoriam: Lee Kuan Yew exhibition will be incorporated into the permanent galleries that will reopen in September, the museum’s senior assistant director Jervais Choo said in response to TODAY’s queries.

Among the exhibits are Mr Lee’s personal belongings, such as a baron wig he used as a barrister and a Rolex watch presented to him by unionists. These two items will be among those that will be incorporated into the permanent galleries, said a National Heritage Board spokesperson.

Part-time retailer Jenny Choi, 67, and her neighbour, Ms Hui Wen, 26, visited the exhibition on Saturday. Ms Choi said: “Now, not only does the older generation know about him, even young kids will be aware of him. I, being part of the older generation, didn’t even know half of the things shown here.”

Ms Hui said she was unable to find time to pay her respects during the lying-in-state held at Parliament House. She felt going to the exhibition was a way to show her appreciation for what Mr Lee had done for the country.

“Looking at the history of Mr Lee and Singapore, (it) made me feel very sad that he’s gone, but also proud of the legacy that he has left behind,” she said.

The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 8pm. It covers Mr Lee’s life from his student days at the University of Cambridge and his involvement in the 1950s anti-colonial struggle to his final years of service as Senior Minister and Minister Mentor. JEAN KHOO