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Singapore's famous Merlion takes a Time-Out for a Shower
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 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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http://www.asiatraveltips.com |
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Tour of the Month |
Athens Sightseeing
See the best places in Athens! Spend your morning visiting famous places
such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Royal Palace, Panathenian
Stadium, The Temple of Olympian Zeus, The Acropolis, Thesseum Greek Orthodox
Cathedral and much, much more! |
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