Van Kleef Aquarium, Public aquarium at Fort Canning Hill, Singapore
Van Kleef Aquarium was a two-level facility on Fort Canning Hill housing freshwater, saltwater, and swamp tanks that maintained water temperature at 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). The installation displayed approximately 6,500 marine specimens representing roughly 180 different species.
The aquarium originated from a bequest by Dutch businessman Karl Willem Benjamin van Kleef in 1930, with construction beginning in 1940. Building work halted during Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945, delaying the project significantly.
The facility became a popular destination for locals wanting to learn about marine life and how different species lived in captivity. It served as a gathering place for families and students curious about the ocean's inhabitants.
The facility was located at Fort Canning Hill, an accessible area in the city with good walking paths to reach the grounds. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring the hillside area required walking on uneven terrain.
Starting in 1967, the facility sold seawater to aquarium fish collectors and became an important resource for local enthusiasts beyond its role as a visitor attraction. This side business showed how the institution expanded into serving the broader hobby community.
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