ever wondered where the 2 stone lions sculptures guarding the high tower at SAFTI came from? here's some history on the lions.
These lions were designed by Rodolfo Nolli and commissioned by the Public Works Department in 1955 during the construction of the new bridge across the Kallang River.
Their heads are turned slightly to the right to suit their intended placement positions on the centre median at each end of the bridge facing oncoming traffic.
When the bridge was officially opened in 1956, it was named the "Merdeka Bridge". The lions were to thereafter known as "the Merdeka Lions".
The lions remained in their respective positions on the Bridge for ten years until its widening to accommodate additional centre traffic lanes in 1966, at which they wound up in front of a seafood restaurants in Kallang Bay.
In 1987 the Public Works Department transferred the Lions to the Ministry of Defence for eventual relocation in a site of public prominence at the new SAFTI Military Institute.
