Individuals and companies have made more than $118 million worth of donations and loans to Singapore's public museums from April 2004 to December 2006.

Calling cultural philanthropy an important source of support for the NHB museums, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) Lee Boon Yang Lee said: "Donations, big or small, help our museums to grow their collection of artefacts and curate more interesting and compelling exhibitions for the public which will attract even more people to the museums. It is a rewarding cycle and a good way for citizens to develop a love of the arts and heritage."

The minister, who was speaking at the opening of an exhibition at the National Museum on Thursday night, added that nurturing the arts and heritage is "a constant effort that must involve both the government and people" and encouraged all Singaporeans to play a part in making Singapore a city with a vibrant and exciting arts and cultural scene.

The exhibition, Empire of Nature, The William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawing, showcases 477 watercolour paintings commissioned by William Farquhar, the first Resident and Commandant of Singapore.

Farquhar, described by Dr Lee as "a wise and benevolent colonial ruler" was also keen naturalist who enjoyed collecting plants and animals for study.

Farquhar had commissioned these natural history drawings as an early documentation of the natural history of Singapore and Malaya. The collection, which gives people the opportunity to see paintings of tropical fruits and animals that are rarely spotted in Singapore today, is part of a programme by the National Museum to enlighten Singaporeans about their national history through artwork. It is also the first time that the entire collection of 477 paintings will be shown together.

Dr Lee said the exhibition was made possible by the generous donation from Mr GK Goh, who had bought the collection from Sotheby's in 1993 and had donated it to the National Museum.

Calling for more donations such as the one by Mr Goh, the minister stressed the lasting impact of such gifts.

"When visitors come to the museums or participate in arts and cultural activities, they are beneficiaries of these acts of public-spiritedness. Cultural philanthropists thus play an important role in enriching our arts and heritage institutions as well as ensuring that they will develop into powerful inspiration for our artists and creative people," he said.

National Museum's 120th Anniversary Celebrations runs from 7th September to 31st December. For the complete schedule of performances, exhibitions, films and activities, please visit www.nationalmuseum.sg or pick up a 120th anniversary programme booklet at the National Museum visitor centre.