Although the idea for the establishment of a museum was first mentioned in 1823, it was not until late 19th century that it became reality with the laying of the foundation stone of the Raffles Library and Museum at Stamford Road. For various factors such as lack of support, funds and space, the construction of a proper museum had been delayed time and again. The Raffles Library and Museum finally opened in 1887, where the library, reading rooms and an office with the curators' living quarters were housed on the ground floor, while the museum was located above.
