The Istana is open to members of the pubic on 23 January 2023, Monday from 8.30 am to 6 pm. The Istana Open House is in celebration of the Lunar New Year. The enhanced Swan Pond is open with a new garden stream and viewing deck. Enjoy live performances and check out the activity booths.
Activities such as candle-making and Chinese calligraphy-painting at the Main Tent and Centre Gate Tent. From 9 am to 5 pm, visitors can catch drum, dance, and band performances by student groups from Hwa Chong Institution, Maris Stella High School, Montfort Secondary School, Nan Hua Primary School and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) School of Young Talents at the Ceremonial Plaza, Main Tent and Reception Room.
At 10 am, 11 am to 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm to 5 pm, guided tours of the Istana Main Building will bring visitors to selected function rooms and take a closer look at a collection of state gifts that were presented to Singapore’s leaders. Or go on self-guided tours. Visitors interested in the Istana’s flora and fauna can join the Nature Guided Tour from 10 am to 4 pm.
Check out the food stalls and a food truck as well as merchandise booths with limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President’s Challenge souvenirs. Proceeds from merchandise booths will go towards charities supported by the President’s Challenge. Payments for purchases via SGQR only.
Entry to the Istana grounds is via the Main Gate at Orchard Road. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut. Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents. All other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of S$2 per person. Only cashless payments via SGQR will be accepted. Entry may be restricted due to capacity, inclement weather, or other reasons. More information can be found on https://www.istana.gov.sg/Visit-And-Explore/Istana-Open-House.
Guided tours for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are S$4 for adults and S$2 for children four to 12 years old and free for those below four. Non Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents have to pay S$10 for adults and S$2 for children four to 12 years old and free for those below four. Self guided tours for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are S$2 and adults who are not pay S$4 and children four to 12 pay S$2.
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents visiting the Nature Guided Tour have the pay S$4 for adults and S$2 for children four to 12 years old. Non citizens and permanent residents have to pay S$10 for adults and S$2 for children four to 12 years old.
In June 2019, we visited the Istana Open House. See our video snippet below.
Featured image photo source: Istana
