The Istana Hari Raya Open House will be held on 5 June 2019 in conjunction with the Singapore Bicentennial commemoration. The event is open to the public on 5 June 2019 from 8.30am to 6pm. It is free of charge for Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents. All other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of S$2 per person.
Visitors will get to enjoy cultural performances and showcases by key communities including the Sree Narayana Mission and The Peranakan Association. Take a nature guided walk to explore the Istana’s rich flora, fauna and biodiversity or tour the Istana’s main building and view collections of State Gifts. Visit the Istana Heritage Gallery and discover Singapore’s history and heritage.
Overall Programme
| Time | Activity | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 8.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. | Istana Snacks and Drinks Booths by NCSS | Tent near Ceremonial Plaza |
| 8.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. | Istana Merchandise, Snacks and Drinks Booths by NCSS | Centre Gate |
| 8.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. | Balloon Sculpting Booth by the Singtel Recreation Club | |
| 8.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. | Display of Birds by the Wildlife Reserves of Singapore | |
| 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. | Istana Garden Walk Mobile Phone Application Booth by Temasek Polytechnic | |
| 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. | Udders Ice Cream Booth | |
| 8.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. | Istana Main Building Self-guided Tour | Ticketing Booth near Ceremonial Plaza |
| 9.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m. | Istana Main Building Guided Tour by National Heritage Board | |
| 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. | Nature Guided Walk organised by NParks | |
| 8.30.a.m. – 5.30.p.m. | Merchandise Booth by NCSS | Istana Building |
Performances
| Time | Activity | Venue |
| 9.35.a.m. – 9.50.a.m. | Indian Dance Performance by Singapore Ceylon Tamil Association | Ceremonial Plaza |
| 9.55.a.m. – 10.10.a.m. | Choir Performance by Tao Nan School | |
| 10.30.a.m. – 10.45.a.m. | Angklung Performance by Jiemin Primary School | |
| 11.00.a.m. – 11.20.a.m. | Malay Dance by Millenia Institute | |
| 11.15.a.m. – 11.25.a.m. | Malay Dance by Zhenghua Secondary School | Lower Lawn |
| 11.50.a.m. – 12.20.p.m. | Guzheng Performance by Chongfu School | Ceremonial Plaza |
| 1.00.p.m. – 2.00.p.m. | Band Performance by Rosyth School | Main Tent |
| 1.30.p.m. – 2.30.p.m. | Angklung Performance by Opera Estate Primary School | Ceremonial Plaza |
| 3.30.p.m. – 5.00.p.m. | Chinese Orchestra Performance by Marsiling Chinese Orchestra | Main Tent |
| 4.30.p.m. – 5.00.p.m. | Cultural Dance Performance by Singapore Malayalee Association | Ceremonial Plaza |
Visitors should not bring any pointed or sharp objects such as knives or forks, flammable items including lighters, canned food or drinks. Leave your pets except for guide dogs at home. You cannot consume alcoholic drinks or smoke in the Istana grounds. Check the Istana website for more details.
Bring home an Istana souvenir, such as memorabilia from the President’s Challenge. Proceeds from the sale of souvenirs are donated to charities supported by the President’s Challenge.
The Istana is open to the public on public holidays including Chinese New Year, Labour Day, Hari Raya Puasa. Future open house dates this year include National Day on 2 July 2019, Istana 150 Commemorative Event on 6 October 2019 and Deepavali on 27 October 2019.
