The Istana grounds will be open to the public on Sunday, 31 December 2006.  The Open House, originally scheduled to celebrate Deepavali and Hari Raya Puasa on 24 October 2006, was postponed due to the prevailing hazy conditions at that time.  Opening hours on 31 December 2006 will be from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm.

Admission Details

2       Admission to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents.  Others, including foreign visitors, will be required to pay an entrance fee of $1 per person.  Entrance to the grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road.  As there is little shelter in the grounds, visitors are advised to be prepared in case of rain.

3       For an entrance fee of $2, members of the public will also be allowed to view the Staterooms in the Istana Building.

Highlights

4       Visitors to the Istana Building can look forward to a special display of selected gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister by local organisations and foreign dignitaries.

5       There will also be performances from the following groups during the Open House:

q       Greenview Secondary School Symphonic Band

q       Hua Yi Secondary School Concert Band

q       Anderson School Military Band

q       Twin Stars – by twin girls Peh Wei Fen and Peh Wei Ling

q       The Illers – a beatbox performance