The bands from Loyang Secondary School, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and St Patrick’s School will be performing at the Open House.  There will also be a lion dance performance put up by Nam Sieng Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe.

      Admission to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents.  Others visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $1 per person.  Entrance to the grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road.

       For an entrance fee of $2, members of the public can tour some of the function rooms in the Istana building to view a display of selected gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister by foreign dignitaries.  Sale of tickets for this tour will close at 5.30pm (subject to crowd situation).

       Istana souvenirs will be sold during the Open House.  Proceeds from the sale of souvenirs and all entrance fees collected will be donated to the Community Chest.

About the Istana

      The Istana is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore.  It occupies over 100 acres of land, along the bustling Orchard Road. 

      The Istana building was built by the British Colonial government to house its governors.  Completed in 1869, it was then known as the Government House.  The building was handed over to the Singapore Government when Singapore attained internal self government in 1959, and renamed Istana (“Palace” in Malay).

      The Istana building underwent extensive renovation between 1996 and 1998, to add more space and modern day conveniences.  The building today has six function rooms used for ceremonies and to receive guests.

      For more information on the Istana, please visit http://www.istana.gov.sg/