To celebrate National Day, the Istana grounds will be open to the public on Sunday, 28 July 2019 from 8.30am - 6.00pm.

Istana 150 Commemoration

In commemoration of the Istana’s 150th anniversary, President Halimah Yacob will be launching a new series of books during the National Day Istana Open House. Titled “150 Best Kept Secrets of the Istana”, the three books will unveil little-known facts of the Istana and introduce readers to some of the inner-workings behind state events in the Istana.

President Halimah will also be launching the second issue of the Istana Souvenir Series, which will feature four unique medallions showcasing the richflora and fauna diversity within the Istana. More information on the launches will be released on the day.

For the first time, members of the public can also get their hands on the Istana Cookies, which comprises five different flavours from ingredients derived from spices and fruits found in the Istana grounds. The cookies were launched by President Halimah on 5 July 2019.

Exciting Programme Line-up

An exciting line-up for the whole family awaits visitors to the National Day Istana Open House!

This Istana Open House will feature a PAssionArts Festival Village for the first time.  The Village is the perfect spot for families and friends who are interested in the arts. Visitors of all ages can try out various art activities, ranging from canvas painting to marble art.  Younger visitors can also look forward to their very own balloon sculptures at the Singtel Recreation Club. There will also be a special booth by the Lion’s Pride which lets visitors paint the iconic Singapore Merlion for a good cause – to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the benefits of Art Therapy, while raising funds for the less fortunate.

The President’s Office has also collaborated with the Museum Roundtable and the National Heritage Board to bring a showcase of some of our museums to this Istana Open House.  Here, visitors can learn about the heritage of wayang kulit or try out paper making using spices, among many other engaging activities.

Nature lovers can learn about the native wildlife in Singapore at the Wildlife Reserves of Singapore booth, such as the threats they face and how we can live harmoniously alongside these animals. Meet some specimens of invertebrates, such as the tree nymph butterfly caterpillars, jungle nymphs, and even tarantulas and scorpions, up close at the booth!

Throughout the day, visitors will be treated to a variety of performances including band, precision drill, and freestyle drill performances by the National Cadet Corps from various secondary schools. Catch exhilarating martial arts performances from around the world at the Ceremonial Plaza by Taichokun Singapore, Tanglin Kendo Club, Capoeira Arte Canarana and The Kalari Academy.

As part of the celebrations for National Day, visitors are encouraged to dress in red and white!

Exhibition and Tours

Those interested in the Istana’s flora, fauna and biodiversity can sign up for the Nature Guided Walk. There is also a guided tour of the Istana main building where guests can visit selected function rooms and view collections of State Gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister.

The public can also learn more Singapore’s history and heritage at the Istana Heritage Gallery, situated at Istana Park (opposite the main gate of the Istana along Orchard Road). The Istana Heritage Gallery will be open from 10am to 6pm.

Admission Details

Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents. All others visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $2 per person. Entry to the Istana grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut.

Additional fees as specified in Annexes B and C are applicable for the guided tours.

PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

19 July 2019

ANNEX A

MAIN HIGHLIGHTS OF ISTANA OPEN HOUSE

Overall Programme

ANNEX B

FEES FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE ISTANA MAIN BUILDING

The following fees are applicable for the tours of the state room, banquet hall and reception room in the Istana main building:

*ISTANA MAIN BUILDING GUIDED TOURS

Guided tours are conducted by volunteers from the Preservation of Sites and Monuments division of the National Heritage Board. The tours are limited to 15 persons per group, and depart every 20 minutes from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm.

All fees collected will be donated to charity.

ANNEX C

FEES FOR NATURE GUIDED WALK AT THE ISTANA

The following fees are applicable for the Nature Guide Walk at the Istana:

*Guided tours are conducted by volunteers and are limited to between 12 to 15 persons per group, and depart every hour from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

All fees collected will be donated to charity.