Istana Heritage Gallery

The Gallery

 

The Istana Heritage Gallery is located at the Istana Park along Orchard Road, opposite the Istana. The Gallery was launched on 7 October 2016. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gallery was closed to the public for the past two years and reopened on 3 March 2022. The re-opened Istana Heritage Gallery will focus on bringing in small, organised groups of beneficiaries to the Gallery to complement President Halimah Yacob’s efforts to make the Istana more accessible to Singaporeans.

 

The Gallery captures the history of Istana's transition from the Colonial Governor's House to its present role as the Official Residence of the President. With curatorial support from the National Heritage Board, the range of heritage displays include state artefacts, artworks and collection of gifts presented by foreign dignitaries to Singapore's Presidents and Prime Ministers.

 

Guided tours will be conducted for the beneficiaries by our volunteer guides to provide information on Istana’s historical and architectural significance over the years. The beneficiaries will be given an opportunity to understand and appreciate the rich history and heritage of the Istana, and its nature conservation, as well as the roles of the President. The tours will be complemented by interactive activities such as storytelling, art and craft, and fireside chats to enrich the learning experience.

 

Admission to the Gallery is free. Social Service Agencies or community groups interested to arrange for a visit to the Gallery may write in to: gallery_enquiry@istana.gov.sg to indicate interest.

 

 
 

Gallery Highlights

Click to view photos of Heritage Gallery

Gallery Etiquette

To ensure an enjoyable experience for visitors, please note the following:

Care for the Gallery
Do not touch any displays and handle electronic items with care.
Children
Children aged 12 years and below must be accompanied by adults at all times.
Consideration for Others

Switch your mobile devices to silent mode and do not talk or laugh loudly. Avoid bringing bulky items into the gallery and do not obstruct other visitors.

Photography and Filming

Visitors may take photographs (without flash) for personal use only. Photos of items on display cannot be used for commercial purposes without prior written consent from the President's Office. Do not use selfie sticks and tripods in the gallery.

Safety and Security
For your safety, do not lean on the display cases or run about in the gallery. The gallery is monitored by security cameras.
Food and Drink
Food and drinks are NOT allowed in the gallery.
Respectable Behaviour
We reserve the right to ask any person acting in an unacceptable manner to leave the gallery.

Visitors Information

Getting Here

Nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut which connects to the Circle Line, Northeast Line and the North South Line. Take Exit C to Istana Park

Nearest alighting point is at Hotel Innotel along Penang Lane or Plaza Singapura Atrium Wing Porch along Oldham Lane

 

Nearby Attractions

National Museum of Singapore

93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897

Singapore Art Museum

71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555

Services & Amenities

Exhibits

Information panels of the Istana's history and heritage, State Gifts, artefacts and artwork. A digitised copy of the Istana guestbook is available for viewing.

Nearest amenities

Nearest dining and washroom facilities are at Concorde Hotel & Shopping Mall, Plaza Singapura, The Cathay or Innotel Hotel. 

General enquiries

gallery_enquiry@istana.gov.sg
Tel: 69044289

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President's Duties

The President is responsible for safeguarding the national reserves and the integrity of the public service. The President also receives foreign dignitaries, officiates at state functions and performs other ceremonial and community duties.
President's Diary

Besides official functions, the President actively supports community and social causes. The President often graces events organised by grassroots, community and welfare groups, as well as ethnic and religious organisations.
President's Portrait & Insignia

The portraits of President Halimah and her spouse, Mr Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee, are displayed in public buildings. The Presidential Standard is flown at the Istana in the day, when the President is in the country. The Presidential Crest is used on state crockery, gifts and stationery related to the President.