Istana Open House Dates - Deepavali 20 Oct 2024

The Istana Grounds is open to the public to celebrate Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Labour Day and National Day.

The Istana Open House is scheduled to be held on the following dates in 2024:

Chinese New Year (12 Feb 2024)
Hari Raya Puasa (21 Apr 2024)
Labour Day (21 Apr 2024)
National Day (28 Jul 2024)
Deepavali (20 Oct 2024)

istana open house Image credit: Eugene Yeo

The Deepavali Istana Open House (IOH) will be on 20 October 2024, 8.30am to 6pm. The IOH will be open to all visitors. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents enter for free. All other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $20 (adults) and $10 (children from 4 to 12 years old).

Istana Open House

In addition to entering the Istana grounds, visitors can gain insights into the Istana’s rich history and heritage through the refreshed Istana Heritage Tour. Highlights include the Japanese Garden, Villa, Ceremonial Plaza, Inclusive Garden and more. Tours will take place from 9.00am to 4.00pm and are conducted in English and Mandarin. Visitors can also view a selection of State Gifts presented over the years to Singapore’s leaders at the Villa.

Visitors can look forward to family-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, balloon sculpting, and colouring activities for children. There will be multi-ethnic dance, music and vocal performances by Pasir Ris Primary School, Tampines Secondary School, St Stephen’s School, Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary), APSN Chaoyang School, Catholic High School and St Andrew’s Junior College.

There will also be food and beverage stalls, food trucks, as well as merchandise booths with limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President’s Challenge souvenirs. All fees collected and proceeds from the merchandise booths will go towards the benefitting agencies supported by President’s Challenge.

performances on the Istana grounds during the Open House Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information

Guided Exploration

Guided tours of the Istana Main Building will be conducted from 9.30am to 5pm, during which visitors can view selected function rooms and take a closer look at a selection of State Gifts presented over the years to Singapore’s leaders. Visitors interested in the Istana’s flora and fauna can join the Nature Guided Tour from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can also opt to go on self-guided tours.

Culinary Delights and Exclusive Merchandise

There will also be food stalls, a food truck and merchandise booths with limited edition souvenirs.

Admission Information

istana open house dates Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information

Entry to the Istana grounds will be via the Main Gate at Orchard Road. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut. Entry may be restricted due to capacity or inclement weather.

Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents (including their caregivers). All other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $20 per adult and $10 per child (4 to 12 years). There will be added fees for entrance to the Main Building and the guided tours. Entry to the Istana Heritage Gallery, just across the road from the Istana, is free for all visitors.

Please refer the fees for entrance into the Istana grounds and Main Building, and the guided tours. Only cashless payments via Credit/Debit Card and QR Code will be accepted.

All proceeds from the entrance into the Istana grounds, tours and the President’s Challenge merchandise booth will go towards charities supported by the President’s Challenge.

Admission Details

Admission into the IOH is via the Main Gate at Orchard Road only.
Admission into the IOH is subject to security checks. Pointed and sharp objects (e.g., knives of any size, fork, scissors), flammable items (e.g., lighter), tripods and canned items (e.g., canned drinks) are not allowed.
There are no storage facilities in the Istana. Security personnel reserve the right to deny entry to visitors with prohibited items.
Admission into the IOH may be restricted due to inclement weather or other reasons.
The IOH may be suspended or cancelled if there is prolonged risk of lightning. Visitors within the Istana grounds can seek shelter at the tentages. Please do not seek shelter under trees or canopies. Visitors may also wish to seek shelter at nearby malls.

More information can be found here.

It’s the weekend and are you looking for things / activities to do? Check out our weekly roundup of Things To Do This Weekend In Singapore.