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

The Istana Open House is scheduled to be held on the following dates in 2026:

1. Chinese New Year (22 Feb 2026)
2. Hari Raya (19 Apr 2026)
3. Labour Day (19 Apr 2026)
4. National Day (26 Jul 2026)
5. Deepavali (1 Nov 2026)

Istana Open House

The next Istana Open House (IOH) will be held on Sunday, 26 July from 9.30am to 8pm and 1 November 2026 (Timing to be advised), in celebration of the National Day and Deepavali respectively. Members of the public are invited to experience cultural performances and community activities while exploring the Istana grounds.

Please note the Istana Main Building is currently closed for restoration until further notice.

In celebration of National Day, the next Istana Open House (IOH) will be held on Sunday, 26 July 2026, from 9.30am to 8.00pm. For the first time, an evening outdoor concert will be held at the Istana, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique ambience of the grounds, with the last entry at 6.45pm. Members of the public can bring their own mats or chairs and enjoy performances by local artistes on the lawns.

Performances and Activity Booths

This year’s National Day IOH celebrates Singapore’s past, present, and future through shared experiences across sport, heritage and community activities, and music and cultural performances, for all ages and abilities.

For the first time at an Istana Open House, an open-air concert featuring performances by local artistes and bands Amsden Huang, Shazza, Fourteen Aces and Soft Boiled Eggs from Project #JalanJalan will be held in the evening.

Last entry to the concert is at 6.45pm. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own mats or field chairs and enjoy the performances on the Istana lawns.

Visitors can also look forward to the Istana Stamp Rally, a new activity developed in partnership with Singapore Polytechnic. Suitable for visitors of all ages, the rally invites participants to explore the Istana grounds through a series of fun activities at designated pitstops, collect uniquely designed stamps, and redeem exclusive Istana merchandise upon completion. This student-led initiative encourages visitors to discover different parts of the Istana while enjoying a shared experience with family and friends.

Beyond the booths and activities, visitors will be treated to a vibrant lineup of music, dance and cultural performances from 10.00am to 7.30pm. Highlights include homegrown singer-songwriters Shazza and Amsden, youth-led performing arts groups from Project #JalanJalan, New Opera Singapore, and the Dance of the Nation workout featuring mascots Nila and August. Students from LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore Polytechnic, Madrasah Irsyad Zuhri Al-Islamiah, Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah and Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah will also grace the stage with their own tributes to National Day through music, dance and culture.

Touring the Istana Grounds

Visitors are welcome to explore the Istana grounds, including its architecture, as well as its flora and fauna¹. Self-guided tours of the Istana Villa are available from 9.30am to 5.30pm, where visitors can view a collection of State Gifts presented to Singapore’s leaders. Visitors who have pre-registered for the guided Istana Heritage Tour will tour the grounds during their selected timeslots between 10.30am and 4.00pm.

Food and Beverages

Food and beverage stalls will be available. Only cashless payments via Credit/Debit Cards or QR Code² will be accepted.

Admission Details

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, Singapore Permanent Residents, and migrant domestic workers accompanying families. Other visitors are required to pay an admission fee of $20 per adult and $10 per child (4 to 12 years old). Additional fees apply for other activities, such as the guided Istana Heritage Tour and visiting the Istana Villa.

¹ The Istana Main Building is currently closed for restoration until further notice.
² Participating payment merchants include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Union Pay, JCB, Bank of China, Citibank, DBS, HSBC, ICBC, Maybank, OCBC, PayNow, Standard Chartered, and UOB.

Istana Heritage Tours

Uncover the hidden stories of The Istana.

Join our NParks volunteers for a one-hour walk through over 150 years of the Istana’s history, stunning architecture, and lush nature right in the heart of the city. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture lover, or on the hunt for a photo spot, the Istana Heritage Tour brings the stories of this iconic landmark to life!

*Timings subject to change; participants will be notified of any changes via email.

Sign up for the next Istana Heritage Tour now: here.

Terms and Conditions

A. Admission Procedures into the Istana Open House (IOH).

1. Admission into the IOH is via the Main Gate at Orchard Road only. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut.
2. Entry is subject to security checks. Prohibited objects include pointed and sharp objects (e.g., knives of any size, forks, scissors), flammable items (e.g. lighters, aerosol sprays), tripods, and canned items (e.g., canned food and drinks, as well as aerosol cans).
3. There are no storage facilities at the Istana. Security personnel reserve the right to deny entry to visitors with prohibited items.
4. Admission to the IOH may be restricted due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
5. In the event of lightning risk, the IOH may be suspended or cancelled. Visitors on the Istana grounds can seek shelter at the tentages. Please avoid taking shelter under trees or canopies. Visitors may also seek shelter at nearby malls.

Istana Main Gate

B. Visitor Etiquette and Safe Management Measures within the Istana Grounds

1. Visitors who are feeling unwell on that day are strongly encouraged not to visit the Istana.
2. Visitors are requested to maintain good hygiene.
3. Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the Istana grounds.
4. Please keep the Istana grounds litter-free.
5. Activities such as wheeled sports (e.g., cycling, rollerblading, riding Personal Mobility Devices) are not allowed.
6. No pets are allowed except certified guide dogs.

More information can be found here.

What is the ‘Istana’?

The Istana, which means ‘Palace’ in Malay, is a significant historical landmark in Singapore. Built by the British colonial government in 1869, the Istana grounds cover an area of about 40 hectares and have witnessed many important events in Singapore’s history. It is also home to some 260 plant species and diverse wildlife.

🎉🇸🇬 SINGAPORE NATIONAL DAY 2026 🇸🇬🎉

Singapore turns 61 this year, and it’s time to celebrate in style! From family-friendly activities to special SG61 events happening across the island, there’s something for everyone this National Day weekend. So, dress in red and white, gather your loved ones, and soak in the festive spirit!

🎆 Didn’t manage to score NDP tickets at the National Stadium? No worries! You can still catch the action, rehearsals, and fireworks at various locations around Singapore. Check out the best viewing spots, dates, and timings here:
👉 National Day Parade Timings & Where to Catch NDP Fireworks

September School Holiday 2026

It is the one-week September school break. Do check out our compilation of exciting September School Holidays Activities 2026 in Singapore.

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