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:

  1. Chinese New Year (12 Feb 2024)
  2. Hari Raya Puasa (TBD)
  3. Labour Day (TBD)
  4. National Day (TBD)
  5. Deepavali (TBD)

istana open houseImage credit: Eugene Yeo





The Chinese New Year Istana Open House (IOH) is scheduled for Monday, 12th February 2024, running from 8.30am to 6pm, to mark the festivities of the Lunar New Year. The public is invited to partake in a variety of engaging activities, live performances, and guided tours of the Istana Main Building and its surroundings during this special IOH. The Istana Heritage Gallery, situated in Istana Park opposite the Main Gate, will also be accessible from 8.30am to 6pm.

📅 12 Feb 2024
⏱ 8.30am – 6pm
📍 The Istana

Performance Highlights and Activity Booths

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

Attendees can anticipate a diverse range of traditional and contemporary performances, featuring musical ensembles playing instruments such as the dizi, pi pa, and guzheng, local renditions of popular songs, and multicultural dances. Renowned institutions and groups, including LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Sheng Hong Arts Institute, Singapore Chinese Dance Theatre, Taman Jurong Community Club Juboon Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe, Tampines Arts Troupe, TheDanceTribeSG, and Yuan Ching Secondary School, will be showcasing their talents. Additionally, visitors can participate in activities such as Chinese calligraphy.

Guided Exploration

istana open house datesPhoto Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information

Explore the intricacies of the Istana Main Building through guided tours running from 9.30am to 4.30pm, providing insights into selected function rooms and showcasing a curated selection of State Gifts presented to Singapore’s leaders over the years. Nature enthusiasts can join the Nature Guided Tour from 10am to 4pm. Alternatively, visitors have the option for self-guided tours.

MMI Jan 2024

Culinary Delights and Exclusive Merchandise

Indulge in an array of culinary offerings at food stalls and a food truck, and discover limited-edition Istana and President’s Challenge souvenirs at merchandise booths. Social Service Agencies (SSA) TOUCH Community Services and MINDS will also have two merchandise booths. Payments at these booths and throughout the event will be exclusively cashless, accepting Credit/Debit Cards and QR Codes.

Admission Information

istana open house datesPhoto Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information

Access to the Istana grounds is through the Main Gate on Orchard Road, with Dhoby Ghaut being the nearest MRT station. Entry may be subject to restrictions based on capacity or inclement weather.

For Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (including caregivers), admission to the Istana grounds is complimentary. Other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $20 per adult and $10 per child (4 to 12 years). Additional fees apply for entry to the Main Building and guided tours. The Istana Heritage Gallery is open to all visitors free of charge, with cashless payments via Credit/Debit Card and QR Code.

Supporting Charitable Causes

All proceeds generated from entrance fees, tours, and the President’s Challenge merchandise booth will contribute to charities supported by the President’s Challenge. Similarly, proceeds from the SSA booths will go towards the respective SSAs.




Admission Details

  1. Admission into the IOH is via the Main Gate at Orchard Road only.
  2. 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.
  3. There are no storage facilities in the Istana. Security personnel reserve the right to deny entry to visitors with prohibited items.
  4. Admission into the IOH may be restricted due to inclement weather or other reasons.
  5. 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.


🧧🏮 CHINESE NEW YEAR 2024 🏮🧧

Feeling adventurous and hoping to soak in the Chinese New Year atmosphere? We have compiled a list of Where to go during Chinese New Year 2024, especially for our readers.

Chinatown Year of the Dragon


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.

things to do over the weekend

For other upcoming events, visit Events in Singapore.

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