Istana Open House Dates - National Day 28 Jul 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 (TBD)

istana open house Image credit: Eugene Yeo

The Istana grounds will be open to the public on Sunday, 28 July 2024, from 8.30am to 6.00pm, for the National Day Istana Open House (IOH). Members of the public can enjoy a series of live performances and activity booths, as well as tour the Istana grounds. The public can also explore the Istana Heritage Gallery situated in Istana Park, across from the Main Gate of Istana. The gallery welcomes visitors from 8.30am to 6pm.

Performance Highlights and Activity Booths

The National Day-themed activities include creating the Singapore flag and Merlion magnets with nagomi art and paper quilling, and games such as the bean bag toss. Nagomi art involves painting with one’s fingers and pastel powder, while quilling is known for using coloured strips of paper that are rolled, shaped and glued together to produce a 3D artwork.

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

Visitors can also enjoy musical and multi-ethnic dance performances by students from Beatty Secondary School, Bedok Green Primary School, Endeavour Primary School, Madrasah Al-Ma’arif Al-Islamiah, Nan Hua High School, Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ Secondary School, Qihua Primary School, River Valley High School and Townsville Primary School.

The People’s Association Talents and the Eurasian Association Singapore, as well as young local musicians Lyla Ng, Asher Wenyao Mendelsohn and Thaarmin, will also be taking the stage.

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.

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