Istana Open House: A Guide to Singapore’s Presidential Palace

Photo Credits: The Istana

The Istana Open House provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to step inside one of Singapore’s most significant heritage sites. This majestic Neo-Palladian building, typically closed to the public, opens its gates several times each year during major public holidays, allowing guests to wander through its beautifully manicured grounds and witness Singapore’s rich history firsthand.

Understanding the Istana Open House

The term “Istana” translates to “palace” in Malay, and this magnificent structure serves as both the official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore and the working office for presidential functions. Built between 1867 and 1869 by Colonial Engineer Major John Frederick Adolphus McNair, the building originally housed British governors before becoming the presidential palace following Singapore’s independence in 1965.

Currently, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam maintains his office at the Istana, where he receives and entertains state guests. The building sits atop a hill approximately 40 metres above ground level, offering commanding views across what was once Charles Robert Prinsep’s nutmeg plantation. Today, the estate spans over 40 hectares of lush greenery, creating a remarkable green sanctuary amidst Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road district.

Annual Istana Open House Schedule

The Istana grounds welcome the public approximately five times annually, coinciding with Singapore’s major public holidays. Throughout 2025, the Istana Open House has been held on several significant dates, including Chinese New Year on 2 February, Hari Raya Puasa on 13 April, National Day on 3 August, and Deepavali on 9 November.

Each Istana Open House event runs from 8.30am to 6pm, with the last entry at 5.30pm. No advance registration is required for admission to the grounds—visitors simply need to arrive at the Main Gate along Orchard Road during operating hours. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut, conveniently located less than five minutes away by foot.

Admission and Entry Requirements

Entry to the Istana grounds during the Istana Open House is complimentary for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, including their caregivers. International visitors and foreign tourists are required to pay an entrance fee of $20 per adult and $10 per child aged between four and twelve years. Children below four years old enter free of charge.

Visitors should bring along their NRIC or identification documents for verification at the entrance. All payments must be made via cashless methods, including credit cards, debit cards, or QR code payments. Cash is not accepted at any point within the Istana grounds.

Additional fees apply for specialised activities within the estate. Entry to the Istana Villa costs $2 for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, whilst international visitors pay $10 per adult and $5 per child. The guided Istana Heritage Tour requires separate registration and fees, priced at $8 per adult and $4 per child for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. International visitors pay $30 per adult and $12 per child for the guided tour.

All proceeds collected from admission fees and tour charges are donated to charitable organisations supported by the President’s Challenge, making every visit a contribution to Singapore’s social service agencies.

Photo Credits: The Istana

Architectural Marvel and Historical Significance

The Istana exemplifies exceptional colonial-era architecture, blending Neo-Palladian design principles with tropical adaptations suited to Singapore’s climate. The building features distinctive Doric and Ionic colonnades, architraves, cornices and arches characteristic of European classical architecture. However, it also incorporates elements typical of traditional Malay houses, including wide verandahs, large louvred windows and panelled doors that promote cross-ventilation throughout the interior.

The central three-storey tower, standing 28 metres high, dominates the building’s facade and remains one of its most recognisable features. This tower is crowned with a slated mansard roof embellished with dormer windows and elegant Corinthian pilasters. The symmetrical front facade showcases an imposing projected portico flanked by twin porticoes topped with triangular pediments.

Inside the Main Building, stately halls serve as venues for state ceremonies and official receptions. The Reception Hall hosts introductions between local officials and visiting dignitaries, whilst the Banquet Hall accommodates state dinners for foreign guests. The State Room serves as the setting for official ceremonies, including ministerial swearing-ins and national award investitures. These halls display an impressive collection of state gifts and artworks from both local and international artists.

Exploring the Istana Grounds

The Istana’s expansive grounds offer visitors a tranquil escape from urban life, featuring a diverse collection of flora and fauna carefully maintained by the National Parks Board. The estate includes several themed gardens, each offering unique experiences for nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The Japanese Garden stands as the Istana’s only themed garden, first completed in 1967 and enhanced in 2021 by renowned Japanese landscape architect Junichi Inada. This serene space features a dry rock garden with nine sculptural rocks and a granite crossing bridge, embodying the traditional Japanese concept of “shakkei” or borrowed scenery. A water cascade flows through black lava rock formations into a pond lined with the same material, creating a peaceful focal point. Traditional elements include a hand-crafted stone lantern assembled using six pieces of granite stacked without cement or glue, and a collection of tropical pine trees that evoke the Japanese landscape whilst thriving in Singapore’s climate.

Other notable features across the grounds include the Swan Pond, home to a pair of elegant swans; the Spice Garden, planted in collaboration with community gardening volunteers and featuring over 30 species of herbs, spices and edible plants; and the Inclusive Garden, designed to accommodate visitors of all abilities. The Gun Terrace, Ceremonial Plaza, Function Lawn and Lily Pond Garden each contribute to the estate’s historical and aesthetic appeal.

Activities and Entertainment at Istana Open House

Each Istana Open House event features a full programme of cultural performances, family-friendly activities and educational opportunities. Live performances typically run from 10am to 5pm, showcasing traditional music and dance from Singapore’s diverse cultural communities. These performances often feature traditional Malay instruments such as the angklung, kulintang and gamelan, alongside contemporary acts and student groups from local schools.

Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops and activities that celebrate the specific holiday being commemorated. During Deepavali celebrations, guests can learn to make toranams (garlands), decorate deepams (oil lamps) and create intricate rangoli sand art. Contemporary workshops offer opportunities to try horseshoe painting, crocheting techniques and water marbling. Animal-assisted therapy sessions with miniature horses provide unique interactive experiences for families.

Activity booths set up by social service organisations and community groups offer educational displays and engagement opportunities. Wildlife Reserves Singapore and various charities typically maintain a presence, whilst children can enjoy designated play areas designed specifically for young visitors.