Chinese New Year is around the corner, so you might be planning your routes for house visits. But consider adding another “home” to the schedule, as the first Istana Open House of 2026 is happening during the CNY period.
Image credit: Jason Feuerstein via Google Maps
For those who may not know, the Istana is Singapore’s official presidential residence. While the President doesn’t currently live there right now, official presidential duties like ceremonies and state visits still happen there. And a fun fact for non-Malay speakers: Istana actually means “palace” in Malay.
The Istana opens its gates to visitors up to 5 times a year for the Istana Open House. This year, CNY marks the first open house on 22nd February 2026.
Entry into the Istana grounds starts at 8.30am at the Main Gate at Orchard Road. Singaporeans and PRs can enter for free, so head down earlier to chope a spot in the line before the gates open.
Standard admission fees apply for other visitors, and are priced as follows:
| Category | Standard admission fees |
| Adults | $20 |
| Children (4-12 years) | $10 |
| Children | Free |
These and all other fees will go to the beneficiaries of the President’s Challenge.
When you step into the grounds, you’ll have to go through security checks; it is the President’s official office, after all, so expect these checks to add more time to your admission.
To speed through security, be sure not to pack any prohibited items – sharp objects, flammable items, and canned items will all be flagged by the guards.
Once you’ve been screened, you’ll be greeted with the large, sprawling garden that is the Istana grounds.
Think of this open house like a stroll in the park – pack light but bring an umbrella and water bottle in case you find yourself far from the tentages or water points in the compound.
Image credit: President’s Challenge
Head over to the community play zones and take part in fun activities for the whole family. Visitors to previous open houses enjoyed activities like miniature therapy horse petting, upcycling crafts and bocce, so you can expect many fun things for all ages.
Image credit: @sriwarisan via Instagram
Take a breather from walking, and sit back and enjoy some live performances. Performers usually include local organisations, school CCAs, and local artists, so stay tuned for a similar lineup this time. Since it’s CNY, you might catch some cultural performances too.
Image credit: President’s Challenge
If you’re feeling peckish, don’t worry about leaving the Istana grounds. Grab a snack at the food and drink stalls – vendors at past Istana Open House editions include Old Chang Kee and Canadian Pizza – to fill your hungry stomachs.
Image credit: Kenny Yao via Google Maps
Get a glimpse of Singapore’s international relations in the Istana Villa. This bungalow once housed famous dignitaries on state visits to our island – the likes of Premier Deng Xiaoping and Dr Mahathir Mohamad have graced this building. Now, the villa has been transformed into a gallery, with gifts from previous state visits being displayed.
Unlike the rest of the grounds, visitors must pay to enter the Istana Villa, with prices as follows:
| Category | Admission fees |
| Singapore Citizens & PRs | $2/adult | $2/child (4-12 years) Free for children below 4 years |
| Other visitors | $10/adult | $5/child (4-12 years) Free for children below 4 years |
Image credit: The Istana
Learn more about the garden’s history with the Istana Heritage Tour. Let NParks’ volunteer tour guides take you around the Istana grounds as they share all about the history of the gardens and the critters living in them. This tour runs every hour from 9am to 4pm, and only visitors who have signed up can join. Do register quickly, as slots can run out very fast.
These are the tour fees for the Istana Heritage Tour:
| Category | Tour fees |
| Singapore Citizens & PRs | $8/adult | $4/child (4-12 years) Family package: $22 for 2 adults & 2 children (4-12 years) Free for children below 4 years |
| Other visitors | $30/adult | $12/child (4-12 years) Free for children below 4 years |
Sign up for the Istana Heritage Tour.
Come join your fellow Singaporeans for a massive family reunion at Istana Open House 2026.
Admission: Free for Singaporeans & PRs | $20/adult, $10/child for visitors
Date: 22nd Feb 2026
Time: 8.30am-6pm
More events in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: Jason Feuerstein via Google Maps, @sriwarisan via Instagram, The Istana
Your plastic bottled and metal canned drinks will cost an additional 10 cents each.
Keeping a stash to snack on yourself is also an option.
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