Events

Istana Open House 2025 – CNY Special Cultural Performances, Food Booths & Limited Edition Merch

Istana Open House 2025 – Chinese New Year


While house visiting this Chinese New Year, add The President’s home to your list; it’s not often that the doors to The Istana are open, after all. This year’s first Istana Open House will be happening on 2nd February 2025. Given the celebratory occasion, you’ll get to witness multicultural live performances and munch on local delights from food trucks.


Is The Istana open to the public & can you go inside The Istana?


The colonial building located at Orchard Road isn’t usually open to the public but the gates to the grounds open to the public a few days a year. When the public holidays roll around, it’s about that time that the Istana Open House occurs. All you have to do is check The Istana website for upcoming events.


Image credit: Nparks via Facebook

For the uninitiated, The Istana is the official residence of the President of Singapore. Although our current leader, President Tharman, does not live in the palace, his office is located within. It is also where Singapore hosts foreign dignitaries and where ceremonial duties are performed.


What to expect during the Istana Open House



Take lots and lots of pics to immortalise the memory of visiting The President’s home.
Image adapted from: @nicolellli, @vicdhondt via Instagram

The gates open at 8.30am. Simply show up at the Main Gate along Orchard Road and enter for free if you’re a Singaporean or PR; no registration is required. All other visitors are welcome too, with a ticket of $20/adult and $10/child. By the way, all the proceeds go to charities and beneficiaries supported by the President’s Challenge.

Stay patient while the guards do their duty during the security checks, and be prepared to queue for a bit. As long as you’re not carrying any prohibited items, you’ll be good to go. Items not allowed include pointed and sharp objects like scissors, flammable items, tripods, and canned drinks. Having said that, you’re advised to carry an umbrella and water bottle.


Image adapted from: Nparks via Facebook, @matsuyamayoshihiko via Instagram

There’s also usually an Istana Heritage Tour that starts every hour from 9am to 4pm. This Sunday’s tours are fully booked, but keep a lookout for future ones on the same website. Nonetheless, feel free to roam the Istana grounds and beautiful gardens. All this has to be done on foot; don’t bother bringing your bicycles, roller blades or PMDs as they won’t be allowed in.


Image adapted from: @audreywalker225gtm via Instagram

What else is there to look forward to? Multicultural performances, food booths, a food truck, and merchandise booths. Bring home limited-edition souvenirs that can only be found at The Istana.


Bookmark your calendars for the first Istana Open House 2025


Well, for most people #sundayfunday consists of spending quality time with the family, so grab the folks and head to the Istana Open House 2025.


Image credit: @matsuyamayoshihiko via Instagram

Admission: Free for Singaporeans & PRs | $20/adult, $10/child for visitors
Date: 2nd February 2025
Time: 8.30am-6pm
Location: The Istana


Cover image adapted from: @matsuyamayoshihiko via Instagram

Aditi Kashyap

Serial offender of binge-watching whodunnit shows

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