You’ve probably walked past the gates of the Istana countless times while strolling from Orchard Road to Dhoby Ghaut, and wondered what it’s like inside. Well, here’s your chance to stop wondering and actually step in.
The 3rd Istana Open House of the year is happening on 26th July 2026 in celebration of National Day. There’ll be a full-on programme, complete with an outdoor concert on the Istana grounds, F&B stalls, and activities for all ages.
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, 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 also opens its gates to visitors up to 5 times a year for the Istana Open House, giving visitors rare access to stroll its grounds without needing an invitation. The last time it opened was for Hari Ray and Labour Day in April 2026.
Image credit: The Istana
Entry into the Istana grounds starts at 9.30am 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 onto 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 Main Tent and Activity Tent to take part in fun activities like balloon sculpting, face painting, candle making, drone football, and virtual archery right within the grounds of the Istana.
Those who want to keep active can also try their hands – and feet – at sports like boccia and seated floorball with Team Singapore athletes Lim Tong Hai, Derek Wong, Lim Heem Wei, Marissa Hafezan, Sanjiv Rajandra, and Jovin Tan.
If you’re more in tune with your arts side, you can mould clay kuehs and iced gem biscuits or even create postcard prints that are inspired by the everyday life of Singaporeans and our local heritage.
And in the spirit of National Day and the 60th anniversary of the National Pledge, head to one of the many interactive booths like the National Pledge Digital Wall to share your hopes and aspirations for our Little Red Dot.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: @sriwarisan via Instagram
Take a breather from walking, and sit back and enjoy some live performances by students from local schools, such as LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore Polytechnic, Madrasah Irsyad Zuhri Al-Islamiah, Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah, and Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah.
When evening comes, the Istana grounds will become the stage for an open-air concert – the first for an Istana Open House. Local artistes and bands like Amsden Huang, Shazza, Fourteen Aces, and Soft Boiled Eggs from Project #JalanJalan are slated to headline this concert. Last entry to the concert ends at 6.45pm, and you can bring your own chairs, mats, and blankets to enjoy the performances on the green lawn.
These performances and the conert will take place throughout the day, from 10am to 7.30pm.
Image credit: President’s Challenge
If you’re feeling peckish, don’t worry about leaving the Istana grounds. Grab a snack at the food trucks and tents to fill your hungry stomachs. Do note that only cashless payments will be accepted, so you can leave your dollar bills at home.
In collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic, the upcoming Istana Open House will have the Istana Stamp Rally for the first time. As you and the family explore the Istana compound and participate in the fun activities, you’ll get to collect uniquely designed stamps.
When you’ve completed the stamp book, you can redeem exclusive Istana merch, too!
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 10.30am 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) 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.
It’s time to tick the Istana off your bucket list. With its usually closed-off grounds opening up alongside festive activities and yummy bites, this is your sign to do something a little different this July.
Admission: Free for Singaporeans & PRs | $20/adult, $10/child for visitors
Date: 26th Jul 2026
Time: 9.30am-8pm
More events in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: Jason Feuerstein via Google Maps, President’s Challenge
Originally published on 9th Feb 2026. Last updated by Josiah Neo on 23rd July 2026.
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