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National Day Istana Open House

  • Things to do
  1. Istana
    Photograph: Flickr/Zervas
  2. Istana
    Photograph: Flickr/Steel WoolIstana
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Time Out says

Live performances and activity booths are returning to the Istana Open House for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020.  

Fears of the spread of Covid-19 put a pause to open house events for a good two years, only resuming in August 2021. But these were muted affairs, lacking the vibrant performances, games and food trucks that the Istana's open houses were known for.

Now, the festivities are back. On July 17, visit the Istana grounds to enjoy lively dance and band performances by student groups from Ang Mo Kio Secondary School, Chung Cheng High School (Main), Raffles Girls' School (Secondary), and Seng Kang Secondary School. 

You can also amp up the fun by taking part in sports and carnival games at the Main Tent as well as arts and crafts activities held near the Inclusive Garden. 

Informative guided tours

If you're keen to explore the historic Istana Main Building, join the guided tours ($4) happening every 45 minutes between 9.30 am and 4.15 pm. On the tour, you will get to take a peek at the stately function rooms used to receive foreign VIPs as well as state gifts to Singapore's leaders. Volunteer guides from the National Heritage Board will share interesting details about the Istana's architecture and history. Self-guided tours ($2) are also available. 

More interested in the Istana's lush grounds? Nature guided tours ($4) will take place every hour between 10 am and 4 pm, where you will go on an exploratory walk around the enhanced Japanese Garden and Inclusive Garden. 

Food trucks and souvenirs

The return of food trucks means that you won't go hungry during the Istana Open House. Enjoy plant-based burgers by Goodburger Food Truck, ice cream by Udders, as well as a selection of beverages. 

To mark your visit, browse the merchandise booths and perhaps bring home some limited-edition Istana souvenirs and President's Challenge souvenirs – including Istana 150th anniversary books, caps, mugs, postcards and umbrellas. All proceeds will go towards charities supported by President’s Challenge. 

Entry to the Istana grounds is free for all Singapore citizens and permanent residents. For more details on the Istana Main Building and Nature Guided tour prices, visit istana.gov.sg.

Cheryl Sekkappan
Written by
Cheryl Sekkappan

Details

Event website:
www.istana.gov.sg/
Address:
Price:
Free
Opening hours:
9am-6pm
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