Istana Open House Dates 2025

One of the most magnificent buildings in The Lion City, The Istana, attracts with its beauty and sense of power in every detail. It boasts a long and eventful history and many exciting secrets. It is the building that can inspire and even change lives. And several times a year, the Istana opens its doors to all guests to show everyone the incredible world inside and share its fascinating stories. BusyKidd invites you to check out the Istana Open House Dates 2025 – and plan your visit to Singapore’s historical and architectural gem.

The Istana

Image Credit: Wikipedia

The Istana (‘palace’ in Malay), one of The Lion City’s oldest heritage sites, is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore. The building was finished in 1869 and has impressed all Singaporeans and city guests with its magnificent beauty, both inside and outside, for over 150 years already.

We should note that the Istana is much more than a building itself – it is also an oasis of greenery right in the bustling and hustling city with a boundless lawn, an enchanting garden, a beautiful pond, and many charming inhabitants. In general, the Istana is home to 260 plant species and diverse wildlife. All this realm of impressive architecture and lush greenery covers an area of 40 hectares. Yes, and you can admire this beauty and feel the spirit of the Istana on certain days when the Istana Open House takes place.

Istana Open House: Dates and Details for 2025

The Istana is open to the public on 4 or 5 selected days each year. Visitors can join special performances, take a tour of some rooms in the Main Building, and explore the grounds of the Istana. By the way, the very first Istana Open House was held on 1 January 1960.

This year, the first Istana Open House, the Chinese New Year-dedicated one, took place on 2 February 2025. And the second one is coming! The next Istana Open House devoted to Hari Raya Puasa and Labour Day will be held already on 13 April 2025!

Although other dates are due to be announced yet, we know the list of holidays that Open Houses at the Istana will be dedicated to.

Istana Open House Dates 2025:

Chinese New Year: 2 February
Hari Raya Puasa and Labour Day: 13 April
National Day: TBA
Deepavali: TBA

Enter the Main Gate – and dive into the Istana kingdom. Roam through its grounds and stunning gardens. Watch colourful cultural performances. Participate in fun competitions. Treat yourself to mouthwatering delights at food booths and trucks. Don’t miss great shopping opportunities – the merchandise booths offer a wide range of nice items and limited-edition souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else.

You can also take a guided journey around this kingdom – and now, we invite you to take a virtual Istana Heritage Tour through its charming grounds. To get some inspiration before the Istana Open House.

Istana Heritage Tour

The fascinating guided walking tour through the Istana grounds lasts 1 hour and begins near the Main Gate. During the tour, highly dedicated guides will tell you the story of the Istana and its architectural heritage and open you to an astonishing world of its flora and fauna.

The Istana Heritage Tours are conducted in English and Mandarin with an interval of 1 hour – from 9 AM to 4 PM. During your adventure, you’ll get acquainted with the Swan Pond and a pair of its icons, lovely swans; walk through the Japanese Garden with an incredible combination of nature and traditions; visit The Villa, which has seen many important guests; take great photos at the Gun Terrace – and this is just the beginning. Sri Temasek, The Lodge, Lily Pond Garden, Ceremonial Plaza, Function Lawn – they are all filled with history and beauty and absolutely deserve your attention. Well, and the highlight of the Istana Open House is, of course, The Main Building, mighty, enchanting, and inspiring at the same time.

Be sure to take many pictures – to make life-long memories of this incredible day at the Istana.

Istana Open House: 2 February 2025

On 2 February, Istana welcomed Singaporeans and visitors to the city for this year’s first IOH that commemorated the Chinese New Year. Along with traditional heritage tours, inviting food stalls, and excellent shopping opportunities, Istana’s guests enjoyed a thrilling celebration with brilliant live performances and joyful activities, from Chinese calligraphy and customising scented diffusers to old-school Kampun games. Families also learned more about disability sports and could even try their hand at various paralympic sports. Well, and what kind of Chinese New Year would it be without a lion dance?

Istana Open House: 13 April 2025

Traditionally, Istana will open its gates for all guests to explore this unique combination of architecture and natural wonders from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. However, this time, IOH will be even more exciting since it is dedicated to both Hari Raya and Labour Day.

All visitors are welcome to explore Istana’s grounds, join the guided tour, learn more about its history, and plunge into a festive atmosphere with bright cultural performances and engaging family-friendly activities. What can we expect from Hari Raya & Labour Day dedicated Istana Open House? A vast selection of outstanding performances, art programmes, workshops, and fun for all members of your family.

A Traditional Malay Music Performance, a Ukulele Performance, an Indian Dance Performance, and many other amazing performances with beautiful music, songs, dance, and culture in every detail will take place at the Main Tent from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Be sure to try various activities, including batik painting, portrait art, and others. Don’t miss mobile photography and ukulele workshops. Take part in a scavenger hunt and fun challenges with your family. Enjoy fascinating storytelling. Visit activity booths by social services agencies for good deeds and a meaningful time with your kids. Enjoy an eventful and fun-filled day. Activity booths will be open from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.

As usual, food stalls, drink booths, and merchandise booths will provide all visitors with delicious treats, refreshing drinks, and nice souvenirs to take home as a memory of this inspiring visit.

Istana Open House: Visitors Information

You can enter the Istana via the Main Gate on Orchard Road (the nearest MRT station – Dhoby Ghaut). Typically, the Open House lasts from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents enter for free. Other guests can join the IOH at $20 for an adult and $10 for a child (from 4 to 12 years old).

To enter The Istana Villa, Singaporeans and PRs have to pay $2, while other visitors have to pay $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Istana Heritage Tour fees for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are $8 for adults and $4 for children (for kids below 4 years old – free). Besides, you can take advantage of a Family Package that will cost $22 for 2 adults and 2 children. Standard tour fees are $30 for adults and $12 for children. All proceeds from entry tickets, tours, booths, etc. will be sent to charity organisations supported by the President’s Challenge.

The Istana Open House is a unique opportunity for all Singaporeans and city guests to learn even more about the history and heritage of The Little Red Dot – and understand it even better. It is an absolutely must-visit event for all families.

Where: The Istana, Office of the President of the Republic of Singapore, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
When:
- 2 February: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
- 13 April: 8.30 AM to 6 PM
- More dates are due to be announced
Age: For all ages
Admission Price:
- Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents: Free
- Other Visitors:
  - Adult: $20
  - Child: $10
More Details