The Istana will open its gates to the public on 19 April 2026 as part of its regular Open House series held throughout the year.
Visitors can expect live performances, family-friendly activities, and food booths set up across the grounds.
Spanning over 40 hectares, the Istana grounds feature expansive lawns, heritage trees, and landscaped gardens, including the Japanese Garden, Ceremonial Plaza, and Victoria Pond. The grounds offer a quiet contrast to the surrounding city and are rarely accessible to the public. The Main Building remains closed for restoration until further notice.
A Whole Day of Activities
Here is the full performance schedule for the Istana Open House on 19 April 2026.
| Time | Performance |
|---|---|
| 10.00am | Voices of Punggol View Starlites by Punggol View Primary School Children’s Choir |
| 10.45am | Rentak Nusantara (Dikir Barat performance) by Singapore Polytechnic Malay Language Society |
| 11.05am | Rhythm of Us (Malay and multicultural dance) by Singapore Polytechnic Malay Language Society |
| 11.20am | Rhythms of Abhinaya & Echoes of Celebration (Bharatanatyam and Folk Indian Dance) by Singapore Polytechnic Indian Cultural Society |
| 12.00pm | Voices of Punggol View Starlites by Punggol View Primary School Children’s Choir |
| 1.35pm | VOS Celebrates Hari Raya by Voices of Singapore |
| 2.10pm | VOS Celebrates Hari Raya by Voices of Singapore |
Is It Free To Enter?
Entry is free for Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, and migrant domestic workers accompanying families.
However, entry to selected premises within the Istana, guided tours, and certain areas will require a fee.
All proceeds from these paid experiences go towards the President’s Challenge, supporting social service agencies across Singapore.
Will You See The President There?
The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore, currently Tharman Shanmugaratnam. However, appearances during public access days are not guaranteed.
If you do see him, consider it a bonus rather than something to expect.
How To Get To Istana Open House
Admission is via the Main Gate at Orchard Road, with Dhoby Ghaut being the nearest MRT station.
Visitors should note that there are no storage facilities on-site, so it is best to pack light. All visitors are subject to security checks, and prohibited items such as sharp objects, flammable items, tripods, and canned goods are not allowed.
To enjoy free entry, visitors will need to present valid identification to verify their eligibility as Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.
