Every Singaporean and Singapore dweller should visit the Istana at least once in their lives! Lucky for us, the Istana Open House happens a few times a year – we're looking forward to the upcoming Istana Open House in 2026!
Ever wondered what lies beyond the metal gates and gleaming white-and-leafy exterior of that compound along Orchard Road, right next to Plaza Singapura? That’s The Istana, one of Singapore’s most important buildings! Completed in 1869, The Istana used to be the residence and office of the British governors in the colonial period. Now, it serves as the venue for the President’s conduct of official duties.
The Istana is made up of four buildings – the Main Building, Sri Temasek, The Villa and the Military Guard Room.
Does the President live at the Istana?
Contrary to popular belief, Singapore’s current president, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam does not live at The Istana! Only Singapore’s first president, Encik Yusof Ishak, and Singapore’s third president, Mr Devan Nair, have ever lived at The Istana.
Istana Open House Dates 2026
The Istana opens its gates to the public up to five times each year! This year, look forward to the Istana Open House on the following dates (more details to come):
Istana Open House – 19 April 2026
Labour Day Istana Open House – May 2026
National Day Istana Open House – August 2026
Deepavali Istana Open House – November 2026
Chinese New Year Istana Open House – 2027
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Istana Open House – March 2027
Admission to the Istana Open House
Entry into the Istana Grounds
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs)*
Adult: Free!
Child: Free!
*Includes migrant domestic workers accompanying families
Standard
Adult: $20
Child (4 – 12 years old): $10
Child (under 4 years old): Free!
Entry into the Istana Villa
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs)
Adult: $2
Child (4 – 12 years old): $2
Child (under 4 years old): Free!
Standard
Adult: $10
Child (4 – 12 years old): $5
Child (under 4 years old): Free!
Read more about the admission procedures and visitor etiquette here!
Things to do at the Istana Open House
Explore the grounds
The Istana grounds spreads across 40 hectares of wide open space – you’ll get the chance to explore the Lawn, Fairway, Japanese Garden, Inclusive Garden, Swan Pond, Gun Terrace, and more. You may even spot native wildlife like various bird species and otters!
Live performances & activities
At the Istana Open House, you can look forward to live performances and family-friendly activities! Past open houses have featured exciting performances by students from various primary and secondary schools, along with fun activities for the whole family and even booths offering local delights.
Istana Heritage Tour
If you’d like to learn more about the Istana’s rich history and landscape, you can join the guided walking tour! The hour-long walking tour begins at the Main Gate and features highlights such as the Villa, Japanese Garden, and Ceremonial Plaza. Tours are conducted in English and Mandarin hourly from 9am to 4pm. You can pre-register here, with tour fees below:
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents tour fees
Adult: $8
Children (4 to 12 years): $4 per pax
Children (below 4 years): Free!
Family Package (2 adults and 2 children, 4 to 12 years): $22
Standard tour fees
Adult: $30
Children: $12
Changing of Guards Ceremony
The Changing of Guards Ceremony, which is the take-over by a new set of guards at the Istana, is usually held on the first Sunday evening of the month. So while it may not happen during the Istana Open House, you can bookmark this in your calendar – we’re still waiting for the release of 2026 Changing of Guards Ceremony dates.
Similar to the British Changing of Guards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, the incoming Guards will march in (from Koek Road) to meet the outgoing Guards at the main entrance of the Istana. A symbolic parade of handing over duties is then carried out, with military bands in attendance. As part of the ceremony, the Guards will also perform a Rifle Precision Drill. A treat for the kids, if they’re patient enough to witness the entire ceremony!
Will you be heading to the upcoming Istana Open House? Make sure to head down early!
The Istana, Orchard Rd, Singapore 238823
More info
