People of Singapore can witness the grandeur of the Presidential abode Istana as it will be opened to the public on February 6 from 8.30am to 6pm in celebration of Chinese New Year, the President's Office announced yesterday.
In addition to this, President Halimah Yacob will be launching an Istana 150 Souvenir Series of Medallions and Flashpay cards during this Istana Open House in commemoration of 150th anniversary of the historical building.
The Istana 150 Souvenir Series of Medallions and Flashpay cards is a collaboration between the Istana and The Singapore Mint, and will comprise a range of exclusive silver medallions and card products featuring the architecture of the buildings within the Istana compounds and significant features of the Istana.
Visitors will also receive an exclusive certificate when they purchase the newly launched Istana 150 Souvenir Series limited only to first day purchases at the Open House.
“Visitors to the Istana Open House will also be treated to festive performances including Lion Dance by Yi Wei Athletic Association, Chinese Dance by PA Talent, and Symphony Band performance by Soka,” stated a release issued by President’s Office.
Further, visitors can also try their hand at calligraphy at a few Chinese calligraphy booths.
The public can sign up for the Nature Guided Walk at the Istana, a collaboration between the President’s Office and the National Parks Board (NParks). Visitors will be able to see the Istana’s rich flora, fauna and biodiversity.
In addition to this, there is also a guided tour of the Istana main building led by volunteers from the Preservation of Sites and Monuments division of the National Heritage Board. On this tour, visitors can view selected function rooms and collections of State gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister.
A self-guided tour is available on the “Istana Garden Walk” mobile application, which includes features such as a self-guided Plants Trail to discover 10 types of beautiful plant species in the Istana Gardens and maps.
The public can also learn more of Singapore’s history and heritage at the Istana Heritage Gallery, situated at Istana Park (opposite the main gate of the Istana along Orchard Road). The Istana Heritage Gallery will be open from 10am to 6pm.
Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents. All other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of SGD2 per person. Entry to the Istana grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut.