Istana main building to welcome visitors again from May 7

The Istana will hold an open house on May 7 to celebrate Labour Day and Hari Raya Puasa. 

The main building will also be opened to the public for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Those who wish to enter the main building will need to purchase admission passes. The passes will allow members of the public to visit selected function rooms and view a collection of State Gifts and room set-ups for state events. 

Visitors were previously only allowed to enter the Istana’s outdoor garden during its last open house in August last year.

While this year’s Istana Open House (IOH) will not have any performances, tours or food trucks, there will be merchandise booths with limited-edition Istana and President’s Challenge souvenirs available.

Although entry to the Istana grounds is free, visitors who wish to visit will have to apply for tickets in advance, and can apply for a two-hour time slot starting from 9am, 11am, 1pm or 3pm.

Each application is only limited to five tickets, and each visitor (inclusive of children and infants) is required to hold a ticket to enter. Tickets may also be balloted if it is oversubscribed.

Application for tickets will open from Apr 25 at 10am and will close the next day at 10am. 

Visitors who wish to enter the main building are required to purchase admission passes, which can be done during their two-hour time slot.

Admission passes will cost $2 for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. Entry for all other visitors will cost $2 for children aged four to 12 and $4 for adults. Those under the age of four can enter for free.

All admission fees and proceeds from merchandise sales will go towards charities supported by President’s Challenge.

Safe management measures will be in place during the open house and visitors will be required to keep their masks on when indoors.