The Istana Chinese New Year Open House 2019 takes place on the second day of Chinese New Year, 6 February 2019, from 8.30 am to 6 pm. The open house is an opportunity for members of the public to visit the Istana grounds and enjoy festive performances along with guided tours.
Here is what you can expect at the first Istana Open House of 2019.
Istana Chinese New Year Open House 2019
Launch of Istana 150 Souvenir Series of Medallions and Flashpay Cards
The Istana celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019. To commemorate this milestone, President Halimah Yacob will be launching the Istana 150 Souvenir Series of Medallions and Flashpay cards during the Istana Chinese New Year Open House 2019.
This series of products will feature the buildings found within the Istana grounds and features of the Istana itself. An exclusive certificate will be issued allow with purchases made for the Istana 150 Souvenir Series at the Istana Chinese New Year Open House 2019.
The sale of the Istana Souvenir Series will be held at the Singapore Mint Booth at the Main Tent.
Booths at Main Tent and Centre Gate
Head over the Main Tent to visit the Chinese Calligraphy Booth by the Cairnhill Chinese Calligraphy Special Interest Group and a Lunar New Year Children’s Activities Booth by NCSS.
At the Centre Gate, admire a display of reptiles by Wildlife Reserves Singapore and another Chinese Calligraphy Booth.
Tours at the Istana Open House
The Istana Main Building Guided Tour led by volunteers from the Preservation of Sites and Monuments division of the National Heritage Board will commence from 9 am until 3 pm. Visitors can also go on self-guided tours of the Istana Main Building between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm.
Nature Guided Walks will also be held by NParks between 10 am to 4 pm, departing every hour.
Fees apply for the Main Building Tours and Nature Guided Walks. Tickets will need to be purchase from the Ticketing Booth close to the Ceremonial Plaza.
Performances
Look forward to a series of performances in the afternoon at the Istana Chinese New Year Open House 2019.
An orchestra performance by SOKA will take place from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm at the Main Tent.
At 4 pm, enjoy a lion dance performance by Yi Wei Athletic Association at the Ceremonial Plaza or a choir performance at the Function all.
The Metta School will be holding a Wushu Performance at 3 pm and 5.10 pm at the Ceremonial Plaza. The latter performance will be preceded by a Chinese Dance by Sheng Hong Arts Institute (PA Talents) at 5 pm.
There will also be a performance by the Poi Ching School brass band at 4 pm.
Admission to the Istana Open House
Entry to the Istana grounds is free for Singaporeans and Singapore PRs, and $2 per person so all other visitors.
