The National Day Istana Open House 2019 will be held on Sunday, 28 July 2019 from 8.30 am to 6 pm. During this time, visitors can enjoy various activities and performances around the verdant Istana grounds.
Here are some of the exciting programmes and useful things you should know about the upcoming Istana Open House.
Dress in Red & White for the National Day Istana Open House 2019
Visitors to the National Day Istana Open House 2019 are encouraged to come dressed in red and white as part of the celebrations for National Day. Get into the spirit of the occasion and show your patriotism!
PAssionArts Festival Village
A highlight of the National Day Istana Open House 2019 is the PAssionArts Festival Village. This is the first time it is being organised at an Istana Open House and will feature activities such as canvas painting to marble art.
There will also be a special Singapore Merlion painting booth organised by Lion’s Pride. This seeks to raise awareness of Art Therapy and raise funds for the less fortunate.
Museum Showcase – All Roads Lead to Singapore!
The Museum Roundtable and National Heritage Board will be showcasing five Singapore museums – National Gallery Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, Asian Civilisations Museum, National Museum of Singapore and STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery – through hands-on and interactive activities during the Open House.
Visitors can look forward to customising a wayang kulit puppet, receiving a limited edition activity booklet that contains images of spices from the National Museum of Singapore’s Farquhar Collection and storytelling sessions led by the students from Ai Tong School.
Meet the Native Wildlife
The native wildlife of Singapore will also be represented at the Wildlife Reserves of Singapore booth. View a host of invertebrates, for example the tree nymph butterfly caterpillars, tarantulas and even scorpions, at the National Day Istana Open House 2019.
Performances throughout the Day
There will also be performances held around the Istana grounds. Watch as the National Cadet Corps perform freestyle drill and wonder at martial arts performances from around the world.
Commemorating Istana’s 150th Anniversary
As part of the Istana’s 150th anniversary, President Halimah Yacob will be launching a new series of three books titled 150 Best Kept Secrets of the Istana and the second issue of the Istana Souvenir Series at the National Day Istana Open House 2019. Visitors will also be able to get their hands on the Istana Cookies with a donation to the President’s Challenge. The cookies are based on ingredients derived from the fruits and spices found around the Istana grounds.
Admission to the National Day Istana Open House 2019
Admission to the Istana grounds on Sunday, 28 July 2019 is free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Entrance fees are $2 for non-Singaporeans and PRs. There will also be tours of the Istana Main Building and Nature Walks.
Proceeds from the entrance fees, souvenirs and tours will be donated to President’s Challenge.
For more information, visit the Istana website.
