The Istana and the Istana grounds will be open to the public on this upcoming Wednesday, 5 June 2019 from 8.30 am to 6 pm for the Hari Raya Istana Open House 2019. Here is what you can expect if you are planning a visit.
Singapore Bicentennial Commemoration
The Hari Raya Istana Open House 2019 will be held in conjunction with the Singapore Bicentennial commemoration. To celebrate the nation’s rich history and heritage, President Halimah Yacob will be launching the Singapore Bicentennial commemorative note issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This commemorative note depicts Singapore’s path to nationhood and pays tribute to the early pioneers of modern Singapore.
There will also be a special exhibition that features Singapore’s 700-year history, a collaborative effort by The President’s Office and the Singapore Bicentennial Office.
Hari Raya Istana Open House 2019 Programme Line-up
The Hari Raya Istana Open House 2019 will feature an exciting line-up of all-day performances and programmes.
The Open House will feature key communities and their significant contributions to Singapore’s nation building and growth, including the Sree Narayana Mission and The Peranakan Association.
Visitors can also look forward to cultural performances by schools and institutions such as the Singapore Ceylon Tamil Association and Chongfu Primary School.
Other highlights include booths by various schools that commemorate the Singapore Bicentennial such as a special project by Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School on the empowering influence of education on Singaporean women.
Nature and History
For visitors who wish to see the Istana’s rich flora, fauna and biodiversity, they can participate in the Nature Guided Walk to explore the lush sprawling estate with the entire family. There will also be tours of selected rooms at the Istana main building.
To learn more about the history and heritage of the Istana, visit the Istana Heritage Gallery, situated at Istana Park, opposite the main Istana Gates. Open from 10 am to 6 pm, the Gallery provides educational exhibitions for visitors including a display of state gifts, state artefacts and a collection of artworks.
Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents enjoy complimentary entry to the Istana grounds during the Hari Raya Istana Open House 2019. All other visitors are required to pay a nominal entrance fee of $2 per person.
