Istana Open House 2023 (Deepavali)

Istana Open House 2023 Deepavali (IOH 2023 Deepavali) will be held on 12 November 2023 at the presidential residence and office along Orchard Road to celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights. Apart from musical performances by award-winning musicians Ghanavenothan Retnam and Tan Qing Lun, dance and band performances by students, youths and social groups, a host of activities from henna art, balloon sculpting, candle-making to guided tours await all visitors on that Sunday. Food trucks, local snacks and drinks stalls will also be available all day to keep all the growling stomachs filled.

Entry to the Istana ground is free for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Charges for activities, tours, food, souvenirs, entry to Istana Main Building, and entry to Istana ground for non-residents apply. Only cashless payment via SGQR will be accepted at this event. Participating payment merchants include Bank of China, Citibank, DBS, HSBC, ICBC, Maybank, OCBC, PayNow, Standard Chartered, and UOB.

 

 

Opening Hours

• Venue: The Istana, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823 [Map]
• Date: 12 September 2023 (Sunday)
• Time
  • General Entry: 8:30am – 6:00pm
  • Istana Main Building Guided Tours: 9:30am – 5:00pm
  • Nature Guided Tour: 10:00am – 4:00pm
  • Performances: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Activity Booths: 8:30am – 6:00pm
  • Snacks & Merchandise: 8:30am – 6:00pm

 

 

Entrance Fees

Singapore Dollars (SGD)	Adult	Child (4-12)	Child (<4)
Istana grounds (Citizens & PR)	Free	Free	Free
Istana grounds (Standard)	2	2	Free
Istana Main Building (Citizens & PR)	(Self-guided) 2 (Guided) 4	(Self-guided) 2 (Guided) 2	Free
Istana Main Building (Standard)	(Self-guided) 4 (Guided) 10	(Self-guided) 2 (Guided) 2	Free
Nature Guided Tour (Citizens & PR)	4	2	Free
Nature Guided Tour (Standard) #	10	2	Free

Note:

• The Istana Main Building Guided Tours are conducted by volunteers from the National Heritage Board. The tours are limited to 15 persons per group and depart every every 30 minutes from 9:30am to 5:00pm.
• The Nature Guided Tours are conducted by volunteers from NParks. The tours are limited to 15 persons per group and depart every hour from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
• All fees collected for the guided tours will go towards charities supported by the President’s Challenge.

 

 

Registration

The Istana is open to walk-ins on 12 September 2023 (Sunday), from 8:30am to 6:00pm. Registration or application for tickets is not required.

 

About Istana Open House (IOH)

The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Republic of Singapore. The venue is usually used to receive and host state guests, but for at least five times a year, is open to the general public. Apart from giving the public a glimpse into the interiors of the Istana, the Open House serves as an outreach activity between the President and the public.