Istana Open House 2026 (Chinese New Year)

Istana Open House 2026 (IOH 2026), the first public event of the year at the Presidential Residence and Office along Orchard Road, will be held on 22 February 2026 in celebration of Chinese New Year.

Visitors can stroll through the lush Istana grounds and immerse themselves in a day full of festive activities. Highlights include a meet-and-greet session with horses from social services organisation EQUAL, hands-on workshops such as water marbling and reed diffuser making, captivating wushu and lion dance performances, as well as live musical renditions of English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil classics. Those keen to delve into the Istana’s storied past can join the Guided Istana Heritage Tours, offering an enriching glimpse into the history and significance of this iconic national landmark.

To complete the experience, a variety of food trucks, local snacks, and refreshing drink stalls will be available throughout the day, perfect for refueling while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Admission is free for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Entry charges apply for non-residents.

Tours, food, souvenirs, and entry to the Istana Villa incur additional charges. Only cashless payments via Credit/Debit Card & QR Code will be accepted at this event. Accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Union Pay, JCB, 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: 22 February 2026 (Sunday)
• Time
  • General Entry: 8:30am – 6:00pm
  • Guided Istana Heritage Tour: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Entrance Fees

Note: Istana Main Building is currently closed for restoration.

Notes:

• A special bundle deal for Singapore Citizens & Permanent Residents, covering two adults and two children aged 4 to 12, is available for just S$22.
• The Guided Istana Heritage Tours are conducted by volunteers from NParks. The 1-hour tours are limited to 20 persons per group and depart every hour from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
• All fees collected for the event will go towards charities supported by the President’s Challenge.

Registration

The Istana will be open to walk-in visitors on 22 February 2026 (Sunday), from 8:30am to 6:00pm. No pre-registration is required for general admission.

However, the Guided Istana Heritage Tour requires pre-registration. Click here to secure your slot.

About Istana Open House (IOH)

The Istana serves as the official residence and office of the President of the Republic of Singapore. While typically reserved for hosting state guests, it opens to the general public at least five times a year. This Open House not only offers a rare glimpse into the Istana’s interiors but also fosters meaningful engagement between the President and the public.